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  1. - Top - End - #1
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
    Thattaman's Avatar

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    Default WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    In the kingdom of Talingarde, many crimes may send you to Branderscar Prison, but the sentence has but one meaning. You are wicked and irredeemable. Each of you received the same greeting when you arrived. You were held down by rough hands and branded upon the arm with a runic F. The mark signifies ‘forsaken’ and the painful scar is indelible proof that each of you has betrayed the great and eternal love of Mitra and his chosen mortal vassals.

    Condemned, you face at best a life of shackles and servitude in the nearby salt mines. Others might await the “gentle” ministrations of the inquisitors so that co-conspirators may be revealed and confessions extracted. Perhaps, some of you will be spared this ordeal. Perhaps instead you have come to Branderscar to face the final judgment. In three days, the executioner arrives and the axe falls or the pyre will be lit. Through fire or steel, your crimes will be answered.

    You have all been chained together in the same communal cell dressed in nothing but filthy, tattered rags. Manhandled and mistreated, any finery you once possessed is either ruined or long lost. No special treatment has been given any prisoner – male or female, commoner or noble – all of the forsaken are bound and imprisoned together. Your feet are secured by iron cuffs tethered by one long chain. Your arms are secured to the wall above by manacles. A guard is posted right outside the cell day and night. Little thought is given to long term accommodations. At Branderscar, justice comes swift and sure.

    Escape seems hopeless. You have all been well searched and every attempt to conceal anything on your person has failed. And if you could somehow slip your bonds and fly out of this prison, where would you go? Who from your former life would want anything to do with the forsaken? Despised, alone and shackled – all that you can do now is await your doom.

    For each of you, your old life is over. For each of you, hope is a fading memory. For each of you, justice will be fairly meted. And who can blame fair Talingarde after what each of you has done?

    Spoiler
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    You will have a few posts to introduce yourselves and converse with your cellmates before I move you on.

  2. - Top - End - #2
    Titan in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Mitriva

    One of the prisoners is a plump young human woman, hair the color of oily ink and eyes as green as an emerald. She gazes about as she's led to Branderscar's dungeons, her face contorted in rage. For a brief moment, her eyes become pitch black, like darkness visible. How DARE they? she thinks to herself. How DARE they treat a chosen of Asmodeus so? How dare they deny the sin in their own hearts? I am a gift to them to show them the truth, and they condemn me as a monster? The arrogance. The delicious pride.

    She calms down as thoughts of the sins of man comfort her a bit. She looks to her fellow captives. A most interesting lot to be sure. She could see the corruption in their souls. Perhaps if she was lucky, she would get to sample one or two of them before her soul was sent to Asmodeus all too early.
    Last edited by Archpaladin Zousha; 2013-03-17 at 10:49 PM.
    "Reach down into your heart and you'll find many reasons to fight. Survival. Honor. Glory. But what about those who feel it's their duty to protect the innocent? There you'll find a warrior savage enough to match any dragon, and in the end, they'll retain what the others won't. Their humanity."

  3. - Top - End - #3
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Malcolm

    Malcolm took a look around the cell, as he had done every now and again since they were all chained together. A motely crew they made. The gruff looking human had stayed silent, his knees drawn up and his arms rested atop them. The only thing that didn't look haggard about the man was his eyes. They were as keen as a hawk and any movement swung his gaze in that direction for at least a second.

    There had to be a way out of this place. He didn't believe in no win situations. His eyes kept up that scanning. There had to be a way. He gritted his teeth as he thought about it, the hope looking slim but he never gave up hope.

  4. - Top - End - #4
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    Gravin

    A tall man with lank brown hair draws in a deep nostril full of the fetid prison air, highlighting the row of exposed ribs on his unhealthily lean frame. This place reeks of rot and death. A pleasantly appropriate atmosphere for a group of dead men, if nothing else.
    Last edited by Bhaakon; 2013-03-17 at 10:09 PM.

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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Reomava

    A tall blond girl struggles with her chains gently, a snake-like tongue licking air at times, her body buff but firm. Her eyes scan for light as this indicates fire. She knows at any moment she could draw the flames to her, but other than darkening the room, what use would that do in her. Now if she could just grab a guard... oh the fun that would be had.

    So, guess I'll be the first to talk. R' Any of you innocent? She says with a smirk.

  6. - Top - End - #6
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Mitriva

    All are innocent, child, Mitriva replies, At least to their friends and neighbors. True guilt is only something oneself can know. So perhaps the person you should ask that question to is yourself. I can smell sin on you, girl. Envy, lust...and maybe a bit of wrath. It is...beautiful.

