Author Topic: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...  (Read 30241 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline X-Bellam & BC/TB (Bobby)

  • Former players
  • Regent
  • *****
  • Posts: 639
  • Regency: 33
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #15 on: May 31, 2010, 02:35:37 AM »
"Of course, my queen."  Tristan stands to offer her his hand, inclining his head to the gathered regents.  "It is not difficult, now, to see the Grey Duke's sign on this renewed conflict.  I shall, of course, send word to the Marquis.  Perhaps he can shed further light upon what has occurred.  Lords and ladies, I shall return."  He bows to Marlae, takes her hand, and escorts her from the room

Offline DM B

  • Green Knight
  • Deity
  • Emperor
  • *
  • Posts: 5.210
  • Regency: 51
  • Gender: Male
    • Twilightpeaks.net - Hone of Ruins of Empire
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #16 on: May 31, 2010, 05:57:48 AM »
Kaleiman suggests that you pool you knowledge of vampires and how to fight them.

OOC: Meaning the DM compiles a list of what you know thus far.
DM Bjørn

Offline X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)

  • Sovereign
  • ******
  • Posts: 1.607
  • Regency: 18
  • Gender: Male
  • Pontiff Wallac Isilviere, High Prefect of the IHH
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #17 on: May 31, 2010, 12:11:33 PM »
Gaerred slowly raises his hand the move still the his Templars and the paladins present in the room.

"Which would only prove, that you are exactly what I believe you to be - a godless murderer - which would be in keeping with your Vos heritage - but unfit to the current role that you so deftly play," he says quietly to her for he is not a man prone to quick anger or hurried passion. 

"Save your threats, they mean nothing to me - I am the Light of Avani and in that regard - threats are made powerless and irrelevant." 

He quiets his mind and casts his soul to reverie in the Lady and then turns his eyes the the assembled people.

Looking sternly at Gaerred Wallac raise his hand to stop further exchange of insults.

"The Duchess is right in telling you not to cast spells around us without any due warning or consent. While her way of warning you bordering a threat is not very polite.."

Wallac now turns to the Swordmage

"you should try not to reinforce such beliefs as you are a godless murderer by fueling his ignorance by unveiled threats."

Turning his attention back to Gaerred

"You should be concerned which threats as if they are carried out you can not do the work of your god and thus fails your duties. That said I find it a good idea to perform some magic to make certain that none of those present are corrupted or at least not yet. Bear in mind we may may just be corrupted even if your magic dont show it to you. Remember the Swordmage works with the Conclave of Temples and is to be shown propper respect and not disrespect. I expect us all to attempt to be polite to each other - nothing less as we are going to need each other and likely some of us will save each others very life one or even several times. This bickering is both pointless and beneath our station"

Turning his attention on everyone

"Master Kaleiman and Archduchess Marlae speak wisely. I suggest we all heed their words carefully. Praise the All Father for those words"
« Last Edit: May 31, 2010, 12:14:17 PM by IHH/Pontiff Wallac Isilviere (Kasper) »
His Holiness Wallac Isilviere, Pontiff of All Anuire, High Prefect of the Impregnable Heart of Haelyn

Offline X-Elinie/RiD (Niels)

  • Former players
  • Regent
  • *****
  • Posts: 948
  • Regency: 19
  • Gender: Male
  • Formerly Star of the East
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #18 on: May 31, 2010, 01:19:02 PM »
Through the various statements, Patriarch Rashid has been quietly studying the people present in the room. In particular the Archduchess has held his attention.

OOC: Bjørn, I am using Detect Evil on the people present here, the result may be best given in PM.

When Marlae prepares to leave, Rashid speaks before she gets too far.

"Archduchess, please, before you leave. It was news to me, that the Mhor had been slain and that the Archduke himself were there to do it. What state does that leave between Osoerde and Mhoried?"

"Balteruine is in Mhoried. Was the Archduke corrupted by Manethander, that he would invade Mhoried?"

"Is there a state of war between your nations?"
Formerly: His Grace, Patriarch Rashid ibn Daouta, Last Imperial Duke of the Eastern Marches, Duke of Elinie, Master of Sutren Hills, Holy Paladin of Avanalae, Light of Reason.

