Wrenn continues to fumble with the coin.

continue with the prev plan

"The Eyes are watching you, Shaman - release the boy!" The engravings on Kharash's sword almost seemed to light up as he swung it once more towards the possessed noble.

---

Non-lethal attack on Roland + Divine Smite (1st level spell slot).

16:10, Today: Kharash rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Attack (greatsword).
16:10, Today: Kharash rolled 14 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,6.  Damage (greatsword).
16:11, Today: Kharash rolled 12 using 2d8 with rolls of 8,4.  Damage (divine smite).

"Eeaarggh" Sul grunted in pain before bringing back the hammer in a back hand motion to catch the skeleton in the chest. "Damnable creatures!"

---

<sub>Hit AC 22 for 4 Bludgeoning dmg.
DC 10 success for concentration on Bless.

11:09, Today: Brother Sul rolled 4 using 1d8.  Hammer damage.
10:54, Today: Brother Sul rolled 22 using 1d20+2+1d4.  Bless'ed Hammer Time.
10:54, Today: Brother Sul rolled 10 using 1d20+1.  Bless Concentration.</sub>

What had started in a few moments was over just as quickly. The radiant light from Kharash seems to drive deep into Roland, the young man collapsing in a heap. At the same time, when the coin is returned to the bowl, Wrenn sees a shimmering light that dispels the necromantic magic surrounding the coin. The remaining skeletons resume their eternal slumber to fall in piles once again. The room is deathly silent for a moment.

That silence is broken when a reddish smoke erupts from Roland's mouth and takes humanoid form with a scream. It looks ready for battle but another sound, this time a voice, booms from the statue. A ghostly knight, nearly the size of Kharash or Gerard, sweeps a spectral sword through the smoke as it says, "Begone, foul creature! The taint is removed and you are no longer allowed here!" The smoke diffuses for a second before streaking off, flying past Sul and Gerard in the other room.

The ghostly figure stands in front of the statue, hands on the hilt of his sword while the point rests on the ground. You recognize him as the second man, taking the sword from Delius as he laid on the stretcher from the aftermath of the dragon fight. After looking across each one of you quickly, his eyes focus on Wrenn. "You restored the offerings and the hallowness of this place. Speak, traveler. Why did you and your companions come here?", he says, gesturing for the party to move in front of the statue.

Those who look around can find that Chris has emerged from hiding, taking Kyle back towards the brazier room in silence. When the skeletons collapsed, Gerard resumed his guard over Farrissa. Roland remain unconscious on the floor.

Griswold is unusually silent waiting for Wrenn, so addressed, to speak up.  Still he cannot entirely contain himself as he returns his rapier to its scabbard with a quick, but showy flourish.

He then ducks down to check on Roland.  Upon standing back up, he nods respectfully at Kharash.  Acknowledging the Watcher's skill and restraint.

Wrenn stood and addressed the knight, "Sir Knight, we have come on a quest seeking the honor of ages past, that which was once held by those possessing the warrior spirit and the blood of dragons in their veins. We came seeking the Forgotten Tomb of the Greenwood, that we might return with the ancient sword of a buried hero as we begin our own journey toward becoming heroes ourselves."

The ghostly knight chuckled. "I see then that the Lady Inara has found her champions. It is strange that she sent three groups," he says, but quickly waves a hand dismissively. "It matters little. You are the ones who have stayed. The sword you seek is here, but is not lightly given. You call this the Forgotten Tomb of the Greenwood. How came you to know of this place? Do you know the truth of what you seek?", he says and looks to all of your group in a manner that says the question is not directed exclusively at Wrenn. His face, though translucent, conveys a sense of some apprehension and excitement.

OOC:For the sake of time, I will assume that Sul has joined the rest of your group by now. Gerard, Chris, Kyle, and Roland have been taken to the brazier room to recover.

"I don't think that we know the truth that we seek, though there has been some discussion. Though he didn't know this place for what it was, we hired a guide to show us around the area. We were lead here by our guide, Gammon the Helpful," Wrenn turned to point toward Gammon, if he was there, to indicate who he was speaking of.

"Well fought, squire." Kharash nodded at Griswold in return. He didn't say anything at that time, but thought Griswold would make a fine knight some day. "Well fought, all of you."