    One of the more "righteous" guards strikes her.

    "Shut it, devil whore!"
    Last edited by Archpaladin Zousha; 2013-03-17 at 11:27 PM.
    "Reach down into your heart and you'll find many reasons to fight. Survival. Honor. Glory. But what about those who feel it's their duty to protect the innocent? There you'll find a warrior savage enough to match any dragon, and in the end, they'll retain what the others won't. Their humanity."

  7. - Top - End - #7
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Malcolm

    His dour look cracked into a smile finally, as he heard the two speaking. He tilted his head towards them and in a gruff voice he spoke only a few words.

    "Guilty as sin, I reckon. Just sad that I didn't kill the bastard, since I've gotta get pulled all asunder for it."

  8. - Top - End - #8
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Galethil

    A woman stares blankly at a spot on the wall opposite of her muttering the same words over and over, "Such a pretty poison." She doesn't respond in any way to the other's words. She is a beautiful thin creature, looking malnourished at first glance, slightly more observation makes her out to be merely of a very light build. Her eyes are a vibrant green and her hair a rich brown. She has been as such since being chained with the others, eyes never moving from that spot.
    Last edited by Bladehunter217; 2013-03-18 at 08:54 AM.

    I'm back.


  9. - Top - End - #9
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Brennus Lowell

    A tall, powerful man settles into the shadows on the edge of the cell, his yellow eyes narrow and flinty. He isn't carrying himself like a prisoner, even with his hands manacled - in fact, his demeanor would be better suited to a battlefield than a prison cell. "There is not much chance a single one of us are truly innocent. Don't you know where you are?" he asked idly, his voice low and melodic, "They do not send you to Branderscar for kicking puppies or failing your taxes. If you are in this cell with the likes of me, it is because you have earned it."

    The only question is, how many of them can I use?

  10. - Top - End - #10
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Six armoured and armed guards enter the cell, escorting someone you recognise too well. You recognise Seargent Tomas Blackerly, the man who branded you with the runic F that still throbs on your arm. You remember his harsh laugh as the skin burned away and his mocking tones that he showed while doing it. He snarls at you and spits on poor Gravin's face for the crime of being closest to the door. He then stares at Brennus and starts to speak. “You there! That’s the scum! Get ‘em unshackled. If any of you makes trouble, they’ll earn a thrashing! Today’s your lucky day, scum. You’ve got a visitor. How you ever warranted such a fine lady is beyond me. Seems she wants to say good-bye. Now step lively. We wouldn’t want to keep her waiting.” He grabs Brennus and violently pulls him to his feet.

    Spoiler
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    Make a sense motive check. It's obvious to Brennus that he wasn't expecting anyone.
    Last edited by Thattaman; 2013-03-18 at 11:54 AM.

  11. - Top - End - #11
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    A soft voice comes from the frail woman, "Some who have earned don't make it to Branderscar." She then looks directly at Brennus, ignoring the guards and tilting her head, "That is what the pretty poison is for."
    Last edited by Bladehunter217; 2013-03-18 at 02:12 PM.

    I'm back.


  12. - Top - End - #12
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Mitriva

    Mitriva's expression remains neutral.

    Well, this should be amusing, she says aloud.

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    Sense Motive: [roll]1d20+3
    "Reach down into your heart and you'll find many reasons to fight. Survival. Honor. Glory. But what about those who feel it's their duty to protect the innocent? There you'll find a warrior savage enough to match any dragon, and in the end, they'll retain what the others won't. Their humanity."

  13. - Top - End - #13
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Quote Originally Posted by Bladehunter217 View Post
    A soft voice comes from the frail woman, "Some who have earned don't make it to Branderscar." She then looks directly at Brennus, ignoring the guards and tilting her head, "That is what the pretty poison is for."
    Reomava

    R' you alright madam? I like a little poison in my tea as much as the next person, but it doesn't solve problems. Now fire that solves problems. Make a fire for a man, you warm him for the night. Set a man on fire, you warm him for the rest of his life.
    Reomana said, winking at Seargent Blackerly as he passed. In a low whisper to her prison mates: Now there is a man who wants to be warm the rest of his life.

  14. - Top - End - #14
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Mitriva

    Mitriva rolls her eyes.