Offline X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)

  • Sovereign
  • ******
  • Posts: 1.607
  • Regency: 18
  • Gender: Male
  • Pontiff Wallac Isilviere, High Prefect of the IHH
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #19 on: May 31, 2010, 01:30:20 PM »
Wallac Isilviere:

"Kaleiman I have received this compiled volume of papers on the matter of the Shadows from the halfling Silversleep, an adviser to the Duchess of Tuernon. I had the opportunity to discous the content with her personally and ask questions. I would like to share that with all of you and you master Kaleiman in particular. The treatises is named "Known Origin, Habitat and Spirit of a Shaded - Silversleep Treatises on the entity know among humans as the Grey Duke, Manethander"

Kaleiman suggests that you pool you knowledge of vampires and how to fight them.

OOC: Meaning the DM compiles a list of what you know thus far.

From the Warmoves section of the adventure this quotetd stuff found below can also be found by following this link:
http://twilightpeaks.net/forum/index.php?topic=1088.msg12162#msg12162

Curriers of the Duhcess of Tuornen reach the Pontiffs column as it leaves Roesone.
They have with them a compiled volume of papers.

On the front side of the binding there is a text elaborately written in silver : 

"- Known Origin, Habitat and Spirit of a Shaded -
Silversleep Treatises on the entity know among humans as the Grey Duke, Manethander.


By Pervince Millbridge, Shadewise, High Sheriff, Master Shadow Walker, Most Stout and Esteemed member of the Highest orders of Burrows and famed scholar on the Shade.
Put to pen in the service of the Lady of Haes, Laela Flaertes, By the Grace of Haelyn Duchess of Tuornen.
"

The curriers await for any requests or inquiries.

Having waited to receive the compiled volume of papers ever since the Duchess emissary to the City of Anuire, Lauriel Anviraele, offered the help of the halfling Pervince Millbridge Silversleep. Having talked with Silversleep the Pontiff realized how much there was to be learned yet and asked for Silversleep to compile a tractus or two on the matter of Veil and the Grey Duke in particular.

The Pontiff ask the waiting couriers if Silversleep could perhaps join on the march and talk with the Pontiff during the evenings?

Thus it is with great anticipitation Wallac reacieves the papers and begun to study them every evening when encamped. So much to learn and so little time to learn it. Having twice traveled to the Shadow plane Wallac has little doubt how varied and unforseen a place it is; there seems to be certain rules and then again also no rules - rules that gets broken, rules that get bended and rules that simply makes no sense.

What is clear though is Duchess Laela Flaertes of Tuornen have helped greatly in the attempt to retrieve the Book of Law. Praised be the All Father for providing in the hour of need. Now how to minimize the chance the Grey Duke can dominate our mundane troops?
« Last Edit: May 31, 2010, 01:35:40 PM by IHH/Pontiff Wallac Isilviere (Kasper) »
His Holiness Wallac Isilviere, Pontiff of All Anuire, High Prefect of the Impregnable Heart of Haelyn

Offline X-Osoerde (Alan)

  • The Dragon
  • Former players
  • Sovereign
  • ******
  • Posts: 1.394
  • Regency: 21
  • Gender: Male
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #20 on: May 31, 2010, 04:47:05 PM »
Through the various statements, Patriarch Rashid has been quietly studying the people present in the room. In particular the Archduchess has held his attention.

OOC: Bjørn, I am using Detect Evil on the people present here, the result may be best given in PM.

When Marlae prepares to leave, Rashid speaks before she gets too far.

"Archduchess, please, before you leave. It was news to me, that the Mhor had been slain and that the Archduke himself were there to do it. What state does that leave between Osoerde and Mhoried?"

"Balteruine is in Mhoried. Was the Archduke corrupted by Manethander, that he would invade Mhoried?"

"Is there a state of war between your nations?"


"By the god above, how much easier life would be if the things which do not fit our narrative could be attributed to the the instruments of the Shadow in it varied forms," she says. "Alas Patriarch, this is not how it is."
 