He sheathed his sword and walked up to the statue. "That possession that we witnessed, that was intended?" As Kharash had expected, Lady Inara had visited, and prepared, this place for the trials. Yet it seemed odd to him that, if there was some sort of agreement between Lady Inara and this guardian spirit, there was still some misunderstanding about the expectations. "What was it that Lady Inara discussed with you, if I may ask? And you said three groups? I see only two here."

Arizima shrugs at Kharash seemingly unconcerned by the appearance of the spirit.  "There was the group that I was recruited to assist.  If all this truly was set up by your Lady Inara it wouldn't be too surprising for our knight here to have some knowledge of them."

We were searching for a forgotten tomb and came across a story of the lands being haunted and a ghost who warns of danger here. The light led us to the goblin mounds and here we are. A Forgotten Tomb." Sul answered as tapped his pendant, the silver flame seemingly glowing in the light. He gave a bow, the heavy armor creaking as he bent.

He raised back up before continuing curiously. "You were gifted the sword of the order of Delius in the murals. May i ask, what do you know of the Dragons?" Sul asked the man, curious to what the... ghost could help him with.

The knight actually laughed this time as Sul spoke. "Dragons? They were rare in my time. Delius knew more than any man alive. I am sure that is still true. What little I know is common knowledge now, at least to what Lady Inara has informed me about the world," he says before looking at Wrenn.

"Gammon is a good man. He keeps me informed of what goes about in the forest. He is one of the few that know of this place...", he said before trailing off as he looked carefully at Kharash. "You are one of the Watchers, an old and noble order. I would have thought that you would know that answer by now. She has asked me to test the groups she send for those worthy to take up the mantle," the knight says.

"I am Sextus Varnun, the Last Knight of Delius, keeper of his sword, and sworn to find his successor. I find before me...", he then lifts his sword and points it at each member of your party.

"A squire, loyal and honorable," pointing at Griswold.

"A Watcher, fierce and true," pointing at Kharash.

"A traveler far from home," pointing at Arizima.

"A seer of secrets and magic," pointing at Wrenn.

"A truthseeker, scarred of soul," pointing at Sul.

"I have seen into the truth of your beings and found you worthy. The task is not done, however. One of you must pledge to continue to the Order. I require something that must be given before you can keep it. You have time to discuss this. I have waited centuries and a few more minutes will not be so long," Sextus intones in a very official sounding voice. He returns his sword point down and waits for a response.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:34, Sat 02 Dec 2017.

Arizima gives the rest a curious look as Sextus speaks.  Once he finishes she taps her chin apparently deep in thought.  "I believe I'm out of the running immediately.  I've other loyalties beyond your shores that would complicate any oath.  Not to mention the outrage among your orders any such recognition granted me would likely cause.  Truthfully I'm surprised I would even be considered for such a thing."  She gives the knight an apologetic glance.  "Ah.  Not to offend.  I do appreciate being included.  The vote of confidence as well."

She looks to Griswold next.  "I would assume you would be the obvious choice if you wished it.  From what I gather this is meant to be your calling yes?"

Griswold  gaped a couple of times, like a fish out of water, trying to find voice for his thoughts.  "Well, I...I am not really sure.  Of course I am worthy, no doubt there!  But...I am still a squire in training.  It would be extremely brazen for me to declare myself to an order before my trial is complete.  Even to a lost one.  I, uh, assume.  Lost orders are a bit of a new concept to me...

"And I am destined to be the next Rose, of course!

"That and both our esteemed Watcher and Holy Veteran are already proven."

Griswold turned to the knight and gave a respectful salute.  "Venerable sire, are the writings in the previous hall, your order's tenants?  If so, I will not deny that I find them appealing.  And is the pledge all that you require, or is there more?  I have only meagre possessions.  What little gold I carry is promised to another and the only real thing I own of any value, my grumpy fleabitten horse, is as true a friend as there ever was.  I'll not part with him."

Sextus smiled at the young squire. "Is not the purpose of the trial to accomplish a feat of chivalry and prove worthiness? Do you think so much of the world that to rediscover a knightly order is a trifle not worthy of a quest?", he asked.
Sextus continued after letting the question hang for a moment. "I ask nothing but your word. Those are indeed the tenants of the order, passed to us from the lips of Delius himself. Speak them true and in good faith, if you wish to. There are others in your party that have yet to speak on the subject. I will not force the vow onto anyone."

