The group does not hear or see any signs of pursuit. Perhaps the remaining guards at the prison did not think to try and chase you down, or perhaps they did not think you would use this route.
Either way, several hours later, the group continues to stumble through the low vegetation when they see a faint light ahead. As you get closer, you can see that someone has left a bright light burning in an upper window of a large building
Eya points to the building, "We...*pant*...finally made it. But before we go in, remember that we're only here to hear this mysterious patron out. They clearly have a significant amount of influence if they were able to delay the Mitrans for so long. So, no matter what happens, let's try not to cause any conflict here. I have no idea what to expect, but I don't think these people are ones we want to anger."
She pauses for a moment, then continues, "Oh and there might be a really annoying woman there. Just...try to tolerate her as much as you can." Once the group is ready to go, Eya approaches the building and knocks on the front door.
Jesla stops and looks up at the structure. " Well we made it here anyways. Good luck Eya in making a good impression looking like you have been inside of a frog. " She laughs and winks at her. " As to dealing with a really annoying person. I've had a lot of practice with that over the last few hours. "
The door opens and a tall and beautiful woman in a shimmering white dress stands before you. She looks frankly rather angelic. She looks straight at Eya, "You seem to have made a mess of yourself girl, although I suppose you did make it here in one piece." She looks disapprovingly at Grumblejack, "You even appear to have picked up a pet along the way."
The ogre growls, "Grumblejack not pet. Grumblejack is a fearsome monster!"
"An amusing claim, perhaps we'll dress him in motley and have him dance for us. It might be worth a laugh or two." Grandly, she sweeps her arm to welcome the group inside the manor. "Welcome to your new home, at least for the time being. My name is Tiadora, among many other things, I am the guardian of this place. You can be assured that the Mitrans will never be able to find you here. The master wishes to see you, but it would not do to send you to him as you are, oh no, certainly not. Please follow the servants, they will show you to your quarters and give you a chance to clean up. I think we can even find a space to cage up your pet ogre." Four pretty girls in diaphanous gowns step up and bow, awaiting each of you to accompany them. Their eyes seem... vacant...
Having had what most would consider a rough day, Eya simply glares at the woman for a few seconds after being called a mess. She looks to the servants, then back at Tiadora. "Really? You of all people teasing me about keeping pets? And what would you consider these things?" she asks, referring to the four girls. "Though I do suppose that even pets have their free will so perhaps it's not as hypocritical as it might seem. Besides, Grumblejack is correct; he is not a pet. He's a smart ogre and we have a mutually beneficial relationship."
Eya eventually calms down, then continues, "Anyway, I did my part and brought all of them with me. I would request that you not harm or cage up my ogre friend please and just give him a simple room if possible. He doesn't need anything luxurious, just no cage." She pauses for a moment, then looks directly up at Tiadora and says, "Thanks."
She looks to one of the slaves, "A hot bath please, really hot." But before leaving and following the slave, Eya turns to the rest of the party, "Look, I know this is weird, but we really do need this help right now. Each of you have my gratitude for helping me get here and I hope to see you all soon when we go to meet this master. Grumblejack, I need you to trust me again and follow these people. I won't let them hurt you, okay?"
Respar furrows his brow as Eya and Tiadora spar. He finally says, "You helped us escape. I owe you at least the courtesy of listening to what you and your master have to say. Thank you." He turns to his doll-eyed servant, this one clad in a filmy dark green gown and gestures. "Lead on." He figures a hot bath would not hurt, and perhaps they will provide some clean clothes as well. He keeps his newly acquired weapons nearby, though.
Jesla eyes Tiadora with great distrust. She can almost smell evil on her. " Eya, it is as Respar said. We do owe you a debt for helping us escape. I will listen to what they have to say. This should prove most interesting. Hopefully they have a means of escaping this land. We may be out of a cell but we aren't truly free until we depart this cursed island. " She eyes the blond standing in front of her approvingly until she notices her vacant eyes. " Lead on as you please. "
Grumblejack whispers to Eya, "Grumblejack does not like that one. One day, Grumblejack is going to eat her."
