Shadow War campaign In-Game: Chapter 37- Attack on West Wellington!

[Web.Metz]

Faerun takes a look at the box for a moment with his magically enhanced vision.

[Navarre]

The box itself does not register as magical. It seems to be of mundane material but ornate design, befitting its use by the church.

It is too thick to determine what is inside.

[chrysalis]

I look around at everyone in the arena and I try and spot a cat.

{Spot Check (1d20 + 2 = 19 )}

[Navarre]

Although you look about carefully, you see no animals in the arena except for Chaser and Amok.

[Navarre]

Elder Brother Montford, his voice amplified by Landru's spell, speaks to the assembly of West Wellington.

"Friends. Neighbors. Citizens. Visitors from far-away lands. Thank you once again for making this year's Festival of Light such a success."

"When I received word that West Wellington would host this year's Festival, I admit I was both humbled and a little worried at hosting such a prestigious event. When Pontiff Baptiste himself arrived I felt like a choir boy giving his first solo performance."

"But I was reassured because I know what wonderful people Morganshire has and, whether you hail from here or farther away, I knew Illumian would see us to joyous days full of fun and excitement. And He has not disappointed us!"

"We have gathered here to reward the Champion of Light. But Pontiff Baptiste has requested something I hope becomes a new tradition. He wishes each participant in the Tournament of Champions to receive a moment of appreciation for their part. There are no losers here, my friends, only greater winners."

"I would first like to thank two individuals who were not a part of our event roster. They came forth for an exhibition match and, along with some unexpected allies, provided a thrilling competition for all of us."

"First, from Meddrel's Rock in Albemarle Green. Knighted under the Imperial Legion of King Warren Scotsden III of House Aeslindorn in Monarch City and serving House Bragendol."

"Fifteen times awarded the Iron Blade for courage in battle, seven times the Red Rose of Aeslindorn for grievous wounds suffered in combat, twelve times the Eagles-In-Flight for victory over overwhelming odds, and seven times the King's Cross for decisive acquisition of troubled lands in the name of God and King, please give your applause one more time for Sir Victor Storme!"

The crowd roars for Storme as he steps forward from the line, turning to wave at all in attendance. No longer required to wear the leather competition armor, his green full plate armor and boar-emblazoned shield make for an impressive sight. His full-visored helm, you notice, a bull horn affixed to either side.

You note with a wave of disgust that they are the horns of a minotaur, apparently one much larger than Drade. Standing next to him, you also notice Drade keeps his eyes firmly fixed straight ahead as Montford continues.

"We would also like to thank one of our very own citizens. He has lived his life among us and has been a respected member of the West Wellington community for many years. I hear he will soon depart our fair city, his armory and blacksmith shop being sold to Samm Dean, one of our trusted City Guard."

"So, before he departs possibly never to return, let us give a round of applause for the reason our stage had to be built twice as wide...Drade!"

Drade takes an embarrassed step forward. He doesn't seem sure if Montford was jesting with him or mocking him to the crowd. Montford's expression doesn't tell the tale. Drade waves as the audience applauds. They seem congenial toward the minotaur, perhaps already forgetting about the incident a few days ago in light of Drade's overall quality as an individual.

"Now then, I would like to thank all of this year's contestants. Please keep your applause going as I name our worthy competitors:"

"Serena Kane from the Azure Delta in Sea Shire!"
"Odren Mondrugon from the Obsidian Bayou of Vaadj"
"Investigator Tane Perry of West Wellington!"
"Danyel of the Temple of the Green Lotus in Dyre"
"Ensydious of the Temple of the Stark Mask in Dyre!"
"Coby Wayne of Applebranch in Verdania!" (You hear Coby try to correct the priest to include his "performer" title but Montford ignores him.)
"Robert Umbridge from Umbridge Ranch in Morganshire!"
"Jackson Forge, new apprentice at the armory of West Wellington!"
"Guardsman Warren Vaughn from West Wellington!"
"Vinnrog Redclub of the Redclub Tribe from the Hills of Betrayal in Morganshire!"
"And Sir Remington Pembrooke of House Lillean in Albemarle Green!"

It is certainly noticeable that in these acknowledgements the priest did not mention any of your party.

[Web.Metz]

Sense Motive (1d20+8=16)

[Navarre]

{SM on who? Montford?}

[Web.Metz]

{Yeah...}

[Navarre]

Montford seems on edge but considering he's addressing more people than ever before in his life in front of his ultimate superior in a city he fears may be attacked at any minute that is a bit understandable. You do not sense any sort of ulterior motive or threat toward you from him.

[chrysalis]

{Suddenly Wayne and Garth appear in my heading saying "we're not worthy!"}

[Navarre]

Montford clears his throat, taking a look over his shoulder to the Pontiff. You see Baptiste nod to his subordinate, who continues- choosing his words carefully.

"You may have noticed there are a few on this stage whom I have yet to mention. You may also have noticed the incredible explosion earlier today that rocked our city."

