The altar seam brightens, and Gutty’s mark answers with a sharp silver ache. The chapel bell’s echo dies away, leaving only the pulse of stone and skin.
A hidden line of light crawls across the altar, then drops in a thin ray to the floor before Gutty, as if pointing the way. Dust lifts from the flagstones in a slow spiral.
Lord Vane
It is no curse alone. It is a call, and the chapel has found you willing enough to answer.
The silver pulse quickens. Somewhere deeper in the chapel, a heavy mechanism grinds awake, and a narrow seam opens in the wall behind the altar.
Lord Vane
If you step through, the chapel’s claim may be revealed. If you refuse, the mark may keep pulling until it drags you there anyway.
The opening reveals a staircase descending into blackness, its first step lit by the altar’s pale glow. The path is clear now, and the choice is sharp.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reveal the truth behind the mark
“"Ugh... Fine. This is becoming a lot more bothersome than a private dance... So, what was this sealed note for, anyway? Who do you want me to hand it to?"”
SUCCESS (Fair Reasoning, rolled +3)
Gutty Greenspot
Ugh, fine. This is becoming a lot more bothersome than a private dance. So, what is this sealed note for, anyway? Who do you want me to hand it to?
Lord Vane
To me, if the chapel allows it. The note is a summons, folded into plain wax so the wrong eyes would miss its weight.
Lord Vane
It names the lower vault and the debt kept there, and it was meant to draw a witness with a marked hand, not merely a courier.
Vane does not step closer. He watches the stair instead, as if the black steps may overhear him.
Lord Vane
Your mark is no curse that only harms you. It is a key, and keys bite the hand that bears them. In return, it opens what the chapel hides.
The silver seam on the altar gives one faint pulse, and the first stone below answers with a colder glow.
Lord Vane
There is your benefit, then, if you want the plain answer. Hidden doors obey you. But the chapel also knows when you are near, and it will keep pulling until something answers from below.
Quest Complete
Learn whether the mark is a curse or a blessing
Attribute Upgrade: Reasoning Fair→Good
Quest Complete
Reveal the truth behind the mark
Attribute Upgrade: Reasoning Good→Great