A fifth servant, this one a particularly handsome man, shows up to lead the ogre off, though in a different direction than the rest. Tiadora watches you go, shuts the door behind you, and disappears into some other part of the manor.
The group are led to separate, though adjacent, rooms. Each is very well appointed, suitable for a minor noble of Tallingarde. A warm bath is ready and waiting in each, Eya's is already considerably hotter than most humanoids could handle. A selection of clean clothing for each of you has been provided, cut in styles normal for your respective homelands. The attention to personal detail is frankly a little creepy.
The servants do not answer any questions posed to them not related to what they can do for you, and do not say much in general. But they will otherwise do anything asked of them within their power. If not told otherwise, they will assist each in the group with getting cleaned up from the escape.
Eya can’t help but crack a smile and even snickers a bit at Grumblejack’s little quip at Tiadora. She waves goodbye to Grumblejack for now as they each get escorted to their own separate rooms. Once inside, she promptly sets down her things and removes her now filthy elven robe. She holds it up by the shoulders, inspecting the extent of the damage. The robe appears heavily soiled from sweat, blood, dirt, mud, and, last but certainly not least, giant hopper sludge. Eya grimaces, then complains, “And I just got these too…” She sets the robe down and stares longingly at the bath, white steam now rising from it. “Magic works well for cleaning, but taking a bath the old fashioned way is just a treat sometimes. You there,” she calls out, motioning to the puppet girl, “Wash my hair and help me with my back.”
Eya steps into the scalding tub and just soaks for a moment as the servant girl cleans her hair. She makes note of all her cuts and bruises, especially the one left by the veteran soldier at the prison. She recalls how he was abandoned by the other cowardly guards, “So many injuries...we wouldn’t have escaped had they all been like him. This “victory,” it feels somewhat...hollow.” She pauses for a moment as she reflects on this, “I need to do better.” She talks openly to the slave, not expecting a reply, but mainly for herself to help collect her own thoughts, “Just who could this master be if even she is following his orders?” She looks at the tattoo of the symbol of Lord Asmodeus on her hand, “My Lord, where do I go from here?” She submerges her entire head into the bath, then comes back up just enough for her eyes to breach the water. She blows bubbles up to the surface as she contemplates this mystery.
The bath continues for some time as Eya cleans herself using both soap and magic at the same time. She is much more thorough than normal due to recent events. She thinks to herself now, analyzing the ones who helped her escape, “Jesla: warrior of Gorum, powerful physical strength, highly suspicious of magic, supernatural ability to transform into a tiger, but not a druid. Perhaps a curse? Kiven Aloro: mage, skilled with a bow, elven eyes that see magic, arrogant and cocky, easily manipulated, has potential. Respar: not a ruthless killer, perhaps a criminal or thief, stays calm under pressure, skilled at reconnaissance and stealth. I need to learn more about all them.”
Once she feels adequately clean, Eya steps out from the bath and drys herself off. She puts on her clean clothes and takes some time to magically clean and put away all of her belongings, including the elven robe. She lets the servant know that she is ready to meet the master.
Jesla follows the servant with caution. This situation doesn't inspire much trust. Her eyes widen at the sight of her room. " Such a perfect example of the softness in the southern peoples. How could not one grow weak living somewhere like this? " Shaking her head she steps into the bath. The heat feels soothing to her body and she finds herself almost nodding off in the tub. As she finishes washing her long red tresses she steps out. Seeing the blond woman standing there she feels a twinge of discomfort. Those eyes....those empty eyes.
Pulling on the clothes provided for her she is bewildered. It was as if they were made for her. " How can this be? How can these clothes be here when I arrive as if they are made for me? " She looks at the woman with an expectant eye.
Before entering the manor, Kiven smirks at Jesla's comment about an annoying person. "Perhaps it is best that you rely on your savagery, Tigress, as I imagine it took a great deal of effort to summon that paltry amount of wit just now. No matter, it is in your nature and it is forgiven. You have your uses, and your destiny will be revealed to you soon enough."
