Back in the Temple-of-Vanth, Ser Taylah and Brunvoldt sequestered themselves in her office. Placing the torch upon Ser Taylah's desk, they both contemplated it.
The purpose of the torch's enchantment is to introduce a 'rarity' (see Delve rulebook) for the asset Firebrand. I've not used one in a game before and want to try one of them out but, until I spend the xp required for it there will be no mechanical benefit, only narrative impact
After a few moments of silence, they began to discuss the torch and its properties. An involved conversation followed, touching upon magic, doctrine, divine Power and other equally complicated subjects. In the end, though, they came back to their initial conclusion - send it up the chain of command and ask Lady Sibila to decide its fate. Meanwhile, Brunvoldt would keep the torch and most definitely use it when they re-entered the complex under the Lighthouse.
A rook had been dispatched to Lady Sibila as soon as they had come out of the Lighthouse and now another was sent updating her on the plan to go back in to ensure the Chitters were all gone. Her reply arrived the next morning approving their plan but instructing Brunvoldt to return to Templemount as soon he could after that.
The foray into the stronghold beneath the Lighthouse was uneventful. They learnt that there were more Chitters unmet on the first visit, but they had, as Ser Taylah had predicted, been unable to survive without their Queen, so they only encountered corpses. No other entrance to the complex was found, so they believed that the Broken must have originally created the tunnel that the Chitters used. With it being now blocked, the stronghold was secure and might be safely used by the village - although a lot of cleaning to remove the Chitter-stink would be needed.
Confirming the complex is 'safe' is another
Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will journey to Portwater and investigate the Broken attack through the Lighthouse", progress now 8/10
By the time they returned to the surface it was too late for Brunvoldt to reach Templemount that day, so he set about making preparations to leave the next morning.
Bidding farewell to Ser Taylah, Brunvoldt chose to walk rather than ride Scar as there had been no urgency to Lady Sibila's note - he much preferred to rely on his own feet. The ferry was on the near side of the bay and the rest of his journey back to Templemount was just as trouble-free.
Reaching the Temple-Citadel, Brunvoldt returned Scar to the stables, and checked in with Lady Sibila's secretary who gave him an appointment early the next day.
Ask the Oracle: Have the Varou attacked anywhere? unlikely, <=25 yes, roll 50
Have their preparations been seen? 50/50 <= 50 yes, roll 53
Does Lady Sibila want a patrol dispatched? likely <= 75 yes, roll 91
Does Lady Sibila keep the torch for study? likely <= 75 yes, roll 99
The next day, Brunvoldt arrived for his appointment. Lady Sibila was still with her previous appointment and so he had to wait. Eventually, her door opened and Brunvoldt was surprised to see Gunnhildr, Priestess-of-Vanth for Firstmeet emerged. Standing he embraced Gunnhildr as she approached.
"Gunnhildr! How are you?" Brunvoldt asked.
"Very well, thank-you," replied Gunnhildr. "And you?"
They spoke briefly about the Varou near Firstmeet, the reason Lady Sibila had summoned Gunnhildr to Templemount. There had been no sign of the Varou since they had driven off the Giants, which was a suprise to all. There were no plans to search them out as Gunnhildr felt that if they were encountered then it would increase the likelihood of an attack. Brunvoldt was surprised that Gunnhildr had been able to convince Lady Sibila that this plan was wise, but didn't share that opinion with Gunnhildr. But then, Brunvoldt was summoned to see Lady Sibila and Gunnhildr had to leave and return to Firstmeet.
Entering her office, Brunvoldt found Lady Sibila's back to him. She was staring out of the window that was behind her desk. "Please sit Sentinel," she said and he did, waiting for her to turn her attention upon him.
After a while, Lady Sibila left the window and sat behind her desk. "Tell me what happened at Portwater," she commanded.
So Brunvoldt did, relaying the entire tale, including the wondrous display of Holy Vanth's Power and the strange effects it had imbued into the torch, which he passed to Lady Sibila. When she tried to ignite the torch it would not respond to her. When Brunvoldt tried, it did.
Given the events that led to its creation, Lady Sibila made an Edict-of-the-Faith. She decreed that this torch was a Relic-of-the-Faith and that Holy Vanth had determined that Brunvoldt, Sentinel-of-the-Faith, was its guardian.
Brunvoldt felt honoured to be so entrusted and thanked Lady Sibila for her faith in him. She waved aside his thanks as unnecessary, her edict was merely a statement of the facts - Holy Vanth had chosen Brunvoldt to use the torch and Lady Sibila was not about to contradict Her Divine decision.
"Well you seem to have completed your mission and fulfilled your vow Sentinel," said the Lady. "Complete it now."
Brunvoldt drew his sword, knelt and grasped its blade in his right hand. "I swear upon the Iron of my Faith and the Iron of this Holy Sword, that I have journeyed to Portwater and investigated the Broken attack through the Lighthouse."
Fulfill Your Vow: "I will journey to Portwater and investigate the Broken attack through the Lighthouse" - progress 8 vs. 7 & 5 => strong hit => formidable vow 1 box on quest track, Devotant 2nd ability add 2 ticks to bonds track
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