"I have the privilege of telling you now that the sign in the sky you witnessed was created as one of the False Ones was defeated. Laukordia itself is weakened this day as its dark lord has suffered due to the bravery and faith of some of the very people on this stage before you."

The crowd rumbles with conjecture but also growing approval at the words of their ruling priest. Though you know "defeated" is a bit of hyperbole, you see the boldening effect it is having on the populace.

"So it is my pleasure to reward those who have placed their lives on the line in service to Illumian's Order. Let this serve as a sign for all here today that those who believe can work miracles in God's name."

"First, allow me to acknowledge one of West Wellington's own citizens. I ... I am pleased to accept this young man back into the graces of Illumian and to show all present that mercy is a duty of all people, from the pauper to the priest."

"Donovan Jett, please step forward."

Donovan looks hesitantly from side to side, taken aback at the calling of his name by Montford. He walks, a bit cautiously, toward the man who not long ago was begging for his life at the tip of Donovan's dagger.

As Donovan steps forward, the Acolyte attending the Elder Brother unlocks the golden chest and opens it. Faerun, you immediately detect magic from within as Montford continues.

"Mister Jett, I better than perhaps anyone know your penchant for bladed weapons. By Pontiff Baptiste's request, we have looked through the holy reliquary for any previously confiscated mystical blades we thought may suit a man of your.. predilections. We hope you will accept this as a token of renewed unity between us."

Montford removes a bandoleer with two shoulder straps and a cross piece on the chest and back that is connected to a wide leather belt. It is made of a dusty green leather that reflects no light from its flat-colored surface. Along the straps and belt are a dozen sheathes, each containing a slim black throwing dagger.

"You will find these daggers not only magically well-balanced and sharp but capable of flying much further than the weapon's weight would suggest. Best of all, mundane obstacles will not impede these blades."

Donovan looks at the blades and even he cannot hide his excitement. But he pulls his face back into his reserved countenance quickly and regards Montford. He holds the gaze for a minute and you almost think he will refuse the gesture.

Donovan then leans into Montford and whispers something to the priest. Montford sighs and nods before speaking to the crowd.

"Mister Jett, of course, most gratefully accepts this reward. But he has asked me to assure you that it is his sense of justice that has motivated him to act on your behalf not... ... faith."

Montford extends the bandoleer to Donovan now, yet again Jett fails to take it. He whispers something to Montford again, this time turning to look to the southwestern corner of the arena. You see Rachel, watching with curiosity.

Montford looks agitated now and sets his jaw, but then nods again. He looks into the coffer and draws forth an amulet.

It is oval-shaped platinum on a matching chain. The stone is a single amber stone. Montford thrusts it into Donovan's hand, along with the knives, trying to make it appear to the crowd that he is only shaking Donovan's hand.

The crowd applauds Donovan, many of the same people who had dismissed his character for so long. It really does seem that there is an atmosphere of redemption and forgiveness today.

[Navarre]

Montford continues.

"Speaking of faith, one on this stage has had her faith tested these last few days. I mean that as no slight or embarrassment upon her, for her faith has been renewed, stronger than ever."

"She is an example for our congregation as to what heights a young person can achieve if they hold true to the Word and seek to live in our Lord Illumian's image."

"Acolyte Moira Rashai, please step forward."

Moira tightens her lips with swelling pride and steps to her leader. From the coffer next to him Montford removes a strand of prayer beads.

The beads are large, made of an exquisite pearl. You notice that the three beads in front are a little larger than the rest and differently colored. The left bead is pure white, the right bead jet black and the bead between them is a metallic golden color.

"Acolyte Rashai, I want you to know that, unlike some of these gifts to your friends, these prayer beads are not confiscated items from the reliquary. In fact, this necklace is from the Holy Monstrance in Hallow Hold. Pontiff Baptiste had brought them to me for viewing but, under the circumstances, has decreed that they are now given to you as a symbol and reward for your faith."

Moira has large tears streaming down her cheeks as she humbly accepts the gift from Pontiff Baptiste. She looks to Montford and then the Pontiff, offering the holy sign of Illumian by passing her hand from her heart to her forehead and then to the sky.

"Thank you. Praise be to The Light and all it touches in Illumian's name," she says with a trembling voice.

[sab39]

Despite being aware it might not be appropriate protocol for those of us actually on the stage, I loudly and enthusiastically applaud for Storme, Drade, Donovan, Moira, and all the other names mentioned except for Serena, Ensydious and Umbridge.

[Navarre]

Others on the stage have also applauded their fellow competitors. You realize this is not an austere ceremony but instead a celebration of fellowship. Applause is more than welcome.

You do note that neither Umbridge or Ensydious applaud for anyone. Serena politely applauds for each person as they are named, however, appearing quite pleased to be a part of the ceremony.

[Navarre]

"As we speak of both faith and weapons, let us not forget one of the martial priests among us. Though they tell us that their teachings are of self-discipline and focus, this young man's efforts have shown us that such things, like Illumian's teachings of Law and Order, are not such distant cousins after all."

"T'Ning of the Lone Pine, please step forward."