Turn 3: New BeginningsI summon a small woodland bird to scout the area, then report its findings to the commander
[4][Luck 1] You successfully summon what seems to be a hawk. It promptly screeches and attacks you. Hawk [1] vs [3+1] You successfully knock it backwards to the ground as it charges you.
+2 SummoningI try to create a rune of stabilise necromantic workings on my crossbow
Runecrafting [4][Luck 4], Necromancy [5][Luck 4]. You succeed in scribing a rune that not only stabilizes necromantic effects, but slightly strengthens them.
+4 NecromancyNew Spell: Rune of Necromantic FocusHead back to the fort and convince the commander to give us a second chance. If I have any time left I examine the white stones, and mess about with them with alchemy.
Diplomacy [5]. You manage to convince him that first meaning was just getting off on the wrong foot, and you're probably not incompetent at all. He decides to give you a chance to prove your mettle.
+3 DiplomacyTry to make a rune that will make the item very VERY cold.
Runecrafting [5+1][Luck 5], Water Magic [5][Luck 5]. Grabbing your longsword, you manage to scribe a series of runes across the blade, rendering the blade permanently frosty but leaving the hilt unaffected. It now radiates cold, to the point where a slight mist constantly trails from it.
+3 Runecrafting, +2 Water MagicNew Spell: Rune of Frozen WaterI search my spellbook for anything on modifying spells and enchantments in a short time.
[1][Luck 5] You find just what you're looking for, and nearly try it out before realizing that's not what that means
at all. On the bright side, you realize what that does mean, and why you shouldn't do it.
+1 DestructionThe commander explains the situation to Sargoth: "A demon attack is on its way. Normally, outsiders are to stand down and not interfere, for two reasons. One, I want these soldiers to be absolute experts in killing demons, since they're going to be doing it for a long, long time. Two, I don't want any half-baked mage making things worse. If you're really as good as you say you are, and your friends are up to snuff with you, you should be able to wreak havoc on these demons without taking down the fortress with you. I want you and your companions to stand up there in the middle and do what you can to the main force of demons, while my men continue to assault them from the sides. You'll be completely protected, so don't worry about that, just show me what you can do to the bastards. If you think you can't handle it, pull back and let my archers back up there. Understood?"
He then heads inside. "If you two want in on the foray, there's a group proving themselves right now. If you want in with them, you might want to get up there and fight alongside them yourself."
A short, moderately-girthed man with brown hair, piercing blue eyes, and a short but full red beard. Jolly demeanor, wearing very simple clothes.
Apprentice Restoration (0/20)
Novice Light Magic (0/10)
Major MendingCure Light WoundsEye FlashApplewood Staff
Brown Friar Robes (includes hood and rope belt)
Brown Linen Pants
Hemp Sandals
---
Backpack
Bedroll
Traveling Rations
Small Medical KitFairly tall, decently muscled, clean-shaven man with black hair and dark blue eyes. Seems a bit distant or distracted sometimes.
Apprentice Swordsman (0/20)
Novice Destruction (0/10)
FrostballSteel LongswordBronze ShieldStudded Leather ArmorLinen Tunic
Leather PantsLeather Boots
---
Book of Destruction Magic
Ornamental OrbCopper PoleSunstone[acronym]The demons will attack at the end of next turn; one round to prepare, if you intend to face them. One of the archers calls out about approaching demons, and anyone who climbs to the top of the wall sees a massive horde of them thundering towards the fortress. They have dark red skin, black horns, teeth, and eyes, and are charging on all fours like gorillas. Their arms seem large and muscular, and they have a bulging belly, large horns, and a large, jutting lower jaw.
The center of their attack, the region directly north and above the gate, has been cleared out for you (assuming you accept; they'll fill it up if you decline). Off to the sides, having less of an angle, are numerous uniformed archers.
Bland, pale, skinny-looking fellow with brown hair and eyes.
Apprentice Necromancer (6/20)
Novice Runecrafter (1/10)
Animate DeadScathing TouchRune of NecrosisRune of Necromantic FocusLinen Robe
Wooden Staff
Minor Ring of ProtectionLeather QuiverLeather Shoes---
Focused Repeating CrossbowSlightly short man with a long amethyst ponytail and eyes. Medium complexion, birthmark on left hand.
Apprentice Summoner (4/20
Novice Claw User (0/10)
Summon Spirit AllySummon WildlifeClaw GauntletsReinforced Leather ArmorLinen Tunic
Rugged Leather PantsLeather Boots
---
Camping SuppliesTall, swarthy, long-fingered arabic man with a short black beard and long arms.
Apprentice Destruction (4/20)
Novice Enchanter (0/10)
Lightning BlastFireballImbue Concussion BombShrapnel ShatterSteel Dagger
Dark Grey Robe
Dark Grey Wizard's Hat
Bone Ring
---
Spellbook
Broad-shouldered man with green eyes and black hair.
Apprentice Earth Magic (0/20)
Novice Alchemist (0/10)
Dabbling Diplomat (0/10)
Earth WaveEarth SlamPotion of StoneskinReinforced Leather ArmorSoft Wool TunicSoft Wool Pants
Soft Wool Socks
Leather Shoes
Walking Stick
---
Hand Axe
Knife
Blanket
Waterskin (2)
Dried Beef
Crystalline white stones
Unremarkable looking man with brown hair and eyes.
Apprentice Runecrafter (4/20)
Novice Water Magic (2/10)
Rune of Weeping WaterRune of Water's FlowAir FrostCure Minor WoundsRune of Frozen WaterRobe
Oak Staff
Hooked Belt
Linen Pants
Leather Shoes
---
LongswordSketchbook+Pencil
Runecrafting KitI've started adding short descriptions to your profiles; let me know if anything's wrong or you have a better idea.
Since maxicaxi stealth edited his question in earlier and I just now noticed it, we'll all now enjoy a flashback to his mysterious question:
how do you turn demons into undead?
Not much research has been done on this subject, at least to the archmage's knowledge. It's known that they react strangely to necromantic magic- they're not immune to it, but they don't react like a normal being would, and there's a fair amount of speculation as to whether they're truly "alive." He suggests that it might not be possible, but if it is, it probably requires a better understanding of them than anyone currently seems to have.