“I enter the Abbot's residence with Wulfric.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
The heavy oak door creaks inward, revealing the Abbot's inner sanctum. Wulfric pushes Timothy forward, his breathing ragged and shallow. The chamber is cavernous, smelling of stale incense and cold stone.
The Abbot sits at his desk, his silhouette swallowed by the shadows of a dying fire. If he discovers our presence, there will be no mercy. I must prepare myself for whatever penance he deems fit.
Brother Wulfric
We have nowhere left to run, boy. The truth is a blade that cuts both ways.
The Abbot raises his head, his face obscured by the hood of his vestment. He does not reach for a weapon, but he places a heavy, ornate key upon the desk with a sharp, final clack.
Brother Wulfric
May the Lord have mercy on our souls for what comes next.
The Abbot stands, his eyes fixed on the threshold, and gestures for Timothy to step fully into the light of the dying hearth.
+ Scene Quest Added
Survive the Abbot's judgment
“I step in front of the Abbot and tell him that I have behaved appallingly and attempted to seduce Wulfric, but that no mortal sin occurred between us. I meekly submit to the Abbot's judgment.”
SUCCESS (Great Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Timothy
I have acted with grave impropriety, Father. I tempted Brother Wulfric beyond his station, and for that, I offer my back to the discipline of the house. I seek only your mercy for the penance I have earned.
Timothy
If I offer myself fully to his judgment, perhaps he will spare the Brother further scrutiny.
The Abbot freezes. He studies the youth, his expression shifting from cold austerity to a chilling, contemplative silence. He leans forward, the light catching the silver cross hanging from his neck.
Abbot
You confess to a lack of restraint, then? You would trade your own skin for the silence of this chamber?
He picks up the iron key, turning it over in his calloused fingers. The heavy metal clicks against the desk surface as he waits for a final confirmation of this submission.
“I admit to the Abbot that I deserve to be publicly whipped as an example to the other boys in the monastery.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled +0)
Timothy
I understand the gravity of my corruption. It is only fitting that my suffering serve as a beacon to my brothers. I beseech you, Father, to make of my back a testament to the order we have offended. Let me be whipped before the entire congregation, that they may witness the price of such weakness.
Timothy
If he sees the wisdom in my penance, he will have no need to look further into Wulfric's heart.
The Abbot stands, his towering frame casting a long shadow that swallows the small desk. He does not speak, but the sharpness in his eyes yields to a calculating, heavy approval. He moves around the desk, his heavy robes whispering against the cold stone floor, and stops mere inches from the youth. He weighs the iron key, then drops it into Timothy's open palm with a final, echoing thud.
Abbot
You have chosen a path of public shame, child. Very well. The bell shall toll at prime. Do not expect me to stay my hand.
Quest Complete
Survive the Abbot's judgment
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Great→Superb
+ Story Quest Added
Endure the public whipping
+ New Item Acquired
Iron key