The four of you find yourselves in a long abandoned mansion. There are cobwebs everywhere, broken items strewn around at random. Suddenly, a white Tiefling literally steps out of the shadows. "Hello, there. I'm sure you already know why you're here, so I won't waste time explaining. Now, I've chosen each of you to be here for a reason. One, you're powerful. More powerful than almost anyone else in Elsbain. Two, you're villains. You won't stand for insolent fools to stand in the way of what you want. You deal with them and get what you're after. And then, of course, there are your individual talents. Aodh... uh... well, I don't know what the hell you are, but you're powerful. Lyssma, with your lycanthropy. And a Dragonborn who is well versed in many different subverts of criminality and life, who wouldn't want them? I know you're eyeing out resident Firbolg, but he's more hardcore than he looks. As is our other... nature-lover. So, You must be wondering what we'll be doing in this hodge-podge, anti Robin Hood group. Well, conquering Elsbain, what else? These poor heroes think they will erase us, rid us of their perfect world forever. They have even formed guilds to stop us. But, there can be no light without darkness. WE are that darkness. While we cannot destroy these heroes completely, we can keep them suppressed, enslaved even, so that they will never attempt to fight us again. We have the power, and the will, to do this. As to how we will take over this doomed land, it will be a gradual process. It will be a merciless, ruthless, complete takeover, city by city. As one falls, we will use them against their brethren, until all is under our control. There are bound to be obstacles. The farther we go down this road, the harder it will be. It is the natural order of things. So... do you accept my proposal? Will you help me bring down Elsbain? I'll do it whether you join or not, but I'd prefer not to waste your talent." He looks at you expectantly with coal black eyes.
DM for:Reign of VillainsPlayer for:Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!)Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
A polite, moss-convered finger rises into the air. "I have a question."
Isala gathers himself to his full height and begins to pace, deliberately. "Lyssma is known to me as a friend of the natural world, a friend whose passion equals my own but who also possesses skills to transfix the civilized that I lack. Word of Gorox has also reached my ears, as somebody who can deal death from a distance and disappear. You, Aodh, are unknown to me, but, as a favored one of a Higher Power, you clearly deserve my respect." He stops in front of the alabaster Tiefling.
"But you, our host. You have piqued our interest enough to give you the courtesy of a meeting, but, for all the talk of conquest, we have yet to hear what you bring to this particular party. So, tell us, what talents do you possess, that we should listen to you, to your plans, at all? Tell us, that I may tell you how you might fit into my plans."
"Me? Why, I'm a god, aren't I? I can make meteors rain from the sky, explode men's heads with naught but a whisper. I may... "Wish" for something, and it comes true. My sword always hits it target, for it has been imbued with power. And this." Suddenly, a man appears. He looks around wildly, obviously not knowing how he got there. He spots the Tiefling and lets out a cry of terror. Before he can get far, the white demon quietly says,"Bleed."The man stops dead, and blood starts pouring from every orifice possible, his eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. In seconds, the man is nothing more than a husk on the ground, surrounded by a pool of blood. THAT... is what I offer."
DM for:Reign of VillainsPlayer for:Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!)Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
At their host's declaration of power, Isala nods respectfully, and his smile widens.
"Gentlebeings", he begins. "We have little reason to work together, and less reason to trust each other, but, dreams - that we share. Different dreams, to be sure. Some of you wish to conquer," he says, nodding at the tiefling, "and some to kill," nodding at the dragonborn. "As for myself, I wish only that the plague of man leave the forests and mountains in peace. Against our dreams stand seven cities. Five us us, against an entire civilization. All our power - godly or not - all our skills may not be enough against such overwhelming numbers."
"And yet I ask you, why fight a nation? A cadre of heroes -- an army of heroes -- is something to fear, but a mob merely something to manipulate. One push, and those who call themselves civilized will tear at each other's throats, rending until they cry for strong rulers to step in and create order. Order that we can bring. I, myself, have no interest in such dominion; pledge to leave the natural world be and I pledge to you now I will cede all rights of conquest. You see, our host speaks truth. For all of our dreams to come true, Elsbain needs to fall. He also speaks truth in saying we cannot destroy all heroes completely, not forever."
