Addoliad chan 'r Cyfrgolledig

[Nanshork]

Borloth chuckles softly.  "Your rituals always did take too much time brother, my way is so much easier."

[Stratovarius]

There lies a stable attached to the inn, placed against the back of the building and stabling several cart horses and mules, most with piles of goods next to them. Today was to be market day, and there are signs of that scattered about the town centre, but little remains of the happy villagers who would have spent today gossiping and bartering, for they are all huddling inside, children kept out of sight and hidden.

Those slavers who came into the town this morning have gone back along the road from whence they came, but there are several toughs hanging around at one edge of the village, leaning against a tree and playing dice. It can well be assumed they are here to gather any food gifted to the criminals.

[emissary666]

A tall thin man, at least a foot taller than Borloth, seemingly appears behind the brothers. I understand you offered to fight the slavers. I would like to offer my services, if you have the money.

[Stratovarius]

Actions?

[Nanshork]

Borloth laughs.  "And why should we pay you?"

Gah, forgot that something had happened.

[emissary666]

Because otherwise I offer my services to the slavers, I'm sure they would appreciate a necromancer

[Nanshork]

Borloth shrugs.  "Alright then, talk to my brother."   He looks at Regema.

[X-Codes]

Is it too bold to say that this is a really lousy time plot-wise to introduce a new character? 

Regema looks at the man suspiciously, not knowing what to make of him.  "Lets go into that stable and see what we have for materials.  While working on that, we'll talk about what your role is in all this, necromancer." Regema then walks towards the stable a step ahead of Borloth with one eye looking over his shoulder.

Once inside he tries to sum up the situation: "I, personally, must make preparations for our dealings with those slavers, but my plan doesn't stop there.  I suppose that if all you're interested in is gold, then there would be no harm in allowing you to stay, but your auspicious timing makes me inclined to not trust you.  Why do you offer us your so-called services?"

[emissary666]

Boredom

[Nanshork]

Following Regema into the stables Borloth keeps a wary eye on the newcomer, ready to attack at the slightest provocation.

[X-Codes]

"Boredom?  There certainly must be more to it than that.  To whom do you owe allegiance?"

[emissary666]

I owe alliegance to death,suffering, and pestilence. Seriously, I'm just bored and you look like the type that condones violence and such/

[Stratovarius]

Posts?

[emissary666]

Val'Malus, growing incredibly bored already, hunts in search of a peasant to slaughter.

[X-Codes]

Regema picks out a total of 3 mules and horses and leads them out and away from the stable, not wanting to cause a ruckus that would alarm the peasants inside... there would be plenty of time for that later.  "I did not plan for four, so I have no role for you to play as of yet.  That said, if your interests are simply death and gold then coming along with us will certainly satisfy both needs very shortly."  He then uses his knowledge of the sacrifice, subduing the creatures as needed by taking hold of their lifeblood and then conducting elaborate rituals upon each creature before burying his spear in each of their hearts, to imbue himself with power and conjure fourth a horrifying, crimson beast of blood.  "It is a good thing you two are not squeamish.  This will be a common sight if you are to accompany us in the future."

Rituals, as time permits:
First ritual: Shroud Self, Minor, sacrificing a Heavy Horse or Mule.  My BAB increases by 1 and I take the creature's Strength score. (takes 5 minutes)
Second ritual: Streaked Countenance, sacrificing any Horse or Mule.  That's a +3 Intimidate. (takes 5 minutes)
Third ritual: Bloodforce, Minor, sacrificing a Mule. That makes one of these guys:  (takes 10 minutes)

Hematic Mule
Size/Type: Large Outsider
Hit Dice: 3d8+12 (25 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
AC: 13 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +3 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 12
BAB/Grapple: +2/+9
Attack: Hoof +4 melee (1d4+3)
Full Attack: 2 hooves +4 melee (1d4+3)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Bloodbath, Blood Drain, Cause Insanity (1/day, DC 9)
Special Qualities: DR 5/magic, Darkvision, Low-light vision, Immune to Critical Hits, Immune to Mind-Affecting, Immune to Stunning, scent
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +4, Will -1
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 7, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +4, Spot +4
Feats: Alertness, Endurance

"Alright, then.  We're going to go visit the slavers now.  Borloth, I'll take, say, 3 bottles of that liquor you have there.  Madoc, you're probably going to be the best negotiator among us, so while we're at the camp I want you to do some business talking.  We need to figure out how many slaves they have with them and what kind of condition they're in.  Use the cover of a prospective buyer if they ask, but avoid talking about figures until we've seen the slaves.  If any of us feel compelled to speak then go ahead, but avoid saying anything substantial.  While this is going on, Borloth, offer the rest of that drink you have there at the negotiating table as something of a goodwill offering, but you three should drink sparingly.  Let them, especially their leader, do the real drinking."  Regema looks for understanding in the eyes of his comrades.

"Beyond that point what needs to be done will vary depending on what happens.  If the situation starts to turn hostile I'll use my power to try and convince them to stay on-topic.  Should I fail then my pet here will make an entrance, and we'll just begin the slaughter a little early."  Regema lets that last comment roll of his tongue with a mock-disappointed tone, enjoying his little joke.

[Callix]

Madoc, having waited for Regema to speak on the matter, takes the chance to talk. "Well, friend, if you're coming with us, you'd best know that force is seldom our first option. Blood and suffering will come, but if you can't keep that boredom in check, you might end up as a liability."

Madoc simply watches the slaughter unmoved, but when asked to negotiate, he becomes more pensive. "I'll handle the discussions, and give them something to worry about if it turns ugly. A buyer would be a good cover. I know just the man..."

As he trails off, his appearance flows from lean adventurer to well-muscled workman, and an unnatural-looking bend appears in his upper left arm. His utilitarian clothing is replaced by a long shirt and trousers. "A logging supervisor always needs more workers, doesn't he?"

[emissary666]

I'll try to keep my boredom in check. Val'Malus spins his scythe around. What should we say the rest of us are?

[Stratovarius]

As they depart the town, two of the slaver's ruffians fall in beside them, saying nothing but following them to the camp of the slavers. Once there, they are held while a guard goes in to speak to the leader of the group. Returning from his conference, he gestures at the group. One of you to negotiate. No more. He then holds back the flap of the tent, revealing a desk, behind which the negotiator sits. Somewhat surprisingly, it is not the leader, but rather his brutish orc mate who sits behind the table. He arches his hand, gesturing for one of them to step forward.

Ritualist Comments:

You're only able to have one of those rituals, given that a mule is a 3hd creature and the max HD for rituals is 3 x ritual-wielder level. However, the class is still in development, so I'm taking comments, suggestions, updates, and so on, which means your PC may end up changing at times.

Slaver Camp, Closeup

Map of the slaver camp, in close up. Scale is 5 feet per square. Unmarked terrain is open grassland, campfires, and the like.

Code:

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|_|_|_|_|_|_|T|T|T|T|_|_|_|_|S|S|S|S|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|_|T|T|T|T|_|_|_|_|S|S|S|S|_|_|
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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|L|L|L|L|L|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|L|L|L|L|L|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|L|L|L|L|L|_|_|S|S|S|S|S|_|
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Code:
T: Tent
S: Slave Pens
L: Leader Tent

[Nanshork]

Borloth stands outside of the tent, knowing that he should never be allowed to negotiate unless intimidation tactics are needed.  He looks towards Madoc, waiting for him to step forward.

[emissary666]

May I check the tent first to ensure my employer's safety?