    Wonderful. My cellmates are a pack of comedians and madwomen.
    "Reach down into your heart and you'll find many reasons to fight. Survival. Honor. Glory. But what about those who feel it's their duty to protect the innocent? There you'll find a warrior savage enough to match any dragon, and in the end, they'll retain what the others won't. Their humanity."

  15. - Top - End - #15
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    Gravin

    Gravin returns nothing but an unnervingly calm smile back at Blackerly as the spittle runs down his face. A visitor for the condemned? Brandescar has been uncompromisingly cruel to this point, nothing to suggest such a kindness. Could this be a weakness?

    He watches as the guards release Brennus from his bonds and haul the man to his feet. If so, I hope he knows how to take advantage.

  16. - Top - End - #16
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Galethil

    Galethil looks at Reomava in surprise. "Poison in your tea, Why would you do that? Do you think tall man deserves fate?" asked Galethil, following Reomava's wink.

    I'm back.


  17. - Top - End - #17
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Brennus Lowell

    Brennus keeps his tongue as he's dragged to his feet, reasoning caution would serve him better, for now. Funny that, he muses silently, I know of no soul who'd think well of me, least of all now. And less still a fine lady who'd want to say goodbye. Until now all the fine ladies I've known collect their coins and go.

    Aloud, he said "Lead on, then, key-keeper, lest her life be made poorer for my absence."

    To the other prisoners, "Keep my spot warm, I'll not be gone long."

  18. - Top - End - #18
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Malcolm

    Looking up at the commotion, his eyes keenly flowing from guard to guard...what a strange thing. He had figured they would be left to rot until they were to meet their ends. Perhaps this would be an opportunity? Or maybe they were simply lying and this talker they were taking out would simply be the first to meet his fate.

    he gave a gentle tug on his chains, always having hated the things. A sure blast from a trusty musket would shatter them easily, but his strength was no equal to a shot from his favorite means of murder.

    "What's the problem, couldn't have just brought the tramp here so we could pass her around for a bit? Be a nice peace offering to a room full of the doomed..."

    He grinned wide as he looked up at the guards. No reason not to rankle them, he was dead anyway.

  19. - Top - End - #19
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Galethil

    Galethil looks at Malcom's chains and then at hers as though just realizing they were there. She shudders and moves as far from Malcom as possible. "If only we were doomed, death is meaningless."
    Last edited by Bladehunter217; 2013-03-19 at 04:21 PM.

    I'm back.


  20. - Top - End - #20
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    "This lady is no tramp" Tomas spits at Malcom. He then drags Brennus out into the 'interrogation' room, across the hall from the cell. He you remember the interrogation room, where you were branded. Although the room has been cleaned, the walls still scream with pain. The woman you've heard about is sat opposite you on the small table in the centre. She is tall and beautiful, her hair is a cascade of white platinum and her face is perfect. She's wearing an elegant black dress that seems to show mourning; covering her face is a veil. Tears cover her face from crying. "Oh, dearest," proclaims the unfamiliar woman. "I’m so relieved you’re alive!" She quickly turns to Tomas. “Could we please have a moment alone, good sir? For pity’s sake?" Tomas goes blank for a bit and then quickly agrees. "Of course, my lady. For you,’ tis no problem."

    Spoiler
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    Brennus, make another sense motive check.

  21. - Top - End - #21
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Brennus Lowell

    Brennus glances at the guard, but dismisses him carelessly. He's not the most interesting thing in the room now that he isn't carrying a burning branding iron. Instead, he turns his attention to the beauty in the chair opposite, carefully studying her face.

    No, he finally concluded, this woman is no part of mine. If ever I saw her before, I don't recall.

    Aloud, he offered only a meaningless pleasantry -"Well met, my lady. Did you find the journey taxing?"
    Last edited by Griffith!; 2013-03-20 at 03:09 PM.

  22. - Top - End - #22
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    After Tomas leaves the room, all pretenses of grief are gone on the woman's face and she is suddenly all business. She smiles a mocking smile at you as she too is inspecting the poor specimen in front of her. She raises her eyebrow at Brennus's question. "Do you really care about my journey, dearest? Have you forgotten, my love, Brennus?" The unexpected visitor says with a smirk, dropping her pretense of grief. “Call me Tiadora. We possess a mutual friend who would like to meet you and your fellow cell-mates. Unfortunately, our friend is unwilling to visit you in your present rather shabby accommodations so it seems you must escape. Don’t be so dour. Just because it’s never been done before is no reason you can’t be the first.
    “If you manage that, cross the moors on the outskirts of town. On the old Moor Road you’ll see a manor house with a single lantern burning in the second story. There our mutual friend waits. That is all I know. He did want me to give you this.”
    She takes off her silken veil and wipes away a few fake tears with it. “Something to remember me by, dearest.”
    Last edited by Thattaman; 2013-03-22 at 10:30 AM.