"However, the fools can destroy themselves for us."
"It is a longer road, and not as direct. It will require your talent at beguiling the masses," Isala says, nodding at Lyssma, "as well as your sure yet hidden knife in the dark", nodding at Gorgox. "You, Holy Man," he continues, "you must continue to spread your word, to grow, to change, to absorb.And as for you, our god-host, our leader, our most powerful member," Isala bows deferentially. "It will require you to end me and become the Savior of this land."
"You are wise for a villain, but you have no need to fear me, for I have no grudge against nature, or your homeland. But what do you mean by "It will require you to end me"? I shall, should it become necessary... but will it become so? For if it is to be, why should I not strike you down now? Unless I have misunderstood you? And as to your quip about mobs... that is where these heroes come into play. They act as lawmen, healers, army, and protectors. As long as they stand, they will try and unite their petty followers as sheep before a shepherd. That is why they pose a danger."
"But, we are also lucky in this endeavor. Due to the underwhelming state of today's villains, the heroes have been lulled into a false sense of security. With a little deception and trickery, I am sure we could easily bring the masses under our control."
"And to further make my point of... mutual trust, I give you all these." He hands each of you in turn a blood red crystal, about the size of a coin. "These are crystals from my homeland, Vixsar. I have put a spell on each of these crystals. They shall summon me whenever you need it. You can also use these to communicate wherever you may be. I can see from any of the four that I choose, whenever I deem necessary. I will also accompany you for most of this journey, since it would be extremely boring to remain in this castle, which I have chosen as my... shall we say, home. The crystals will also teleport you back to this castle should you find you are in a bind. But be warned, the crystal can only hold so much magic, and you will only be able to do this once. Also, should you betray me, or your fellow villains, you'll wish with every fiber of your being you hadn't. I have warned you."
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DM for:Reign of VillainsPlayer for:Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!)Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
"Exactly!" Isala exclaims with delight. "These heroes possess powers beyond the populace, as do we. And yet the masses look to them, not to us. That is the difference between a hero and a villain. Not power, not vision, but...popularity."
"Secure in their halls, these heroes crave opposition that today's sorry lot of villains have been unable to provide. I submit to you that we can give them the challenge they crave, not by frontal assault, but by setting them against each other. With patience, with disguise, and with guile, we can make each hero a villain to the other. Let them waste their strength upon each other - we will be there to pick up the pieces, or smash them as we choose."
"I do not mean to fight you, or even to oppose you. This deception, up unto the 'ending' of me" - it is strange indeed to see a Firbolg make air quotes- "would be but another spark to enflame the sheep against their self-appointed shepherds, and, should you wish, for the sheep to anoint you in their stead. I sense my best avenue to justice for the natural world is through this gathering here," Isala spreads his arms wide to encompass the group, "but there is also a justice in turning the machines of civilization upon itself. A teaching moment, if you will."
"But clearly, I have monopolized the moment here. Forgive me. I shall quiet myself, and await your collective counsel."
"I'm not sure why you need me if you can do kill people just by looking at them, but as long as you pay well I'm game." Gorgox says. "Talking about pay how are we to get compensated? Spoils? Slaves? What? As you know my services don't come cheap. Don't get me wrong, this sounds fun, but I have to keep up my appearance you know.
Aodh squirmed within its host. It was curious about these new individuals. It could feel the power and skill radiating off of each and every one of them. Perhaps they would be candidates for its next body?...A thought for another time. For now, it took a look at the others within this space. A human that seemed normal enough in appearance, but surely enough there was always something hiding beneath the surface. A dragonborn with an atmosphere of death about him. A seemingly simple one, but simplicity can commit atrocities as well. Then there was the Firbolg, towering over them all. He spoke as if he was one with nature. And finally, the Tiefling, walking between realms casually. It was powerful, but wasn't entirely sure of everything. It didn't know what Aodh was, after all. The fact that it went through the trouble of gathering all of them together means that it either had not the power to conquer the world on its own, or it had another agenda....It didn't matter in the end.
