Tarna advances first, warhammer lowered but ready. Her shield plants between Varessa and the chained scrolls, while twenty unconscious cultists lie scattered around the chamber.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
Devia’s families are under my protection. Explain what that black lantern will do.
Varessa studies the giant’s shield, then the fallen followers near the keg. Her burned cheek tightens, but she keeps one hand away from the unlit lantern.
Varessa Flint
The lantern marks the hour of protection. Leave this chamber, abandon the families, and let the surviving leaders go. In return, every marked household is spared.
The offer sounds like surrender, but the unconscious cultists cannot confirm it. Their silence leaves Varessa’s promise unverified, while the chained scrolls remain within reach behind Tarna’s shield.
Varessa Flint
You have the advantage, rancher. Decide whether Devia’s people matter more than justice for the ones who stand before you.
Tarna does not lower her shield. The black lantern waits beside Varessa, its dark glass reflecting violet fire and offering no clue whether its promised protection is real.
✓ Quest Accepted
Destroy the lantern; bring Varessa into custody.
“More than justice? {Dagg laughs} oh Varessa, you must not have done your research on Devia, ya see. Here in Devia, I am the law, I am justice's right and left hand. {Dagg lets out and arrow straight at the black lantern, smashing it to pieces. {Varessa falls to the floor screaming No and Why} {Tarna, even though Varessa is a tall lady, Tarna picks her up no problem and slings her over he shoulder. Tarnas shield safely secured to her back. Dagg and Tarna take Varessa back to Devia to pay for her crimes.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Ranged Weapons, rolled +0)
Dagg Nabbitt
More than justice? Oh, Varessa, you must not have done your research on Devia. Here, I am the law, justice’s right and left hand.
Relaxed amusement briefly softens Dagg’s forceful stance, but Steady Under Watch settles his breathing and steadies the aching shoulder. His elven bow bends, magic gathering in the arrow as he takes the shot.
The arrow crosses the chamber and smashes the black lantern apart. Dark glass bursts across the stones, extinguishing its promised protection before it can mark any hour.
Varessa Flint
No! Why?
Varessa collapses beside the scattered glass. Tarna secures her shield across her back, lifts the tall woman without difficulty, and slings her over one shoulder while keeping the chained scrolls in sight.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
The families will be safe, and Devia will hear every crime plainly.
Dagg and Tarna leave the eastern chamber with Varessa secured over Tarna’s shoulder. They carry the prisoner, the chained scrolls, and the surviving evidence back toward Devia, where lawful judgment awaits.
Quest Complete
Confront Varessa Flint
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Superb→Legendary
Quest Complete
Destroy the lantern; bring Varessa into custody.