The wizardly archer takes another moment to clean himself further with prestidigitation before the door of the manor is answered. Upon entering he looks around and declares "yes, this is more appropriate." "It will do for now, under the circumstances." Focusing back on their host, The Prince sizes her up. "Ah yes, greetings Tiadora. I am Lord Kiven Aloro, as you know doubt are aware. I accept your master's request for an audience. I require two hours to properly settle myself here." At that he looks to one of the glass-eyed servants and rolls his eyes a little, thinking of the young girls that would giggle and blush in his brother's presence. He strides towards her and in the direction Tiadora has suggested. "I require a decanter of clean water, wine, cheese, olives, and braised meats with roasted fennel and mushrooms. Lead on."
Finally in quarters that are more appropriate for his standing, the elven 'prince' disrobes and tells the servant girl that he will need his brothers robes cleaned and returned to him immediately, and that she is to return shortly to bath him. Once clean and dressed in the fine new clothes Tiadora has provided, Kiven takes his time meticulously exploring everything in his room, looking for books, magic of any sort, and sizing up the merit of this place based on the quality of items present. He asks his servant girl where the library is in the manor and has her take him there. All the while he surveys the premises for magic and, upon potentially finding a library, takes stock of their selection, paying particular attention to spell books or other arcane references.
Respar enters the room provided and surveys it, but keeps most of his thoughts to himself. He begins disrobing in front of the 'servant' with no signs of being self-conscious. He says, "If possible please bring me food and drink. Water to be specific." He wants to keep his wits about him. As he steps into the hot bath, he quickly eyes the fresh clothes laid out on the bed and raises an eyebrow, but again says nothing specific about them. When the girl returns with some bread, meat, cheese and a vegetable stew, along with a large decanter of water, he is slightly surprised when she begins to assist in scrubbing him. For a moment he almost says something, but the decides to allow it. Perhaps these women are entranced so they feel a sense of accomplishment when they complete a task. Perhaps not. Regardless, it makes the process of cleaning up slightly quicker.
He does consider asking if the girl would perform any sexual favour, but ultimately chooses not to try. He knows plenty who would test that boundary, and in another setting might do so, just to find out rather than out of any actual desire, but with everything that has occurred recently, he decides that discretion would be best. He chuckles to himself when he thinks about the others. Jesla's distaste for magic would probably mean she has no interest in a charmed partner. Eya, being incredibly pragmatic, if feeling in need of release would probably not hesitate, but considering she appears to know a bit about this organization would not want to lower herself in their esteem. Kiven, he decides, would not sully himself with a mere servant, even if she could fight back. {No, I doubt any of us are going to indulge in that tonight,} he muses.
He finally considers himself clean enough and gets out of the water. He takes the towel offered and dries off, then gets a closer look at the clothes. Seeing that they are not only cut in the style of his homeland, but also tailored to his size, he finally frowns openly. He dons the clothes, but now is even warier than the situation had called for. He turns to the girl and says, "If it time, lead the way. If not, I shall eat first."
Soon enough, all four of the group have been cleaned, fed and pampered by as much as you desire, or are willing to put up with as the case may be. When all are ready, you are lead to another part of the manor.
The room you are led into appears to be a meeting room of sorts, dominated by a large table covered with maps, mostly of Tallingarde. A man stands within, he appears to be human, but there is an eerie quality to him that is difficult to place. He wears formal robes the color of clotted blood, and Asmodeus' holy symbol features prominently on his chest.
He smiles as you enter, and says, "Welcome to you all. Congratulations are in order, to my knowledge you are the first ever to escape from Branderskar prison. Granted, the security there is not what it once was, but it remains a notable achievement. I am quite certain the Mitrans will do everything they can to hunt you down. Assuring their weak willed subjects that all is well demands as much."
"I am Cardinal Adrastus Thorn, and I have reason to believe that you could be of use to me. I have a great need of talented individuals such as yourselves to serve as my hands in these lands. I am willing to promise much in return." He looks to Jesla, and Respar, Kiven, and finally Eya, "Enough power to crush the Technic League. All the wealth you could desire, along with the head of the one who put you in irons. The chance to show everyone your true worth, and ascend to your rightful position in these lands. The arcane secrets known by the hells but shown only to the worthy. All this, and more. Asmodeus is the god of ambition. All you could ever want in both this world and the next are yours for the taking. All that he asks of you is that you prove yourself worthy of it."