"I do not know the state that exists between Mhoried and Osoerde that remains to be decided by William and Agelmore and whether they will continue to be played by the Grey Duke," she says.
 
"I can say that the events do not seem to withstand the ring of truth if I know my husband as well as I believe I do.  My husband wages war as the last means when words are no longer sufficent to cut through hot blood and presistent pride.  Moreover, if none of these things were true,  Mhoried still has the very thing which my husband loves even more than I," she says with a pause.
 
"No, I think I can say with certainity, Patriarch, that whatever happened in Mhoried was not according to the desire or intent of my husband and thus I am made suspicious."
« Last Edit: May 31, 2010, 04:54:02 PM by Osoerde/William Osoer (Alan) »
Yes, wyrmling, the meat is made all the more tender by armor...

Offline X-Elinie/RiD (Niels)

  • Former players
  • Regent
  • *****
  • Posts: 948
  • Regency: 19
  • Gender: Male
  • Formerly Star of the East
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #21 on: May 31, 2010, 05:03:28 PM »
Rashid nods at those words and continues; "I believe your assessment of your husband is accurate. And I am relieved to hear that there is more to the story than we currently know of."

"My apologies for detaining you from retiring. Please, bring my best wishes of hasty recovery to your husband. I look forward to hear what happened up there."

After that, Rashid presents the findings of his own research and encounters with vampire spawn and Adaliz' coven and their dream manipulations.

Effective weapons:
- Silver
- Holy Water
- Staking the heart
- Holy Symbols held by a believer can keep them at bay

He explains how a team of longspears interspersed with clerics with holy symbols can create a porcupine formation to slay vampires without letting them too close. - Their very touch is deadly.
Formerly: His Grace, Patriarch Rashid ibn Daouta, Last Imperial Duke of the Eastern Marches, Duke of Elinie, Master of Sutren Hills, Holy Paladin of Avanalae, Light of Reason.

Offline DM B

  • Green Knight
  • Deity
  • Emperor
  • *
  • Posts: 5.210
  • Regency: 51
  • Gender: Male
    • Twilightpeaks.net - Hone of Ruins of Empire
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #22 on: May 31, 2010, 07:38:41 PM »
Drawing upon many sources Kaleiman briefs you (this is the DM's way for giving out some key information):

"Vampires are undead. They have little in common with men, save in outer resemblance. In reality they do not eat, breathe, tire or require sleep. These are characteristics that they share with all undead creatures. Here most similarities end, however, for vampires are far...superior to any other undead in terms of abilities...and perhaps most importantly, mental faculties. For example, it is apparent that they have supernatural senses - they can see things in the dark, hear a heart bating at a hundred paces, and smell blood a mile away.

They do require some sustenance, however. They crave human life. Preferably by first enthralling a human victim and then feeding of his blood at their leisure. That would seem their preferred method of 'feeding'. They even have specialized retractable fangs to facilitate this feat. But as has been reported; a vampire CAN steel a person's life just by touching him. I even have accounts, but not substantiated one, of vampires draining away life at a distance. I do not know how often or how much a vampire needs to feed. But I do suspect that a well-fed vampire is somehow stronger and more vigorous than a hungry one. And that a vampire who actively uses some of its 'gifts' somehow consumes its stolen life energy, like a man would grow tired from strenuous activity.

Vampires a physically challenging opponents. They are superhumanly strong and fast. I have reliable accounts of seemingly plain-looking vampires thrown armored men or punching bare-handed through heavy armor. And vampires can run as fast as any horse, perhaps faster. Yet it should be noted that a vampire does not automatically become a skilled warrior. If it was a commoner in life it will remain a commoner in death...only a very strong and fast commoner. They have fangs with which to bite...but I think they usually reserve them for feeding. I've also plenty of accounts of vampires having - or growing - wicked claws. Not sure if that is universal though. Some may only fight with weapons or their bare hands.

