Three days later, morning light pours through the academy’s oath court, catching on carved crowns and rows of silent witnesses. Artania stands before the raised judgment dais with Lord Vael, Seris, and Keeper Maelin.
Artania Nero Thornson
The wound is only a thin scar now.
Keeper Keeper Maelin glides to the court’s center, her apparition brightened by the testimony preserved beneath the academy. Gold letters rise from the record and hover above her hands.
Keeper Maelin
This testimony confirms the Ashen Choir’s service, the crown’s deliberate erasure, and the master sleeping beneath royal guardianship. Let the court hear it unaltered.
The hovering words turn toward Artania, naming him as the living witness who broke the covenant. Murmurs pass through the court, respectful in some rows and wary in others.
Lord Vael
By my authority, I offer Artania Nero Thornson a provisional commission as a magic knight of Arch, with protected travel for those still under my care.
Lord Vael
The commission grants purpose and safety, but it will place you beneath public scrutiny as the crown’s living witness. The choice remains yours, Art.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure Artania’s provisional commission as a magic knight of Arch
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure protected travel for those under Artania’s care
“I step forward, cautiously. Placing my hands at my sides and taking a deep breath, before bowing low before the powerful people assembled before me.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)
Artania steps forward cautiously, placing his hands at his sides. He draws a deep breath beneath the court’s watchful silence, then bows low before the assembled dignitaries.
Carved crowns gleam above him as the oath court receives the gesture. The murmurs fade, leaving only the soft rustle of robes and the lingering gold testimony.
Lord Vael
Rise when you are ready, Art. Your conduct honors the commission more than any hurried acceptance could.
Keeper Maelin’s hovering letters settle into a luminous ring around the dais, recording the bow alongside Artania’s witness and the covenant he broke.
Keeper Maelin
The court has seen his courage, restraint, and truth. Let none mistake humility for weakness.
Seris
You stand before power without kneeling to fear. Whatever choice follows, Artania, they will remember this moment.
Lord Vael extends one hand toward the raised dais, while the gathered witnesses turn their attention fully upon Artania. The provisional commission waits beneath the crown’s seal.
“I rise and accept the provisional commission, but I still ask about the commissions condition, as to not break it.”
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled +4)
Artania rises from his bow and faces the raised dais. The crown’s seal catches the morning light as he accepts the commission with measured composure.
Artania Nero Thornson
I accept the provisional commission, my lord. Before I break its terms, what conditions bind me?
The court leans forward. Gold letters descend from Maelin’s ring, forming clear lines beneath the crown seal while Vael answers without hesitation.
Lord Vael
You must defend Arch’s people, obey lawful orders, protect those placed under your care, and report any threat tied to the Ashen Choir. You retain the right to refuse commands that violate truth, mercy, or the crown’s own law.
The written conditions illuminate above the dais, witnessed by every dignitary. A second seal appears beside them, granting Artania independent authority to investigate the Choir without awaiting noble permission.
Keeper Maelin
The commission records his question and your answer together. Its protections begin now, and no official may punish him for acting within these stated limits.
Seris
Then the oath gives you purpose without making you a tool. The court has heard the terms plainly, and cannot pretend otherwise.
Quest Complete
Secure Artania’s provisional commission as a magic knight of Arch
Skill Upgrade: Melee Weapons Great→Superb
Quest Complete
Secure protected travel for those under Artania’s care
Skill Upgrade: Survival Fair→Good