The crawlspace widens into a low stone pocket. Dust hangs in the air, then settles. Lord Markul keeps the iron scroll case balanced in both hands, while Bram lets himself sink onto a flat slab and rubs at his wrists.
Bram
If that thing breaks the Church’s grip, I say we use it. I just do not want it trading one cage for another.
Lord Markul
A fair fear. Ancient powers rarely come when invited, and never leave politely.
Markul studies Slaan across the narrow chamber, his tone measured but tired. Bram watches her too, waiting for her read on the artifact and the choice ahead.
Slaan
The scroll case is quieter now, but not empty.
Lord Markul
You know more of bane stones than either of us, Slaan. Tell us plainly, do you think purification is a blade, or a door?
Bram leans back against the wall and gives Slaan room to answer. For the first time in hours, no one is moving, only listening.
✓ Quest Accepted
Decide how to use the iron scroll case
“" our objective was to show the enemies face, to let the mask slip. We can dispell the bane or let it runs it's course and take the keep. Either way the case will need to be used." I say planly”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -2)
Slaan answers in the quiet, keeping her voice level. The case is not a cure, it is bait. If the bane is purged, the hidden face has to show itself. If it runs its course, the keep still becomes the place where they are forced into the open.
Slaan
Our objective is to make the enemy show its face. We can dispel the bane, or let it run and take the keep. Either way, the case has to be used.
Bram straightens a little, the tension in his shoulders shifting from worry to focus. Lord Markul lowers his gaze to the iron scroll case, as if hearing the shape of the trap inside it.
Bram
Then use it where it counts. I just want the right people standing clear when it does.
Lord Markul
A clean answer, and a grim one. I agree, the case is not for hiding the wound, it is for opening it where we can see who bleeds.
Markul shifts the iron scroll case toward the center between them, offering it into the decision instead of keeping it at his chest. Bram watches Slaan, waiting for the final shape of the plan to settle.
Lord Markul
So be plain, Slaan. Do we strike the bane now, or force the keep to answer first?