Their undead state also makes them immune to many kinds of damage. A sword strike to the vitals will kill a man - but not a vampire, since it has no vital organs. In addition it would seem that vampires are unusually robust, in that hacking a vampire to pieces or crushing its bones requires considerably more force than it would a normal man. Silvered weapons are reported to be more effective against vampires than normal weapons. I believe this to be true - but remember my previous comment holds true, even with a silvered weapon you must hack the vampire to pieces before it dies. A strike to the vitals will not work. Two exceptions; hack of its head and it dies, but then again that kills almost anything...and pierce in the heart and it is rendered immobile. Any weapon will do for that I think. The wooden stake is just a tale - a steel or silvered sword will do equally well. Though I have not actually tested it.

When it comes to the magical arts it is my belief that vampires retain the abilities they had in life. Perhaps they are even stronger. Adaliz bint Daouta certainly was surprisingly capable. And we know for a fact that the Grey Duke himself is a powerful sorcerer that is capable of realm magic...although thankfully his sources are not of THIS world. I wold not know if a person with priestly powers would somehow retain them...perhaps by pledging his soul to darkness. There is nothing in the sources regarding that.

Vampires are not invulnerable. As undead they fear light, especially the light of Avanalae. They are active at night and generally seem to rest during the day, though I do not want to say that they CANNOT move in the daytime. I'd rather say it would be more like a normal person trying to stay up throughout the NIGHT, but perhaps even more tiring. Direct sunlight do them harm - prolonged exposure to bright and pure sunlight will burn a vampire into ash, but even bright magical light should do them harm. On an overcast day or wearing heavy clothes I think they would only be greatly discomforted, but I do not think it would kill them. Oh, and bright flares of light might effectively blind them, for some time at least, but remember they have other, superhuman senses as well. Fire would appear effective as well. The cleansing fire of Avanalae's daughter Laerme will burn them as sunlight does, and can be used to put a vampire to final rest. Torches, bruing oil..magic spell...they are equally effective, and might be one of our best weapons...

There is more, but I will leave the floor open for comments...
DM Bjørn

Offline X-LPA/Gaerred Khaiarén (Gray)

  • Former players
  • Noble
  • ****
  • Posts: 427
  • Regency: 10
  • High Hierophant Gaerred Khaiarén
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #23 on: May 31, 2010, 08:13:29 PM »
"While channeling the gods can destroy many of the lesser creatures of the undead, vampires appear to strongly resist it.  It may work upon the weak and their other minions, but it is not guaranteed," he says.


Offline X-Points East

  • Grand-Maester of the P&H
  • Former players
  • Regent
  • *****
  • Posts: 626
  • Regency: 15
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #24 on: May 31, 2010, 08:32:43 PM »

IC:

Says Elamien, "It will have been noted that I referred to ghouls, earlier.  These are assuredly different from vampires:  for, according to my understanding, they are not undead; and, yet, they have been infused with the power of undeath, after feeding upon Manethander's blood . . . or whatever foul substance courses through his veins.  It is believed that the Ogre is a ghoul; that, as well, Baron Landen Tshalen was a ghoul.  So, perhaps Baron Tristan might be able to comment on effective techniques to employ against such creatures, based on his recent experience.  Whatever the case, I strongly suspect that ghouls have very little freedom to act contrary to Manethander's will . . . which is not necessarily true of vampires."


Offline X-Elinie/RiD (Niels)

  • Former players
  • Regent
  • *****
  • Posts: 948
  • Regency: 19
  • Gender: Male
  • Formerly Star of the East
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #25 on: May 31, 2010, 09:25:19 PM »
"Yes, Baron Bellamie... " OOC: Assuming he has come back in during Kaleiman's long lecture.

"...You mentioned that there were certain distinctive patterns detectable on Tshalen, when observed with spells detecting magic. - This could be invaluable in rooting out ghouls working under cover."
Formerly: His Grace, Patriarch Rashid ibn Daouta, Last Imperial Duke of the Eastern Marches, Duke of Elinie, Master of Sutren Hills, Holy Paladin of Avanalae, Light of Reason.

Offline DM B

  • Green Knight
  • Deity
  • Emperor
  • *
  • Posts: 5.210
  • Regency: 51
  • Gender: Male
    • Twilightpeaks.net - Hone of Ruins of Empire
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #26 on: May 31, 2010, 09:45:14 PM »
"While channeling the gods can destroy many of the lesser creatures of the undead, vampires appear to strongly resist it.  It may work upon the weak and their other minions, but it is not guaranteed," he says.