Eya’s eyes grow wide as the man speaks. She freezes in place as her mind races to put all of the pieces together. “Ca...Cardinal,” she stammers. Suddenly, Eya bends to one knee and faces her head to the ground, “I...I am not worthy, Your Eminence. I still have much to learn, but I am yours to command. The Mitrans...I would do anything to see their pathetic institutions burn and be cleansed in the fires of our Lord.”
She pauses for a moment and looks down to the tattoo on her hand, the symbol of Asmodeus, and clenches it into a fist, “I don't know where to begin. I’ve been doing the best that I could alone, skulking in the shadows, but I wish for...more. Your Eminence, I...I welcome your guidance.”
Kiven looks down at Eya with slight surprise. "You should never kneel to anyone ever again, dark one. Honestly, stand up. The path you are on now will demand that others are the ones to kneel." He then begins moving about the room slowly, staring at the Cardinal at some moments, inspecting the room and swiping a finger to check for dust in a haughty manner at others. He speaks to the Cardinal without looking at him until right as he is done speaking. "IF you are one of these Cardinals I have heard of, then you would know the house of Aloro would appose you. I, however, am not my father, or his father in turn, BUT I 'serve' no one just the same. If Asmodeus would like to offer power and use you as his conduit in this, then I might still indeed have use of you." The Prince looks back at Eya, Respar and Jesla momentarily and then takes up a slightly more cordial tone with the Cardinal. "The path ahead will surely demand sacrifice and will not be with travail, so I am prepared to do what is required to ascend to my rightful position, as you say. What does Asmodeus ask of... us?" Almost having said 'me' at the end, Kiven hesitates and changes his mind as he looks back over the other three as they have proven to be quite capable.
Jesla hides any emotions behind a stoic face. Her eyes do widen when the supposed Cardinal mentions crushing the Technic League. Hesitant to speak immediately she waits until some of the others speak.
When her turn comes she looks him directly in the eyes and stands tall. " I do not serve Asmodeus. I am a doer of violence for Gorum. The technic League however....I do desire their destruction. That's why I'm even in this part of the world. I will consider assisting Asmodeus if I can still serve Gorum. I guess it all depends upon what will be requested of us. "
Cardinal Thorn looks down at Eya, smiling, "Yes, Tiadora has told me of you. You will find guidance here, and there will most certainly be more."
To Kiven he states, "All mortals serve someone, whether they choose to acknowledge it or not. It is the way of things, all beings have their place. Their respective strength and ambition determines what place they earn for themselves."
"Your father serves King Accarius, Mitra, the high priests of Mitra, and by extension the whims of many others, since both king and god lower themselves to serve those below them. Had you followed your father's path, you too would have been made to serve the people of these lands, whether you wished it or not. The path to power and glory I offer requires service to myself and our father below, but no one else. You will have the respect and admiration you crave. And should you one day grow powerful enough to rival me, then you will have the chance to serve only Asmodeus."
"As to what he asks of us, I have been tasked with turning this Island away from the worship of that petty sun god Mitra, return it to the ways of strength and discipline. I have a plan by which to accomplish this, but there are many tasks to be completed before it can be accomplished, and for that, I need people with both the talent to see it through and the ambition to see the offer as the opportunity it is."
To Jesla he simply says, "I have no doubt that Gorum will approve of the tasks that I have in mind. The lord of Iron will be quite sated by the events to come."
Kiven sneers as the Cardinal talks of who House Aloro serves, but is calmed by words that mirror his own views. "Father is a fool, as that is exactly what I've been telling him for years. So much weakness, masked as 'what is just and fair'. I will smash Mitra's scales and choke out His sun. Call it in the name of Asmodeus if you like, it matters little to me as long as this land is brought under true and powerful rule; my rule. Those who promote this apathy will be crushed, and our neighbors will be left to tremble, and kneel." At his last word he looks back at Eya once again. Looking at Jesla he adds. "I imagine that would please many a God."
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The group does not hear or see any signs of pursuit. Perhaps the remaining guards at the prison did not think to try and chase you down, or perhaps they did not think you would use this route.