  23. - Top - End - #23
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Brennus Lowell

    Brennus nods calmly, accepting the veil. "It would, I suppose, be pointless to ask who our mysterious benefactor is? Or, better, why I should trust you?"

    Outside of having no choice, I mean, he added silently, watching her beautiful face for any flicker of emotion besides mockery.

    Sense Motive
    Spoiler
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    (d20+6)[21]
    Last edited by Griffith!; 2013-03-22 at 11:07 AM.

  24. - Top - End - #24
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Tiadora laughs at the mention of trust, "When did I say you should trust me, dearest? It's your choice, die or help our mutual friend. Do you want to escape or not? As for our friend, the less you know the better." Her message delivered, she rises and the guards return. Immediately, her demeanor once more changes and she is again a perfect picture of grief. “No, I can’t bear to leave you!” She gives Brennus a kiss on the cheek. The kiss is ice-cold and feels somehow alien and inhuman. Tomas shakes his head. “I’m afraid it’s time, miss.” She looks deep in Tomas’ eyes and says, “Thank you for letting me say good-bye. There’s no need to search my dearest. You are such a good friend for letting me see my dearest one more time.” “Such a good friend,” Tomas repeats his voice almost mechanical. Then the watch sergeant seems to snap out of it and bows politely. “A pleasure, madam,” She leaves unveiled.

    Her eyes meet you one last time and she briefly gives you a wicked smile. “Three days,” telepathically echoes in Brennus's mind. “Don’t disappoint me, dearest”. The visitation concluded, Brennus is taken back to his cell by a cadre of guards and shackled once more.
    Last edited by Thattaman; 2013-03-23 at 06:24 AM.

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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Malcolm

    Malcolm looked up slowly as Brennus was lead back in. He looked around at the guards and then leaned back with his head pressed up against the wall, almost like he was relaxing.

    "We made sure to keep your spot warm. What's the matter, you couldn't convince them to let you bring yer wife or whatever in here to give us all a nice goodbye?"

  26. - Top - End - #26
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    Mitriva

    Mitriva scoffs at Malcolm's crudity.

    You are a boor and a fool. Sharing is not in our nature.
    "Reach down into your heart and you'll find many reasons to fight. Survival. Honor. Glory. But what about those who feel it's their duty to protect the innocent? There you'll find a warrior savage enough to match any dragon, and in the end, they'll retain what the others won't. Their humanity."

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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    I for one wouldn't mind an extra female voice here, while Ms. Poison is here, she is a bit daft if I say so myself.
    Reomava said with sigh.

    So did your woman tell you something important or was this just a quickie before we wait execution?
    Reomava replies with smile.

  28. - Top - End - #28
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    Brennus Lowell

    "Oh it was was quite quick, but not, perhaps, in the way that you mean." Brennus quips as the guards lock his hands back into place and leave the cell, "The dear lady was kind enough to gift me her favor."

    Producing the veil from behind his back he smiles blandly and continues, "I suspect it is meant to be useful, but alas, I haven't a bloody clue how to work it. Unless I'm meant to put it on and make of myself a pretty little girl."

    He turns his head so the scar catches the light. "I am so fetching in lace." His smile fades as he grows serious, "Do any of you have a bit of skill with spells and things? I believe our benefactor intends us to escape, and this veil must play some role."

    "Quickly, though - there is much to do, I think, and little time to do it in. We have but three days to make good this chance."

  29. - Top - End - #29
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    Mitriva

    Mitriva hushes Brennus.

    Do not speak of such things while the guards are in earshot.
    "Reach down into your heart and you'll find many reasons to fight. Survival. Honor. Glory. But what about those who feel it's their duty to protect the innocent? There you'll find a warrior savage enough to match any dragon, and in the end, they'll retain what the others won't. Their humanity."

  30. - Top - End - #30
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    Default Re: WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

    As you inspect the veil, you see small items stitched into it. The items are: two daggers, a lantern, some rope, lockpicks, a window, a sack of clothes and items, a bottle of something, bag of gold, the symbol of Asmodeus.

    Spoiler
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    I've got an image of it here:
    Last edited by Thattaman; 2013-03-24 at 03:37 AM.

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