Beneath the shared black sheets, Kael rests with Sophie, Maisie, and Gabriella when a shared silent vision appears above the chamber floor.
Moonlit branches frame a hidden Witchwood forge. An elderly witch named Lorsha, a thin human elder with a narrow, deeply lined face and knotted hands, with deeply lined pale skin, white hair in braids, and soot-dark robes stands beside an unfinished black-armored construct, a hulking adult male-presenting iron construct with broad shoulders and a featureless helm.
Lorsha lays both hands against the construct’s breastplate. Runes kindle across its armor, shaping a knight in Kael’s image, while a black horse construct is joined to it.
The Elderly Witch
By black oath and guarded root, I name you the Black Rider.
A shield settles upon the Rider’s arm, and a long lance rests in its gauntlet. Its visor turns toward the forest path as the forge-fire dims.
The Elderly Witch
Stand before this clearing. Let witch hunters and male trespassers see the warning, and let the coven sleep in peace under your watch.
The vision lingers on the Black Rider taking position beneath the trees, its resemblance to Kael unmistakable.
✓ Quest Accepted
Lawfully bound the Black Rider as the coven's guardian
“Kael is amazed by Lorsha's ingenuity. He gives the elderly witch his blessing to pursue the project as the covens guardian. He desires to reward the elderly witch Lorsha with an "anointing" ceremony, making her a young woman again.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Kael’s amazement passes through the shared vision as a warm radiance. His Ancient Heritage awakens the forge’s oldest runes, and the Black Rider bows beneath their sudden light.
The blessing reaches Lorsha across the vision. Kael’s Set Sacred Rules give the project lawful protection: the construct will guard the coven, the clearing, and every witch sheltered beneath its oath.
The Elderly Witch
Bless my hands in this undertaking, my lord. The Black Rider shall stand as guardian to the women of this grove.
A second circle opens beneath Lorsha’s feet, marked by the same black-spade authority carried by Kael’s coven. From this circle emerges Kael.
Kael removes his armor and clothes and begins with her help. After a while, Lorsha is "anointed". She closes her eyes and holds her tongue out as the anointing takes hold. White braids darken, lined skin smooths, and her bent frame rises into that of a young adult woman, while her soot-dark robes settle neatly around her renewed form.
The Elderly Witch
Yes, my lord. Yeeesssss. Let my years return. Let my purpose remain true. I gratefully accept this gift, and devote my existence to you.
The Black Rider gallops off as Lorsha remains on her knees with her face covered in the anointing of her god. She continues in prayer and her god is pleased with her.
Quest Complete
Lawfully bound the Black Rider as the coven's guardian
“Lorsha continues to pray with her eyes closed and Kael's anointing dripping down her face.”
The elderly witch remains kneeling beneath the Witchwood branches, eyes closed as the sacred anointing drips steadily across her renewed face. The forge-runes glow around her in quiet approval.
The Elderly Witch
I receive this grace with gratitude, my lord. Let every breath I take serve the coven and the guardian you have raised.
Her prayer continues, steady and reverent. The black-spade circle beneath her does not fade, and its lawful protection settles into the roots beneath the clearing.
Beyond the grove, the Black Rider waits beneath the trees, shield lifted and lance grounded. Its featureless helm remains turned toward every path leading to the witches’ refuge.
The Elderly Witch
The years are gone, but the oath is stronger than ever. I will keep this sanctuary beneath his protection.
The vision holds on the elderly witch’s bowed figure and the shining construct beyond her. Her prayer rises through the branches, answered by the warm, unwavering light of Kael’s blessing.