Dere arrives at the sacred circle beneath towering standing stones. Pale roots coil around a bound noble, while ancient runes kindle beneath the captive's feet.
Three guards lie wounded beyond the ring, their weapons scattered among crushed herbs. Wind stirs the branches, though the forest beyond remains unnaturally still.
the charlatan priest
Stand back, child. This sacrifice is necessary. The old powers demand it, and the land shall bloom again when the rite is complete.
The priest lifts a gilded symbol that resembles a sunburst, its polished face catching no warmth from the clouded sky. Violet light crawls along its false sigils.
the bound noble
Do not believe him! He has no blessing, no right to invoke this circle. My people were seized only to feed his ambition.
the charlatan priest
Silence, Lord Vaelen. Your bloodline poisoned these valleys for generations. Through you, the debt will finally be paid.
The stones answer with a deep subterranean hum. Roots tighten around the noble as the gathered magic rises, waiting for the next command.
✓ Quest Accepted
Free Lord Vaelen from the ritual
“"you dare to claim you are blessed by the divine, but my eyes see that you are nothing but a charlatan" *i release a burst of divine magic*”
SUCCESS (Superb Divine Magic, rolled -1)
Dere
You dare claim you are blessed by the divine, but my eyes see you are nothing but a charlatan.
Dere releases a burst of divine magic. White-gold radiance floods the sacred circle, washing over the false sunburst and every violet sigil.
The gilded symbol splits with a ringing crack. Its counterfeit markings dissolve into ash-colored motes, while the ancient runes blaze clear and blue beneath the captive.
the charlatan priest
No! The relic recognized me. It obeyed me! You have no right to profane this holy rite!
The roots loosen around Lord Vaelen, releasing him from their crushing coils. The priest's stolen light gutters away, leaving his unblessed hands trembling.
Lord Vaelen
The child speaks truth. Whatever power sustained this rite was false, and now the circle answers to a purer hand.
the charlatan priest
The valley's old magic has chosen another. My claim is finished.
Quest Complete
Free Lord Vaelen from the ritual