He really looks just like a human.
"I see. I believe, your abilities will be of great use to our goal."
A prideful and self-assured noble, perhaps, but - human.
"... My sire and I seek to rule these lands, and these fractured fiefdoms local peasants insist on calling the Empire. We shall unify them, and reforge them into a true Empire - an enlightened, educated land, true peer of great nations of the past or even the likes of Ulthuan or Cathay! Once my sire sits on the throne, you shall not cover from uneducated barbarians in ancient tombs!.."
Perhaps, that is what makes you uncomfortable. Besides his tendency to go on and on and on. Worse than Hierophant, you swear. The Liche Priests, at least, do not pretend to be something they are not.
A sudden terrifying screech pierces through the night - a sound that makes the slow blood in your veins cool down to near stillness and arcane lights around you, flicker. The vampire merely chuckles.
"It seems that the rest of my servants are finally arriving. I have other responsibilities to attend to, so I'll be brief. In this land, you shall call me... Let's say, Ferdinand von Schugeir. Right now, I have several tasks for you. An inglorious use of your talents, but all have to do work far beneath our station, these days."
Choose two (2).
[] "You shall deal with one of the local nobles."
My sire is planning to suborn the highest echelons of local nobility - we are a part of the effort to ensure that once he shows himself to the public, there would be none who shall oppose him. That means eroding the powerbase of one Leopold Von Drak.
As a test, you'll be neutralizing one of his... More ardent followers. Deal with him, in a manner of your choosing. Slay him, suborn him, it matters not. "
[] "There are signs that a small group of spellcasters is operating nearby.
Strange happenings. Inexplicable events. Peasants whispering about curses and blessings... Deal with them before they attract unwanted attention. Or worse, before they are recruited by a competing power. You are a wielder of hidden lore and terrifying arcane secrets - it should be easy for you to cow a small group of self-taught dilettantes, no?"
[] "Something or someone started kidnapping people in the region.
In unusual and concerning numbers. I do not yet have any forces under my command that require such infusions of meat and blood, so some manner of a wild monstrosity must be trying to impinge on my lands.
Deal with them. We shall not abide competition."
[] "An army of animated stone statues sounds... Intriguing. I expect at least several to be available for my command as soon as possible. I cannot provide the materials you require, sadly, but I am sure you'll manage."
"As you wish." You murmur, already thinking about how you'll have to juggle new responsibilities with the wants of the Cult. For you already were tasked with...
Choose one(1).
[] Seeking new recruits.
The Cult seeks to become more than it currently is - and for that, it needs to expand, and grow. Infuse itself with recruits. Such is the responsibility of those we are sent to this barbaric lands, to sift through garbage to find those who might show even the slightest measure of talent.
[] Gathering Materials.
Vessels of some of the cult's useful servants and most useful members are destroyed. The majority of ancient liche-priests are in forcibly induced sleep, lest shattered bodies and lack of stimulation drive them mad. Dozens of Ushabti, gifted to the outpost by mythical in ancient days lie inert, their souls siphoned into the realm of Usirian. The ancient glories must be restored, and for that, materials are needed.
[] Searching for the Lost.
This is not the first attempt to breach Cult's isolation. Many of the high-ranking Liche Priests previously descended from the mountains into these lands, and thanks to one of those expeditions, you still draw breath. Nonetheless, over the eons, many of the braves faded into this land, never returning, their fate - unknown. It is up to you to find them. It is known for certain that at least one was lost in land currently known as Sylvania.
...And none of these burdens are optional. You must serve your lord, while furthering goals of the cult. The cult must end the isolation it has imposed on itself, and grow strong; lest the terms of the alliance going to become increasingly unfair with the passage of time, as proportions of strength between the Cult and these new rulers shifts and respectful agreement between equals to turns into irreverent demands of the strong. When compared to the ancient Kings of Nehekhara, you are already starting at a disadvantage - after all, these immortal creatures already have their own magic.
"You should familiarize yourself with the rest of the significant personage in the court, once they arrive." The man continues, seemingly unaware or uncaring of your worries.
"You shall be allowed your own quarters and space in the keep – construction and repairs are going to take some time, so if you have preferences or requirements, leave them with Alwin and it'll be done. You also shall be afforded a small budget for your tasks. Now, I have my own responsibilities to attend to. Now you should leave me be, and not return to this part of the keep for some time. My other servants... Could be unreasonable when agitated."