The tiefling gathered even Aodh itself to rain down evil upon a peaceful world. To slaughter masses, corrupt the hearts of the Just, and perhaps even enslave those who are defeated...Those were just a few things that Aodh looked forward to. It didn't care about controlling anything. It just wanted to perform the atrocities deep within the hearts and minds of individuals. It would simply agree to this for now.
When the Dragonborn spoke, Aodh turned its host's head towards him, and spoke,
"If all goes well for us, you may have entire kingdoms, and all the vices and riches within them, to have as your own. At least, that is what seems to have been offered."
Aodh's voice was...strange. It was as if the half-elf body was not speaking as its mouth and tongue moved. Its voice was not attached to the words. If anything, the voice of the host sounded empty and defeated. As if it had finally yielded in a long-fought battle of wills.
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Liam the Weak: Level 4 Human Fighter - Trying to fight against his other personality, and constantly losing.
Aodh: Level 20 Half-Elf Cleric of Life - Not really. It's a strange being that had possessed and broke down a level 20 Cleric of Life Domain, gaining his knowledge and power.
"*****": Level 1 Tiefling Sorcerer - Her family is dead, and her will is broken. She follows orders so that those that command her will allow her to die.
The demon looks to Gorox first. "As Aodh has correctly said you shall have the kingdom, and riches untold. You will get power, money, slaves, whatever you desire. These are but trifles to me." It doesn't seem to realize the oddity in Aodh's voice, or simply chooses to ignore it.
DM for:Reign of VillainsPlayer for:Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!)Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
"So. On to our plan. Here is a map of Elsbain. WE, are roughly here."He points towards the upper left corner of the map. "The closest city, also happens to be the weakest. Nothing much more than a town, but they are a major trade staple. Lumber, stone, livestock, textiles, they really do it all. So, how do we want to go about taking over?" He looks at you all in turn.
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DM for:Reign of VillainsPlayer for:Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!)Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
Lyssma has been staring at the map, mouth moving but no words coming out. Her eyes move rapidly over the map, studying it with intensity.
"Fire," she says in response to the white demon's query. "Smoke them out, slaughter them all. Raze it to the ground." She inhales deeply and smiles. "I can smell the sweet scent already. Blood and fire."
"Hm. Short and to the point. I can admire that logic. Killing everyone puts fear in everyone else, letting them know no one is safe. I like it. Anyone else have an idea?"
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DM for:Reign of VillainsPlayer for:Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!)Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
"It's a merchant town, I say we kidnap the merchants kids and hold them hostage until the town gives in. Maybe cut off a few fingers or hands if they don't hand over the town right away." Gorgox replies
"We do not attack the weakest city, or any city, directly, not yet. We set the populace of each city against their heroes, or the heroes of each city against the heroes of other cities. Forment civil war, and step in to save them from themselves when the chaos is at its peak."
"Information is required. Those who go in unprepared come out dead," Isala continues. "We seek intelligence about each city -- their populations, their rulers, their rivalries with other cities - and their protectors, their skills, numbers, habits, and very appearances. While we scout, Lyssma and Aodh can travel the land using their unique talents of persuasion, one in taverns, one in temples, to speak of corruption in the current order, of dark times to come, and the heroes yet unknown to bring Eslbain out of them. Spin a legend of a Savior out of whole cloth!"
"Heroes have no power over rumors, and, when they make an inevitable show of presence, we begin to strike, armed with what we have learned, and from the shadows, with misdirection. For but one example, if one city has a Champion with the bow, our Gorgox can pick off citizens of another city using arrows sourced from that Champion's city. Slay your fill -- only quietly, and surely, and with no calling card save that which points to a specific hero or city. All of us can mimic the powers of virtually any given city protector. We must use them, pitting city against city and hero against hero as our cohorts use song and scripture to stir the pot further, until assassination and corrosive tongue cause Elsbain to fall upon itself."