Either way, several hours later, the group continues to stumble through the low vegetation when they see a faint light ahead. As you get closer, you can see that someone has left a bright light burning in an upper window of a large building
Eya points to the building, "We...*pant*...finally made it. But before we go in, remember that we're only here to hear this mysterious patron out. They clearly have a significant amount of influence if they were able to delay the Mitrans for so long. So, no matter what happens, let's try not to cause any conflict here. I have no idea what to expect, but I don't think these people are ones we want to anger."
She pauses for a moment, then continues, "Oh and there might be a really annoying woman there. Just...try to tolerate her as much as you can." Once the group is ready to go, Eya approaches the building and knocks on the front door.
Respar moves to a darkened window and tries to peer inside as Eya knocks on the door...
Perception 8
Jesla stops and looks up at the structure. " Well we made it here anyways. Good luck Eya in making a good impression looking like you have been inside of a frog. " She laughs and winks at her. " As to dealing with a really annoying person. I've had a lot of practice with that over the last few hours. "
The door opens and a tall and beautiful woman in a shimmering white dress stands before you. She looks frankly rather angelic. She looks straight at Eya, "You seem to have made a mess of yourself girl, although I suppose you did make it here in one piece." She looks disapprovingly at Grumblejack, "You even appear to have picked up a pet along the way."
The ogre growls, "Grumblejack not pet. Grumblejack is a fearsome monster!"
"An amusing claim, perhaps we'll dress him in motley and have him dance for us. It might be worth a laugh or two." Grandly, she sweeps her arm to welcome the group inside the manor. "Welcome to your new home, at least for the time being. My name is Tiadora, among many other things, I am the guardian of this place. You can be assured that the Mitrans will never be able to find you here. The master wishes to see you, but it would not do to send you to him as you are, oh no, certainly not. Please follow the servants, they will show you to your quarters and give you a chance to clean up. I think we can even find a space to cage up your pet ogre." Four pretty girls in diaphanous gowns step up and bow, awaiting each of you to accompany them. Their eyes seem... vacant...
Having had what most would consider a rough day, Eya simply glares at the woman for a few seconds after being called a mess. She looks to the servants, then back at Tiadora. "Really? You of all people teasing me about keeping pets? And what would you consider these things?" she asks, referring to the four girls. "Though I do suppose that even pets have their free will so perhaps it's not as hypocritical as it might seem. Besides, Grumblejack is correct; he is not a pet. He's a smart ogre and we have a mutually beneficial relationship."
Eya eventually calms down, then continues, "Anyway, I did my part and brought all of them with me. I would request that you not harm or cage up my ogre friend please and just give him a simple room if possible. He doesn't need anything luxurious, just no cage." She pauses for a moment, then looks directly up at Tiadora and says, "Thanks."
She looks to one of the slaves, "A hot bath please, really hot." But before leaving and following the slave, Eya turns to the rest of the party, "Look, I know this is weird, but we really do need this help right now. Each of you have my gratitude for helping me get here and I hope to see you all soon when we go to meet this master. Grumblejack, I need you to trust me again and follow these people. I won't let them hurt you, okay?"
Respar furrows his brow as Eya and Tiadora spar. He finally says, "You helped us escape. I owe you at least the courtesy of listening to what you and your master have to say. Thank you." He turns to his doll-eyed servant, this one clad in a filmy dark green gown and gestures. "Lead on." He figures a hot bath would not hurt, and perhaps they will provide some clean clothes as well. He keeps his newly acquired weapons nearby, though.
Jesla eyes Tiadora with great distrust. She can almost smell evil on her. " Eya, it is as Respar said. We do owe you a debt for helping us escape. I will listen to what they have to say. This should prove most interesting. Hopefully they have a means of escaping this land. We may be out of a cell but we aren't truly free until we depart this cursed island. " She eyes the blond standing in front of her approvingly until she notices her vacant eyes. " Lead on as you please. "
Grumblejack whispers to Eya, "Grumblejack does not like that one. One day, Grumblejack is going to eat her."
