Before Odeebeb can open the first ledger, iron-shod footsteps descend through the prison passage. Matron Mother Angst Algafar enters with an austere escort in black-veiled armor, and the courtyard freezes.
The recovering guards remain behind Odeebeb and the archive, weapons lowered but ready. The masked challenger stays at his side, while the corrupt official retreats toward the Matron with sudden relief.
Matron Mother Angst Algafar
Those ledgers are under my custody. Step away from them, and no further disorder will stain this prison.
She is an elderly drow woman, tall and spare, wrapped in severe charcoal robes edged with white. Silver rings frame her dark face, and her pale eyes measure the books before the people.
The Corrupt Official
Matron Mother, you arrive at the perfect moment. This monk seized state records, and the masked trespasser incited the guards.
The Masked Challenger
My mask stays in place. So does the truth. If these records preserve Shadir Blanc, explain why their theft was protected by your official.
Matron Mother Angst Algafar
Because Shadir Blanc may not survive the quarrel over them. Give me the ledgers, and perhaps I will decide who is guilty after the houses are safe.
“Begin reading the fist ledger out loud”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled -1)
Odeebeb opens the first ledger across his forearms and begins reading aloud. The courtyard leans toward his steady voice, while Matron Mother Angst Algafar watches the pages instead of the audience.
Odeebeb Ongahd
“Payments recorded from every ruling house. Prison debts erased, cells opened, and weapons moved under official seal.”
His Code of Honor refuses to soften the entries for the Matron's comfort, but Arrogance makes each accusation ring sharper than necessary. For one breath, his voice falters where the names of the houses converge.
The Masked Challenger
Keep reading, monk. Let the record stand taller than anyone who would command it silent.
Steady Under Pressure gathers his discipline again. Odeebeb plants the ledger against the stone threshold and continues, though the hesitation has been seen by every guard behind him.
Odeebeb Ongahd
“The final notation orders a seizure of this prison, to be carried out before the houses can answer one another.”
Matron Mother Angst Algafar
Enough of the summary. You have made the danger public, monk. Now tell me which house signed the seizure order.
✓ Quest Accepted
Prevent Matron Mother Angst Algafar from taking custody of the ledgers
✓ Quest Accepted
Identify which ruling house signed the seizure order