"Heroes will eventually catch on," Isala allows himself the smallest of frowns. "Heroes always do. And here, my liege, is where I mentioned you must end me, not out of fear, but out of design. At some point - if we are careful, only after several cities are smoldering ash - the remaining cities will cry for peace. They will send envoys, and swear loyalties. To soothe an anxious public, this will have to be done in public. We must track that day. I have not the powers you have, but one talent I possess is to end somebody quickly, and untraceably. With our assassins' aid, this I can do to the most prominent leader at the ceremony, at which point you, the Savior of Elsbain, finally appear and promptly and publicly disintegrate me."
"The mob will rush to crown you, the answered prayer who protected them when their protectors could not, and will eagerly follow you in any campaign you design to scour the rest of the 'evildoers' from the land."
"And Elsbain falls to you, not with cries of anguish, but with ringing adoration."
"How bold to present such an elaborate plan. However, as you've mentioned, we've not much information to go off of. Not only that, influencing the masses with key figures is not as simple as framing certain individuals, and putting up a new hero for people to worship. After all, when there's any sort of hope within people, it will give birth to heroes that can find and reveal the truth to the masses, and then end every major figure involved...Not that I mind. It sounds like a good way to cultivate a more powerful body."
It hadn't even been long, and they've begun scheming and plotting some intricate operation. They hadn't even mused on the idea of testing how powerful or truly just any of the heroes of these lands were. How they act, in-battle, out-of-battle, meeting a stranger...They've begun to think on a large scale immediately, leaving behind the little details that matter so much. It was difficult to balance the two in any machination, after all. Still, Aodh would not speak his true mind. After all, they were not friends, and none of them should even expect such a development to happen. Oh well...
"In any case, I'd just as much prefer to just trick and corrupt the current heroes into being a part of an army to fight against others. As long as my whims are achieved, I wouldn't care much if the plan we went with was to exterminate every opposing force that confronted us."
Liam the Weak: Level 4 Human Fighter - Trying to fight against his other personality, and constantly losing.
Aodh: Level 20 Half-Elf Cleric of Life - Not really. It's a strange being that had possessed and broke down a level 20 Cleric of Life Domain, gaining his knowledge and power.
"*****": Level 1 Tiefling Sorcerer - Her family is dead, and her will is broken. She follows orders so that those that command her will allow her to die.
"I can after studying a person for a while spend a week creating a facsimile of the subject. Using my disguise kit and my training I look, act and sound just as my mark. It is time consuming, but it may be a way to get at least one city in chaos." Gorgox states.
"Isala has a good plan, though I must say, Aodh makes a good point. Now, I know some of you can disguise and alter your body and appearance. What I had in mind was, kill some heroes, quietly, of course, take their place, and spread corruption from there. The people will lose faith in the heroes, giving us a wide open opportunity to take charge, under the guise of being better leaders. Then, of course, we quickly bend them to our will, and lead them to war against the other cities. If one of us each chooses a city to infiltrate, that's five of the seven already down."
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DM for:Reign of VillainsPlayer for:Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!)Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
"Killing some heroes and taking their place is also a viable plan, though I must point out that such a deed still requires deception over -- or at least in addition to - open combat. Gorgox may be able to disguise himself over the long term, but I daresay the rest of us lack his particular gifts. To take their place as ourselves, then, either the heroes must seem to fall to a greater for which we then vanquish, or the heroes themselves must be corrupted to the public's eye, to the point where they cry for our rescue. Of course, I was advocating for the latter case; a long con, to be sure, though nature has patience, and so must I. I remain willing to be convinced of a better way."
"But Aodh's point is well taken. Regardless of plan, of assault or deception, we need to know more of each city. This is not adventuring, where we crawl through tunnels, braving surprises in search of treasure. This is war. And in war, surprise means death. You would not sack a city defended by a garrison of knights in the same manner as those defended by a band of sorcerers, would you?"
"You, my lord, appear to have the most knowledge of this land. Tell us what you know of each city's protectors. What you do not yet know, we must uncover. When we do, we will know where - and how - to strike!"