A fifth servant, this one a particularly handsome man, shows up to lead the ogre off, though in a different direction than the rest. Tiadora watches you go, shuts the door behind you, and disappears into some other part of the manor.
The group are led to separate, though adjacent, rooms. Each is very well appointed, suitable for a minor noble of Tallingarde. A warm bath is ready and waiting in each, Eya's is already considerably hotter than most humanoids could handle. A selection of clean clothing for each of you has been provided, cut in styles normal for your respective homelands. The attention to personal detail is frankly a little creepy.
The servants do not answer any questions posed to them not related to what they can do for you, and do not say much in general. But they will otherwise do anything asked of them within their power. If not told otherwise, they will assist each in the group with getting cleaned up from the escape.
Eya can’t help but crack a smile and even snickers a bit at Grumblejack’s little quip at Tiadora. She waves goodbye to Grumblejack for now as they each get escorted to their own separate rooms. Once inside, she promptly sets down her things and removes her now filthy elven robe. She holds it up by the shoulders, inspecting the extent of the damage. The robe appears heavily soiled from sweat, blood, dirt, mud, and, last but certainly not least, giant hopper sludge. Eya grimaces, then complains, “And I just got these too…” She sets the robe down and stares longingly at the bath, white steam now rising from it. “Magic works well for cleaning, but taking a bath the old fashioned way is just a treat sometimes. You there,” she calls out, motioning to the puppet girl, “Wash my hair and help me with my back.”
Eya steps into the scalding tub and just soaks for a moment as the servant girl cleans her hair. She makes note of all her cuts and bruises, especially the one left by the veteran soldier at the prison. She recalls how he was abandoned by the other cowardly guards, “So many injuries...we wouldn’t have escaped had they all been like him. This “victory,” it feels somewhat...hollow.” She pauses for a moment as she reflects on this, “I need to do better.” She talks openly to the slave, not expecting a reply, but mainly for herself to help collect her own thoughts, “Just who could this master be if even she is following his orders?” She looks at the tattoo of the symbol of Lord Asmodeus on her hand, “My Lord, where do I go from here?” She submerges her entire head into the bath, then comes back up just enough for her eyes to breach the water. She blows bubbles up to the surface as she contemplates this mystery.
The bath continues for some time as Eya cleans herself using both soap and magic at the same time. She is much more thorough than normal due to recent events. She thinks to herself now, analyzing the ones who helped her escape, “Jesla: warrior of Gorum, powerful physical strength, highly suspicious of magic, supernatural ability to transform into a tiger, but not a druid. Perhaps a curse? Kiven Aloro: mage, skilled with a bow, elven eyes that see magic, arrogant and cocky, easily manipulated, has potential. Respar: not a ruthless killer, perhaps a criminal or thief, stays calm under pressure, skilled at reconnaissance and stealth. I need to learn more about all them.”
Once she feels adequately clean, Eya steps out from the bath and drys herself off. She puts on her clean clothes and takes some time to magically clean and put away all of her belongings, including the elven robe. She lets the servant know that she is ready to meet the master.
Jesla follows the servant with caution. This situation doesn't inspire much trust. Her eyes widen at the sight of her room. " Such a perfect example of the softness in the southern peoples. How could not one grow weak living somewhere like this? " Shaking her head she steps into the bath. The heat feels soothing to her body and she finds herself almost nodding off in the tub. As she finishes washing her long red tresses she steps out. Seeing the blond woman standing there she feels a twinge of discomfort. Those eyes....those empty eyes.
Pulling on the clothes provided for her she is bewildered. It was as if they were made for her. " How can this be? How can these clothes be here when I arrive as if they are made for me? " She looks at the woman with an expectant eye.
The girl blandly replies to Jesla's query, "We were told what would be needed and we provided it."
Before entering the manor, Kiven smirks at Jesla's comment about an annoying person. "Perhaps it is best that you rely on your savagery, Tigress, as I imagine it took a great deal of effort to summon that paltry amount of wit just now. No matter, it is in your nature and it is forgiven. You have your uses, and your destiny will be revealed to you soon enough."