Channeling does work on vampires...they are undead...but they are highly resistant to it. I think it has to do with them retaining their basic personality and free will. Though I have never tested that to establish it as a fact. Lesser vampires can be driven away or at least held at bay. Greater vampires are largely unaffected. I also do not know how this pertains to this new creation we have become aware of - the ghouls.
DM Bjørn

Offline DM B

  • Green Knight
  • Deity
  • Emperor
  • *
  • Posts: 5.210
  • Regency: 51
  • Gender: Male
    • Twilightpeaks.net - Hone of Ruins of Empire
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #27 on: May 31, 2010, 10:26:43 PM »
"Yes, Baron Bellamie... " OOC: Assuming he has come back in during Kaleiman's long lecture.

"...You mentioned that there were certain distinctive patterns detectable on Tshalen, when observed with spells detecting magic. - This could be invaluable in rooting out ghouls working under cover."

OOC:  I did?  When?  All I said was that I could confirm that Tshalen was a ghoul.  Because he said so.  Repeatedly. 

Man, that guy would not shut up.

On the subject of ghouls - this is a new development, one not chronicled anywhere. At least not directly. I have, however, uncovered some old manuscripts that show how a man can be imbued with the 'power' of undeath, without being fully undead. It may be that this is similar, or not. If it is then it is a three-step process...following the Rule of Three, which is an important rule in magical theory.

Basically the process can be done three times - each time giving the recipient greater powers, but turning him ever closer to undeath. The first time the recipient becomes somewhat stronger, but remains more or less human, and virtually undetectable as a ghoul. He is also only lightly bound to his creator. The second step gives more power, but greater dependency on the creator. The third time yet more, but by then the recipient should be readily detectable as a shadowspawn...and fully bound to his maker.
DM Bjørn

Offline DM B

  • Green Knight
  • Deity
  • Emperor
  • *
  • Posts: 5.210
  • Regency: 51
  • Gender: Male
    • Twilightpeaks.net - Hone of Ruins of Empire
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #28 on: May 31, 2010, 10:36:54 PM »
Manetheander will also have other servants - we know for a fact that he has vampires in his employ. And these ghouls. It is also likely that he'll have mortal agents and soldiers that serve him not directly, but through his other servants. Take the Baron of House Tshalen - he was a ghoul Tristan says, but what of his men? Are they all turned? Not likely. But they could still be serving the Grey Duke's designs, through loyalty to Tashalen...

At any rate; of vampires. We know not how many they are. There is no way of knowing. We have destroyed some and I find it hard to believe there is an entire horde of them. Yet I do know that a vampire can make or sire another vampire. They do it by draining all the life from a victim and then give him some of their undeath in return. I guess it could be like creating a ghoul, only much more so and in one sitting, so to speak.

The resultant vampire spawn is 'young' and relatively weak. As it feeds and 'lives' on it will gain in power, but as long as it remains a spawn it is a mere thrall, with little free will and limited potential. Regarding these things I have good sources. Unfortunately those sources speak little of the WEAKNESSES of vampires and rather more of their powers and geniality...but I digress. A vampire an release its spawn voluntarily...or they are released upon his destruction. If released voluntarily they become free agents...but retain a certain bond with their creator that I understand is very difficult to ignore. And as free agents they can of course be manipulated, tricked, and threatened. But even if some control is lost the new 'free' vampire will gain greatly in power...and gain the ability to create spawn of its own.

Now...if there is battle in the tomb I think that the greater number of our enemies will be such spawn. Much like full vampires, but lesser. And much less cunning.
DM Bjørn

Offline DM B

  • Green Knight
  • Deity
  • Emperor
  • *
  • Posts: 5.210
  • Regency: 51
  • Gender: Male
    • Twilightpeaks.net - Hone of Ruins of Empire
Re: Adventure 67: The Bonds Would Break...
« Reply #29 on: May 31, 2010, 10:37:57 PM »
OOC: Could we please try to keep this IC thread IC and in tone and theme close to what is appropriate for such a dark and grand undertaking?
DM Bjørn