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The four of you find yourselves in a long abandoned mansion. There are cobwebs everywhere, broken items strewn around at random. Suddenly, a white Tiefling literally steps out of the shadows. "Hello, there. I'm sure you already know why you're here, so I won't waste time explaining. Now, I've chosen each of you to be here for a reason. One, you're powerful. More powerful than almost anyone else in Elsbain. Two, you're villains. You won't stand for insolent fools to stand in the way of what you want. You deal with them and get what you're after. And then, of course, there are your individual talents. Aodh... uh... well, I don't know what the hell you are, but you're powerful. Lyssma, with your lycanthropy. And a Dragonborn who is well versed in many different subverts of criminality and life, who wouldn't want them? I know you're eyeing out resident Firbolg, but he's more hardcore than he looks. As is our other... nature-lover. So, You must be wondering what we'll be doing in this hodge-podge, anti Robin Hood group. Well, conquering Elsbain, what else? These poor heroes think they will erase us, rid us of their perfect world forever. They have even formed guilds to stop us. But, there can be no light without darkness. WE are that darkness. While we cannot destroy these heroes completely, we can keep them suppressed, enslaved even, so that they will never attempt to fight us again. We have the power, and the will, to do this. As to how we will take over this doomed land, it will be a gradual process. It will be a merciless, ruthless, complete takeover, city by city. As one falls, we will use them against their brethren, until all is under our control. There are bound to be obstacles. The farther we go down this road, the harder it will be. It is the natural order of things. So... do you accept my proposal? Will you help me bring down Elsbain? I'll do it whether you join or not, but I'd prefer not to waste your talent." He looks at you expectantly with coal black eyes.
DM for: Reign of Villains Player for: Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!) Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
A polite, moss-convered finger rises into the air. "I have a question."
Isala gathers himself to his full height and begins to pace, deliberately. "Lyssma is known to me as a friend of the natural world, a friend whose passion equals my own but who also possesses skills to transfix the civilized that I lack. Word of Gorox has also reached my ears, as somebody who can deal death from a distance and disappear. You, Aodh, are unknown to me, but, as a favored one of a Higher Power, you clearly deserve my respect." He stops in front of the alabaster Tiefling.
"But you, our host. You have piqued our interest enough to give you the courtesy of a meeting, but, for all the talk of conquest, we have yet to hear what you bring to this particular party. So, tell us, what talents do you possess, that we should listen to you, to your plans, at all? Tell us, that I may tell you how you might fit into my plans."
"Me? Why, I'm a god, aren't I? I can make meteors rain from the sky, explode men's heads with naught but a whisper. I may... "Wish" for something, and it comes true. My sword always hits it target, for it has been imbued with power. And this." Suddenly, a man appears. He looks around wildly, obviously not knowing how he got there. He spots the Tiefling and lets out a cry of terror. Before he can get far, the white demon quietly says, "Bleed." The man stops dead, and blood starts pouring from every orifice possible, his eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. In seconds, the man is nothing more than a husk on the ground, surrounded by a pool of blood. THAT... is what I offer."
DM for: Reign of Villains Player for: Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!) Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
At their host's declaration of power, Isala nods respectfully, and his smile widens.
"Gentlebeings", he begins. "We have little reason to work together, and less reason to trust each other, but, dreams - that we share. Different dreams, to be sure. Some of you wish to conquer," he says, nodding at the tiefling, "and some to kill," nodding at the dragonborn. "As for myself, I wish only that the plague of man leave the forests and mountains in peace. Against our dreams stand seven cities. Five us us, against an entire civilization. All our power - godly or not - all our skills may not be enough against such overwhelming numbers."
"And yet I ask you, why fight a nation? A cadre of heroes -- an army of heroes -- is something to fear, but a mob merely something to manipulate. One push, and those who call themselves civilized will tear at each other's throats, rending until they cry for strong rulers to step in and create order. Order that we can bring. I, myself, have no interest in such dominion; pledge to leave the natural world be and I pledge to you now I will cede all rights of conquest. You see, our host speaks truth. For all of our dreams to come true, Elsbain needs to fall. He also speaks truth in saying we cannot destroy all heroes completely, not forever."
"However, the fools can destroy themselves for us."