The wizardly archer takes another moment to clean himself further with prestidigitation before the door of the manor is answered. Upon entering he looks around and declares "yes, this is more appropriate." "It will do for now, under the circumstances." Focusing back on their host, The Prince sizes her up. "Ah yes, greetings Tiadora. I am Lord Kiven Aloro, as you know doubt are aware. I accept your master's request for an audience. I require two hours to properly settle myself here." At that he looks to one of the glass-eyed servants and rolls his eyes a little, thinking of the young girls that would giggle and blush in his brother's presence. He strides towards her and in the direction Tiadora has suggested. "I require a decanter of clean water, wine, cheese, olives, and braised meats with roasted fennel and mushrooms. Lead on."
Finally in quarters that are more appropriate for his standing, the elven 'prince' disrobes and tells the servant girl that he will need his brothers robes cleaned and returned to him immediately, and that she is to return shortly to bath him. Once clean and dressed in the fine new clothes Tiadora has provided, Kiven takes his time meticulously exploring everything in his room, looking for books, magic of any sort, and sizing up the merit of this place based on the quality of items present. He asks his servant girl where the library is in the manor and has her take him there. All the while he surveys the premises for magic and, upon potentially finding a library, takes stock of their selection, paying particular attention to spell books or other arcane references.
Respar enters the room provided and surveys it, but keeps most of his thoughts to himself. He begins disrobing in front of the 'servant' with no signs of being self-conscious. He says, "If possible please bring me food and drink. Water to be specific." He wants to keep his wits about him. As he steps into the hot bath, he quickly eyes the fresh clothes laid out on the bed and raises an eyebrow, but again says nothing specific about them. When the girl returns with some bread, meat, cheese and a vegetable stew, along with a large decanter of water, he is slightly surprised when she begins to assist in scrubbing him. For a moment he almost says something, but the decides to allow it. Perhaps these women are entranced so they feel a sense of accomplishment when they complete a task. Perhaps not. Regardless, it makes the process of cleaning up slightly quicker.
He does consider asking if the girl would perform any sexual favour, but ultimately chooses not to try. He knows plenty who would test that boundary, and in another setting might do so, just to find out rather than out of any actual desire, but with everything that has occurred recently, he decides that discretion would be best. He chuckles to himself when he thinks about the others. Jesla's distaste for magic would probably mean she has no interest in a charmed partner. Eya, being incredibly pragmatic, if feeling in need of release would probably not hesitate, but considering she appears to know a bit about this organization would not want to lower herself in their esteem. Kiven, he decides, would not sully himself with a mere servant, even if she could fight back. {No, I doubt any of us are going to indulge in that tonight,} he muses.
He finally considers himself clean enough and gets out of the water. He takes the towel offered and dries off, then gets a closer look at the clothes. Seeing that they are not only cut in the style of his homeland, but also tailored to his size, he finally frowns openly. He dons the clothes, but now is even warier than the situation had called for. He turns to the girl and says, "If it time, lead the way. If not, I shall eat first."
Soon enough, all four of the group have been cleaned, fed and pampered by as much as you desire, or are willing to put up with as the case may be. When all are ready, you are lead to another part of the manor.
The room you are led into appears to be a meeting room of sorts, dominated by a large table covered with maps, mostly of Tallingarde. A man stands within, he appears to be human, but there is an eerie quality to him that is difficult to place. He wears formal robes the color of clotted blood, and Asmodeus' holy symbol features prominently on his chest.
He smiles as you enter, and says, "Welcome to you all. Congratulations are in order, to my knowledge you are the first ever to escape from Branderskar prison. Granted, the security there is not what it once was, but it remains a notable achievement. I am quite certain the Mitrans will do everything they can to hunt you down. Assuring their weak willed subjects that all is well demands as much."
"I am Cardinal Adrastus Thorn, and I have reason to believe that you could be of use to me. I have a great need of talented individuals such as yourselves to serve as my hands in these lands. I am willing to promise much in return." He looks to Jesla, and Respar, Kiven, and finally Eya, "Enough power to crush the Technic League. All the wealth you could desire, along with the head of the one who put you in irons. The chance to show everyone your true worth, and ascend to your rightful position in these lands. The arcane secrets known by the hells but shown only to the worthy. All this, and more. Asmodeus is the god of ambition. All you could ever want in both this world and the next are yours for the taking. All that he asks of you is that you prove yourself worthy of it."