Kharash was still suspicious of the whole situation, but didn't press his questions. Perhaps it was just him being a bit paranoid this time.

"It is an honor to be considered to take up your mantle," he said to the ghostly knight, and gave a small bow with his head. "However, I haven't been a Watcher for that long yet. And although being pledged to one goal, does not mean it cannot coexist with another - and noble tennets yours are - I do feel this would be too soon for me. At this points my focus should be on the Eyes of Yggdrasil alone."

He looked at his companions, trying to judge whether they'd be up for it or not, then back at the spirit. "Can you tell us some more about Delius, and his Order? When was it active? And how were its relations with the Watchers and the Knightly Orders - or was it part of them?"

Wrenn bowed his head to the ghostly knight, "My own path lies elsewhere as well, of course. Griswold, this task is yours. It is clear."

"You know what?  No!" Griswold snaps, his countenance dramatically changing.  He'd been caught up in the romanticism of the tale, but his thoughts had once again turned to the other competitors.  He angrily spun around, calling out to all around him.  "Lady Inara!  Are you watching?  Is all of Maypole watching?  All this?" He made a wide sweeping gesture. "Well I hope you are pleased with your little show, because I sure as Sh...sugar am not!  All this was meant to be a bit of fun.  A friendly competition in a time of celebration.  Remember that?  The reward: a meeting with a legendary Knight of the Rose.  But look at what it brought: fear, pain, grief.  Nobility possessed by an evil apparition and children unconscious - near death even!  Is this what you think passes for entertainment?  You've even trivialised no, mocked, an ancient knightly order, forcing its last guardian to perform in your little pantomime with the hope that he can finally find some peace at last! It is sick and twisted and I am done with it.  I quit!  And if the Rose believes this is what a moment of their time is worth, then they can take this ghost's damned sword and shove it right up their ar...arsenal."

He started to storm out of the room, then turned back to the knight, "I am sorry my Lord, but even if your offer is genuine, I could never have accepted it.  A squire stands accused, not as judge.  Krieghold, not I, must decide whether and when I am worthy of knighthood.  Only then am I free to pledge myself to an order and speak the tenants.  I fear you have been used as much as us in this distasteful drama.

"Besides, surely the honour of your order's rediscovery belongs to Gammon or Lady Inara?"

With that he leaves to attend to the youths.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Sat 02 Dec 2017.

Sul nodded understandingly at the knights words, his thoughts solemn. Still, he hadn't actually expected much to aid his own quest down here. This was... a different path than he could ever expect really.

He instead focused on the here and now. He listened to the knights words and those around him, as he considered the mural and it's oaths. He watched as Griswold marched out before rubbing his shaved head with his gauntleted hand.

Turning back, he looked to the knight apologetically. Even if this were a trial, he was lead here for a reason...

"I am... no longer... That is to say, My own Order is..." He stopped with a cough as he tried to arrange his thoughts. He had never been especially good with these topics. Not since his injury.

Sul took a deep breath before looking to the knight. "My own goals align well with the tenants of Delius. If this is a requirement to continue, it only helps my cause. In fact, i believe that is why i was guided here." Sul said with conviction. "I am, or rather, i have trained to be an acolyte of the Light, sworn to fight for those who cannot themselves. You say you have seen the... scars," He said with a wince, "but, if you deem me worthy even with them, i will pledge to continue the Order as best as i am able." He offered, keeping his eyes on the knight.

The Sextus looks solemnly at the party, thinking long for a moment before responding.

"The Delian Order was founded near the birth of the Empire. We were alive when the conquering of even the Brokentail mountains to the north was fresh. Goblins and other foul creatures roamed freely. Delius fought to make the lands and legacy of man safe. It was near Mount Crestfire where Delius felled the last dragon in the realms of Man. After that, The Watchers saw purpose in our cause and often aided our members abroad or in the field. Many of the other Orders were too busy with their own crusades to assist us," he said and paused for a moment.

"Despite the impassioned words of your friend, the squire, I take no offence. It is true that Lady Inara and Gammon know of this place, but they are bound to secrecy. Lady Inara is already pledged to an Order and Gammon is a keeper of the forest, not a knight. The possession was not the test. Another came after Inara and corrupted this sanctum. I know not who, perhaps Inara knows. It is not the test I crafted but if you are sincere in your faith, true to your principles, which I believe you are, then I find you worthy based on the battle alone."