"It is a longer road, and not as direct. It will require your talent at beguiling the masses," Isala says, nodding at Lyssma, "as well as your sure yet hidden knife in the dark", nodding at Gorgox. "You, Holy Man," he continues, "you must continue to spread your word, to grow, to change, to absorb. And as for you, our god-host, our leader, our most powerful member," Isala bows deferentially. "It will require you to end me and become the Savior of this land."
"Are you interested?"
"You are wise for a villain, but you have no need to fear me, for I have no grudge against nature, or your homeland. But what do you mean by "It will require you to end me"? I shall, should it become necessary... but will it become so? For if it is to be, why should I not strike you down now? Unless I have misunderstood you? And as to your quip about mobs... that is where these heroes come into play. They act as lawmen, healers, army, and protectors. As long as they stand, they will try and unite their petty followers as sheep before a shepherd. That is why they pose a danger."
"But, we are also lucky in this endeavor. Due to the underwhelming state of today's villains, the heroes have been lulled into a false sense of security. With a little deception and trickery, I am sure we could easily bring the masses under our control."
"And to further make my point of... mutual trust, I give you all these." He hands each of you in turn a blood red crystal, about the size of a coin. "These are crystals from my homeland, Vixsar. I have put a spell on each of these crystals. They shall summon me whenever you need it. You can also use these to communicate wherever you may be. I can see from any of the four that I choose, whenever I deem necessary. I will also accompany you for most of this journey, since it would be extremely boring to remain in this castle, which I have chosen as my... shall we say, home. The crystals will also teleport you back to this castle should you find you are in a bind. But be warned, the crystal can only hold so much magic, and you will only be able to do this once. Also, should you betray me, or your fellow villains, you'll wish with every fiber of your being you hadn't. I have warned you."
DM for: Reign of Villains Player for: Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!) Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
"Exactly!" Isala exclaims with delight. "These heroes possess powers beyond the populace, as do we. And yet the masses look to them, not to us. That is the difference between a hero and a villain. Not power, not vision, but...popularity."
"Secure in their halls, these heroes crave opposition that today's sorry lot of villains have been unable to provide. I submit to you that we can give them the challenge they crave, not by frontal assault, but by setting them against each other. With patience, with disguise, and with guile, we can make each hero a villain to the other. Let them waste their strength upon each other - we will be there to pick up the pieces, or smash them as we choose."
"I do not mean to fight you, or even to oppose you. This deception, up unto the 'ending' of me" - it is strange indeed to see a Firbolg make air quotes - "would be but another spark to enflame the sheep against their self-appointed shepherds, and, should you wish, for the sheep to anoint you in their stead. I sense my best avenue to justice for the natural world is through this gathering here," Isala spreads his arms wide to encompass the group, "but there is also a justice in turning the machines of civilization upon itself. A teaching moment, if you will."
"But clearly, I have monopolized the moment here. Forgive me. I shall quiet myself, and await your collective counsel."
"I'm not sure why you need me if you can do kill people just by looking at them, but as long as you pay well I'm game." Gorgox says. "Talking about pay how are we to get compensated? Spoils? Slaves? What? As you know my services don't come cheap. Don't get me wrong, this sounds fun, but I have to keep up my appearance you know.
Aodh squirmed within its host. It was curious about these new individuals. It could feel the power and skill radiating off of each and every one of them. Perhaps they would be candidates for its next body?...A thought for another time. For now, it took a look at the others within this space. A human that seemed normal enough in appearance, but surely enough there was always something hiding beneath the surface. A dragonborn with an atmosphere of death about him. A seemingly simple one, but simplicity can commit atrocities as well. Then there was the Firbolg, towering over them all. He spoke as if he was one with nature. And finally, the Tiefling, walking between realms casually. It was powerful, but wasn't entirely sure of everything. It didn't know what Aodh was, after all. The fact that it went through the trouble of gathering all of them together means that it either had not the power to conquer the world on its own, or it had another agenda....It didn't matter in the end.
The tiefling gathered even Aodh itself to rain down evil upon a peaceful world. To slaughter masses, corrupt the hearts of the Just, and perhaps even enslave those who are defeated...Those were just a few things that Aodh looked forward to. It didn't care about controlling anything. It just wanted to perform the atrocities deep within the hearts and minds of individuals. It would simply agree to this for now.