***
It, perhaps, should be somewhat concerning that you feel yourself more comfortable with the dead before you than than the pale semblance of a human being that calls yourself your new lord.
"Finally, somebody decided to rebuild this keep! It was the love of my life, my magnum opus, you know? If only my budget was larger, then this place could've easily withstood those damned beastmen. It is not my fault that the walls fells, it is not!.."
You are utterly unconvinced that the feeble ghost before you could harm anyone at all. A bespectacled man, small, thin, barely there - if this transparent, insubstantial wisp of a being was any weaker, he'd probably fade away entirely. Only this castle keeps him anchored to the material plane - and even that is insufficient to keep him awake, as thin lacing of dhar over his entire being continuously prods and rouses him in a state of agitation.
"The keep is in a sorry state. Was it really necessary to invite you before even the slightest of repairs were complete? This is truly an embarrassment... There are some places here that still might be fit for habitation, of course, but If you are willing to endure the shameful ruin this place became."
After some hesitation, you sought to claim a place for yourself in this shattered keep, lest you be forced to camp in the forces or some grimy cellar. Also, because you needed something to do while your new Lord wrangled whatever monstrosities he called "his other servants."
You found this ghost quickly as he was wandering the halls, bemoaning the state of disrepair - Alwin Heldmann, as he introduced himself, was roused from eternal sleep fairly recently. The vampire bewitched him into believing that Ferdinand von Schugeir was the rightful lord of this place and told him that the keep must be restored - Alwin was only happy to see his life's work come back to life. Perhaps, he didn't even really need to be ensorcelled to start drawing the plans for reconstruction - only some energy to stay awake.
Come to think of it, you might want to talk with so-called "Ferdinand" about him. Dhar could be used to arouse a ghost into action, but long-term influence would reduce his capability as an architect and further damage whatever remains of his mind. You could do better.
"Anyway, if you wish to claim one of the rooms..." The ghosts continue to yammer, unaware of your considerations. "I would recommend:
[] One of the castle's towers.
"Previous baron had a small-time spellcaster in their employ. Useless charlatan... Most of their private belongings were stolen and the rest destroyed, but you still might find the place suitable for your needs. After some repairs, of course."
Small space, remote from the main body of the keep.
[] Room in the keep.
"Why bother with anything special? Simply claim one of the many small rooms in the main building."
More space, part of the main body of the keep.
[] Space in the dungeons.
"If you really want... Proximity to earth... and corpses... could be arranged? This would make some of the magical rituals easier, or so I was told. By far the least comfortable place to live in my humble opinion, but that issue could be solved. With a lot of work. By Verena, why. "
Lots of space. Dark, dusty and decorated with old corpses, some of which might be useful for various purposes and would be, otherwise, harder to claim.
***
The journey here was horrendously uncomfortable, so you decided to take a moment to recover in your newly claimed accommodations. A small number of terrified mortal servants under Alwin's guidance hastily prepare the space for basic habitation, with many accompanying promises that later, the sorry state of the place is going to be remedied and you'll get chambers suitable for someone of "your station."
Nonetheless, when left alone, you take a moment to;
Choose one (1)
[] Fail to resist the urge to look at your skull-like face.
Your skeletal visage does not immediately betray you as a magic user, but it is, nonetheless, somewhat suspicious and unpleasant for many to look at. Not quite at the point where one would immediately assume the workings of magic, but...
Persistent social malus.
[]Pluck the newly-grown feathers faintly poking out of your hair.
Botched incantation could resolve in many thousand outcomes; a touch of Usirian's feathered servants could be considered to be an incredibly lucky outcome; perhaps, even a blessing. If only peasants knew this... It doesn't take much to conceal, but it could be immediately problematic if carelessly revealed.
Very easy-to-conceal secret that could be very damaging if discovered by most in Imperial societies. Your vampiric overlord doesn't care terribly much.
[] Simply lie down and close your eyes, letting your body recover.
A botched ritual left you in a state of relative infirmity. After you consumed the incomplete elixir of life, your flesh is resistant to death - but the joints ache, the bones crack, and the muscles whine - it is simply a pain for you to move around. Your body prefers much prefers stillness of the grave. In fact, you were once told you sleep like a corpse.
Small physical malus.
[] Simply lie down and enjoy the breeze of Shyish.
...Perhaps, you got a little too used to sleeping in a tomb.