Sextus gestures to a spot in front of him and places the sword upright in front of himself in a ceremonial manner. "If your heart be true, your faith strong, your courage stalwart, and your hammer ready, take a knee and say the words," he intones. In a flash, his ghostly visage is replaced by a man, older in years with silvery gray hair and simple but well made armor. Sextus smiles, laugh lines forming easily. "I, Sextus Varnun, would hear Brother Sul, Acolyte of the Light, pledge himself to the Delian Order. Who here will bear witness to this Vow?"

He waits a moment for someone to speak and once someone does, with Sul in front of him(kneeling or not), places a hand on the clerics shoulder. He places the sword, point down, and indicates for Sul to take hold of it with both hands before he says the words.

OOC: If you wish to say the words, you may, I wish to be clear that you do not have to pledge yourself if you don't want to or think it is required to advance the story. The words were indeed the ones on the mural room. Sextus has obviously been preparing for this moment during the centuries. Anyone may contribute to the ceremony as they see fit.

"I will stand as witness." Wrenn considered adding magic to the effect to make the event more spectacular, but decided against it.

Sul nodded. He was no stranger to ceremony, and indeed found it one of the easier things to do. He already now believed this was what he was led here for, and would continue to stay true to it.

Moving before Sextus the acolyte took a knee as he had done long before in practice, his armor creaking as he bent. He looked up at the now wisened man before him staring into his eyes as he steeled his resolve. This would be the first of many steps down a new path that he would be ready for.

His hands wrapped around the pommel of the sword before he spoke, his voice steady and true. "I pledge myself to the Order of Delius as an agent of the Light. I pledge myself as one who would turn the tides of Chaos itself. I swear to fight for those that cannot themselves to these ends. From now, until i can no longer, my sword is so pledged." He ended, his voice gaining strength as he spoke the pledge.

---

Just a thought, my passive insight into this makes this all feel true correct? xD
As long as i believe this, then i am true to the pledge. It does follow the code i already set for Sul, and he does believe that his faith directed him here.

Kharash looked up surprised at Brother Sul, who stepped up to pledge himself to this order. He realized he didn't know much about the cleric he had been traveling with these days. From what he could pick up he guessed Sul had his own demons, and there was a certain determination in Sul's decision to take this vow.

"So will I," Kharash said after Wrenn. "The Watchers and the Knights of Delius have joined forces in the past, and so they shall once more." He nodded at the cleric with a smile.

--

It seemed he wasn't the only one suspicious of Lady Inara's dealings. Though he would've probably worded it differently than the squire. Still, he understood his reasoning - and respected the decision. The ghostly knight's words made him doubt his own suspicions of Lady Inara, however. After the ceremony he turned to Sextus. "You mentioned a stranger coming here, leaving a taint in this place. Do you have any idea who this was? Or can you give us a description of this person? It is curious someone knew about this place, and apparently purposefully tried to sabotage the trials."

Sextus smiled broadly, almost in relief, as the words were spoken. When they were finished, his form began to become translucent again, shifting back to his ghostly form. "May the Light guide you in the dark places and the Silver Flame burn evermore," he intoned. He appeared to sag as the moments passed before turning to Kharash.

"I am not long for this plane now that my duty is fulfilled. I wish I could tell you more but my memory serves to say only that this person was not working with Lady Inara. She seemed to know this person, as they spoke of her before commencing the corruption ritual," he said weakly. His form began to fade more and he looked peacefully at the group. He gestured with an open hand to the statue and a small stair way appeared as part of the statue caved inward at the base.

"Below you will find the armory and last of the coffers of the order. They are yours now, use them wisely. Tell the squire I wish him luck on his trial. Should you need advice, I have inscribed a manuscript and stored it below. It shall act a guide when you find yourself lost. Fare thee well, brother," he said, placing a hand on Brother Sul's shoulder as he faded entirely.

Arizima claps her hands together once as Sextus fades away almost as if to dispel the mood before it settles.  "I believe some sort of congratulations are in order?  This competition seems to have turned out rather wonderfully for you all things considered."  She slips past the others to stand next to the entrance of the staircase gesturing to it with a grin.  "Shall we see what awaits in the armory?"