When the Dragonborn spoke, Aodh turned its host's head towards him, and spoke,
"If all goes well for us, you may have entire kingdoms, and all the vices and riches within them, to have as your own. At least, that is what seems to have been offered."
Aodh's voice was...strange. It was as if the half-elf body was not speaking as its mouth and tongue moved. Its voice was not attached to the words. If anything, the voice of the host sounded empty and defeated. As if it had finally yielded in a long-fought battle of wills.
Liam the Weak: Level 4 Human Fighter - Trying to fight against his other personality, and constantly losing.
Aodh: Level 20 Half-Elf Cleric of Life - Not really. It's a strange being that had possessed and broke down a level 20 Cleric of Life Domain, gaining his knowledge and power.
"*****": Level 1 Tiefling Sorcerer - Her family is dead, and her will is broken. She follows orders so that those that command her will allow her to die.
Gorgox looks at Aodh, trying to decide if he had imagined the strangeness of his voice. Then waits for the tiefling to answer him.
The demon looks to Gorox first. "As Aodh has correctly said you shall have the kingdom, and riches untold. You will get power, money, slaves, whatever you desire. These are but trifles to me." It doesn't seem to realize the oddity in Aodh's voice, or simply chooses to ignore it.
DM for: Reign of Villains Player for: Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!) Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
"So. On to our plan. Here is a map of Elsbain. WE, are roughly here." He points towards the upper left corner of the map. "The closest city, also happens to be the weakest. Nothing much more than a town, but they are a major trade staple. Lumber, stone, livestock, textiles, they really do it all. So, how do we want to go about taking over?" He looks at you all in turn.
DM for: Reign of Villains Player for: Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!) Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
Lyssma has been staring at the map, mouth moving but no words coming out. Her eyes move rapidly over the map, studying it with intensity.
"Fire," she says in response to the white demon's query. "Smoke them out, slaughter them all. Raze it to the ground." She inhales deeply and smiles. "I can smell the sweet scent already. Blood and fire."
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"Hm. Short and to the point. I can admire that logic. Killing everyone puts fear in everyone else, letting them know no one is safe. I like it. Anyone else have an idea?"
DM for: Reign of Villains Player for: Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!) Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
"It's a merchant town, I say we kidnap the merchants kids and hold them hostage until the town gives in. Maybe cut off a few fingers or hands if they don't hand over the town right away." Gorgox replies
"We do not attack the weakest city, or any city, directly, not yet. We set the populace of each city against their heroes, or the heroes of each city against the heroes of other cities. Forment civil war, and step in to save them from themselves when the chaos is at its peak."
"Information is required. Those who go in unprepared come out dead," Isala continues. "We seek intelligence about each city -- their populations, their rulers, their rivalries with other cities - and their protectors, their skills, numbers, habits, and very appearances. While we scout, Lyssma and Aodh can travel the land using their unique talents of persuasion, one in taverns, one in temples, to speak of corruption in the current order, of dark times to come, and the heroes yet unknown to bring Eslbain out of them. Spin a legend of a Savior out of whole cloth!"
"Heroes have no power over rumors, and, when they make an inevitable show of presence, we begin to strike, armed with what we have learned, and from the shadows, with misdirection. For but one example, if one city has a Champion with the bow, our Gorgox can pick off citizens of another city using arrows sourced from that Champion's city. Slay your fill -- only quietly, and surely, and with no calling card save that which points to a specific hero or city. All of us can mimic the powers of virtually any given city protector. We must use them, pitting city against city and hero against hero as our cohorts use song and scripture to stir the pot further, until assassination and corrosive tongue cause Elsbain to fall upon itself."
