The last undead collapse across the yard, leaving blackened earth and drifting ash. Beyond the road, mounted soldiers gather beneath the Baron's colors, their surviving ranks reforming around two officers.
Maurice Headsman
There. The scarred one is rallying the center. The officer in red is drawing the survivors toward our breach.
The mounted host shifts behind its officers, hooves churning the road into gray mud. Their banners hang torn, but the Baron’s device remains visible through the ash.
Celia Graves
The rite bought us moments, not victory. The dead are quiet, but living hands still hold the field.
Celia’s completed signs fade from the yard, leaving only scorched lines and a bitter mineral smell. The breach behind them remains narrow, defensible, and their only retreat.
The Rider
Advance on the breach! Break the three standing there before the sorceress can mark another ground!
The front riders lower their spears and begin forward. Maurice tightens his grip on the sword, Celia raises her flail, and the ash settles around Elianor’s feet.
“I say "we just need to hold out long enough for the Dukes forces to arrive." I use the divine flame to create a wall of flame across the breach to scare away the horses. I ask Maurice "please position to kill any man who crosses the wall of flame." I then try to scare the soldiers by yelling a bluff "Death Witch, the trap is sprung, raise the dear to wipe out the barons army."”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +1)
Elianor Vale
We just need to hold out long enough for the Duke's forces to arrive.
Elianor opens her hands, and divine flame races across the breach in a blazing wall. Heat ripples over the road, making the mounted horses rear and wheel away from the barrier.
Elianor Vale
Maurice, please position yourself to kill any man who crosses the wall of flame.
Maurice Headsman
Gladly. Let them learn what crossing costs.
Elianor Vale
Death Witch, the trap is sprung! Raise the dead to wipe out the Baron's army!
The bluff rolls across the yard with the firelight. Several riders flinch toward the road, while the front rank breaks formation and pulls hard against frightened mounts.
The Rider
Hold! Hold the line! No one crosses that fire!
“Order Maurice to threaten the red officer”
FAILURE (Fair Oratory, rolled -1)
Elianor Vale
Maurice, threaten the officer in red. Make him pull his riders back from this breach.
Maurice steps to the fire wall, towering above the breach, and fixes the red-cloaked officer with a hard, unwavering stare. The riders watch him instead of advancing.
Maurice Headsman
You in red, withdraw your riders. Cross this fire, and I will meet you first. Your men will see what follows.
The threat lands across the road, but the officer in red does not yield. He raises one gauntleted hand, and the nearest riders wheel wide rather than retreating.
The Officer in Red
He wants us watching him. Circle the flame and press both sides. Do not give the headsman the crossing he demands.
The failed threat changes the field: the mounted line splits around the burning barrier, leaving Maurice facing the nearest gap while the far riders seek a route toward Celia and the breach.
Keep the riders from reaching Celia
“Hold the flame wall until the riders withdraw”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +0)
Elianor braces her will against the flame wall. The fire holds, roaring across the breach as mounted soldiers circle but find no safe passage through its white-gold heat.
The riders slow. Horses rear and sidestep, refusing the burning ground, while the divided formation loses its momentum and begins drawing away from the breach.
The Officer in Red
Fall back from the flame. Reform beyond its reach, and do not waste men against that barrier.
The nearest riders obey. Spears rise, bridles turn, and the Baron's Host withdraws across the churned road until the breach stands clear of their advance.
Maurice Headsman
They are pulling back. Keep the wall steady, Elianor, and they will not test it again today.
The effort leaves Elianor's composure frayed. Her breath catches and her focus wavers for one visible instant, noticed by Maurice and Celia before she steadies the fire again.
Celia Graves
You held them. Let the flame rest when you can. The field is ours for this moment.
Quest Complete
Stop the Baron's advance
Attribute Upgrade: Agility Fair→Good