Makes you uncomfortable and cranky - small malus to everything - if you did not get a night's sleep in some sort of a tomb or surrounded by death. Locks choice of accommodations to "space in the dungeon."
[] Write-in.
A modestly difficult-to-deal-with complication. Physical change, compulsion, vulnerability, incredibly ignorable voices in your head.
After a brief period of recuperation, it is time to work. You arrange the items and talismans before you. Whispering incantations of Usirian, you spend hours in meditation and prayer, until, finally, you feel the presence of your ghostly retinue.
Choose two (2).
[Free] Several unremarkable spirits
Dead, loyal, without terribly much useful skill or knowledge. Nonetheless, even such ghosts could be of some use.
[] Ethereal Tomb Guard
Not even in death does duty end. While his body has been destroyed centuries ago, this warrior is still ready to serve.
[]Local Nobleman
You stumbled upon his corpse on the way here. He claims to be one of the local nobles, unjustly slain by his brother and promises all manners of assistance and rewards. They are well-educated and reasonably knowledgeable about recent local affairs.
[]Tomb Banshee
A deceased spirit of unknown origin; even in death possessing of a macabre beauty. You suspect she was never human. Storyteller and bard, her voice and music inflict unnatural emotions on the listeners.
[] Undead Scholar
A multidisciplinary academic. Master of many fields, journeyman in many more. Finance, agriculture, math... archeology... The list is very long.
[] Write-in.
Later, with your preparations ready and your rest complete, you consider you connection to the Cult. This deeply in these barbaric lands, the amount of help much-diminished Mortuary Cult could provide to you is limited, but not insignificant. Your mentor, in particular, could further tilt the scales in your support.
Your mentor is;
[]Hierophant himself.
Bonus to request for material assistance. Stronger mage, but is not available to personally help outside of exceptional circumstances. Master of Light Magic and Incantations of Nehekhara.
[] One the High Priests.
Much easier-to-get personal help. Specializes in Wind of Death and Incantations of Nehekhara.
It is a shame that you could not remain with them. You were just about starting to discover something interesting. Shame that your studies are most assuredly going to be heavily interrupted by your new responsibilities...
Pick two (2) spells. You are not terribly likely to learn any of these otherwise. Spells provided here serve as a foundation for further studies into related magics. Some directions for further possible developments are provided; these are non-exhaustive.
[] Death and Sky Bargain
Designate a target; a living being, phenomena, organization. After casting, receive a bonus on all actions meant to facilitate the target's end. Become strongly compelled to seek the target's end for a month. Requires a long ritual.
Oaths, bargains, trade, inevitability.
[] Ever-Uninvited Guest Approach
Caster becomes ethereal and almost unnoticeable to any casual observers as long as they do choose to interact with the environment. Movement is allowed.
Surprises, ownership, movement, transportation.
[] Faint Embers Rebirth
After casting, the target appears to die to all but most through examinations. To the target, it appears as if they are stuck in some sort of liminal realm while experiencing confusing visions, occasionally experiencing strange visitations. After several days, they rise - their appearance changes, and all of their wounds are healed. Does not cure arcane marks. Does not reverse age, although somewhat mitigates age-related infirmities. Does not work if majority of the body is missing. Inconvenient to cast in combat.
Change, healing, dreams, soul.
[] Agony of the Ages Past
Affect the target within vocal range with a sudden surge of emotion; sadness, apathy, nostalgia, and/or regret are most easily induced emotions. Variable strength. Has a mandatory vocal element. If performed over a long period of time, effects tends to linger.
Emotion, compulsion, attachment, intimacy.
[] Usirian's Embrace Invitation
For a predetermined amount of time from several seconds to a day, target vanishes from the material plane. To the target, it appears as if they are traveling through some shadowed realm while experiencing confusing visitations and ominous warnings about their future.
Summoning, travel, afterlife, divination, Usirian.
[]Write-in: Spell that touch upon more indirect aspects of Shyish - consider Fate of Bjuna - or somewhat infringe on things that other Winds are good at.
...Nonetheless. You were chosen for this task, and you shall not fail. You'll use this opportunity to stop the gradual decay of your home, with help - or in spite - of your new lord. You have much to do,
[]Son
[]Daughter
...Of Mortuary Cult.
AN; Specifics of your Faithful Companion to be determined next update. If two options do a vaguely same thing, presume potential or even immediate synergies.
...I probably also should start thinking about changing the placeholder quest-title and looking for a thread picture, huh.