Eya’s eyes grow wide as the man speaks. She freezes in place as her mind races to put all of the pieces together. “Ca...Cardinal,” she stammers. Suddenly, Eya bends to one knee and faces her head to the ground, “I...I am not worthy, Your Eminence. I still have much to learn, but I am yours to command. The Mitrans...I would do anything to see their pathetic institutions burn and be cleansed in the fires of our Lord.”
She pauses for a moment and looks down to the tattoo on her hand, the symbol of Asmodeus, and clenches it into a fist, “I don't know where to begin. I’ve been doing the best that I could alone, skulking in the shadows, but I wish for...more. Your Eminence, I...I welcome your guidance.”
Kiven looks down at Eya with slight surprise. "You should never kneel to anyone ever again, dark one. Honestly, stand up. The path you are on now will demand that others are the ones to kneel." He then begins moving about the room slowly, staring at the Cardinal at some moments, inspecting the room and swiping a finger to check for dust in a haughty manner at others. He speaks to the Cardinal without looking at him until right as he is done speaking. "IF you are one of these Cardinals I have heard of, then you would know the house of Aloro would appose you. I, however, am not my father, or his father in turn, BUT I 'serve' no one just the same. If Asmodeus would like to offer power and use you as his conduit in this, then I might still indeed have use of you." The Prince looks back at Eya, Respar and Jesla momentarily and then takes up a slightly more cordial tone with the Cardinal. "The path ahead will surely demand sacrifice and will not be with travail, so I am prepared to do what is required to ascend to my rightful position, as you say. What does Asmodeus ask of... us?" Almost having said 'me' at the end, Kiven hesitates and changes his mind as he looks back over the other three as they have proven to be quite capable.
Jesla hides any emotions behind a stoic face. Her eyes do widen when the supposed Cardinal mentions crushing the Technic League. Hesitant to speak immediately she waits until some of the others speak.
When her turn comes she looks him directly in the eyes and stands tall. " I do not serve Asmodeus. I am a doer of violence for Gorum. The technic League however....I do desire their destruction. That's why I'm even in this part of the world. I will consider assisting Asmodeus if I can still serve Gorum. I guess it all depends upon what will be requested of us. "
Cardinal Thorn looks down at Eya, smiling, "Yes, Tiadora has told me of you. You will find guidance here, and there will most certainly be more."
To Kiven he states, "All mortals serve someone, whether they choose to acknowledge it or not. It is the way of things, all beings have their place. Their respective strength and ambition determines what place they earn for themselves."
"Your father serves King Accarius, Mitra, the high priests of Mitra, and by extension the whims of many others, since both king and god lower themselves to serve those below them. Had you followed your father's path, you too would have been made to serve the people of these lands, whether you wished it or not. The path to power and glory I offer requires service to myself and our father below, but no one else. You will have the respect and admiration you crave. And should you one day grow powerful enough to rival me, then you will have the chance to serve only Asmodeus."
"As to what he asks of us, I have been tasked with turning this Island away from the worship of that petty sun god Mitra, return it to the ways of strength and discipline. I have a plan by which to accomplish this, but there are many tasks to be completed before it can be accomplished, and for that, I need people with both the talent to see it through and the ambition to see the offer as the opportunity it is."
To Jesla he simply says, "I have no doubt that Gorum will approve of the tasks that I have in mind. The lord of Iron will be quite sated by the events to come."
Kiven sneers as the Cardinal talks of who House Aloro serves, but is calmed by words that mirror his own views. "Father is a fool, as that is exactly what I've been telling him for years. So much weakness, masked as 'what is just and fair'. I will smash Mitra's scales and choke out His sun. Call it in the name of Asmodeus if you like, it matters little to me as long as this land is brought under true and powerful rule; my rule. Those who promote this apathy will be crushed, and our neighbors will be left to tremble, and kneel." At his last word he looks back at Eya once again. Looking at Jesla he adds. "I imagine that would please many a God."