"Heroes will eventually catch on," Isala allows himself the smallest of frowns. "Heroes always do. And here, my liege, is where I mentioned you must end me, not out of fear, but out of design. At some point - if we are careful, only after several cities are smoldering ash - the remaining cities will cry for peace. They will send envoys, and swear loyalties. To soothe an anxious public, this will have to be done in public. We must track that day. I have not the powers you have, but one talent I possess is to end somebody quickly, and untraceably. With our assassins' aid, this I can do to the most prominent leader at the ceremony, at which point you, the Savior of Elsbain, finally appear and promptly and publicly disintegrate me."
"The mob will rush to crown you, the answered prayer who protected them when their protectors could not, and will eagerly follow you in any campaign you design to scour the rest of the 'evildoers' from the land."
"And Elsbain falls to you, not with cries of anguish, but with ringing adoration."
"How bold to present such an elaborate plan. However, as you've mentioned, we've not much information to go off of. Not only that, influencing the masses with key figures is not as simple as framing certain individuals, and putting up a new hero for people to worship. After all, when there's any sort of hope within people, it will give birth to heroes that can find and reveal the truth to the masses, and then end every major figure involved...Not that I mind. It sounds like a good way to cultivate a more powerful body."
It hadn't even been long, and they've begun scheming and plotting some intricate operation. They hadn't even mused on the idea of testing how powerful or truly just any of the heroes of these lands were. How they act, in-battle, out-of-battle, meeting a stranger...They've begun to think on a large scale immediately, leaving behind the little details that matter so much. It was difficult to balance the two in any machination, after all. Still, Aodh would not speak his true mind. After all, they were not friends, and none of them should even expect such a development to happen. Oh well...
"In any case, I'd just as much prefer to just trick and corrupt the current heroes into being a part of an army to fight against others. As long as my whims are achieved, I wouldn't care much if the plan we went with was to exterminate every opposing force that confronted us."
Liam the Weak: Level 4 Human Fighter - Trying to fight against his other personality, and constantly losing.
Aodh: Level 20 Half-Elf Cleric of Life - Not really. It's a strange being that had possessed and broke down a level 20 Cleric of Life Domain, gaining his knowledge and power.
"*****": Level 1 Tiefling Sorcerer - Her family is dead, and her will is broken. She follows orders so that those that command her will allow her to die.
"I can after studying a person for a while spend a week creating a facsimile of the subject. Using my disguise kit and my training I look, act and sound just as my mark. It is time consuming, but it may be a way to get at least one city in chaos." Gorgox states.
"Isala has a good plan, though I must say, Aodh makes a good point. Now, I know some of you can disguise and alter your body and appearance. What I had in mind was, kill some heroes, quietly, of course, take their place, and spread corruption from there. The people will lose faith in the heroes, giving us a wide open opportunity to take charge, under the guise of being better leaders. Then, of course, we quickly bend them to our will, and lead them to war against the other cities. If one of us each chooses a city to infiltrate, that's five of the seven already down."
DM for: Reign of Villains Player for: Tildian Hopsprite - Halfling Warlock 1 (Smiles all around!) Sen'ra Esghal - Fire Genasi Barbarian, Path of the Berserker 4 (Adventurers never rests!) (Angry and drunk.) Silthen Ehten - Drow Elf Storm Sorcerer 1 (The Search For The Sacred Shards)
"Killing some heroes and taking their place is also a viable plan, though I must point out that such a deed still requires deception over -- or at least in addition to - open combat. Gorgox may be able to disguise himself over the long term, but I daresay the rest of us lack his particular gifts. To take their place as ourselves, then, either the heroes must seem to fall to a greater for which we then vanquish, or the heroes themselves must be corrupted to the public's eye, to the point where they cry for our rescue. Of course, I was advocating for the latter case; a long con, to be sure, though nature has patience, and so must I. I remain willing to be convinced of a better way."
"But Aodh's point is well taken. Regardless of plan, of assault or deception, we need to know more of each city. This is not adventuring, where we crawl through tunnels, braving surprises in search of treasure. This is war. And in war, surprise means death. You would not sack a city defended by a garrison of knights in the same manner as those defended by a band of sorcerers, would you?"
"You, my lord, appear to have the most knowledge of this land. Tell us what you know of each city's protectors. What you do not yet know, we must uncover. When we do, we will know where - and how - to strike!"