Carlin returned, saying that he had spoken with Melissa, who understood that she would soon speak with him and the party together. Brok-Tul took the opportunity to remove the small box containing Clan Ironhelm’s gift and show it to the High Cleric, who was somewhat astonished at the amount of divine energy radiating from it, although he could not ascertain its nature. Brok-Tul explained that they believed its purpose was to either destroy Ashnakzeroth or allow him to be destroyed. Carlin commented that it appeared as if the bell was meant to meant to be rung with the hammer in Ashnakzeroth’s presence. The cleric then placed the hammer and bell back in the small box and returned it to Brok-Tul.
Carlin told the group that he had more information he wished to share with them, before they spoke with Melissa. According to the cleric, in the days that he had sat and spoken with Melissa, she had perhaps become more “herself” or at least more like the person he knew when she was growing up in Turnton. He meant that she was less obsessed with "the Master" and more human. She still referred to Ashnakzeroth as "the Master" but it seemed to be more out of habit than feral devotion, as was the case previously. Belle commented privately to Rahnee that Melissa could simply be acting. Continuing, Carlin said that he was convinced Melissa remained the key to discovering Ashnakzeroth's whereabouts and, hopefully, his weaknesses. He also believed she would be willing to help, although he did not fully trust her and advised the group not to either. Rahnee commented that there was little question about that.
Belle, although somewhat hesitant to speak, then asked Carlin what he thought if Melissa would do if she were simply let free. The cleric admitted that he had not thought about it, since he did not consider it an option. He stated determinedly that he had raised her for the sole purpose of destroying Ashnakzeroth through her, which would be done. (The determination of the cleric of Helm is praiseworthy. Abomination must be destroyed and there is no room for mercy for those who support it. --C). In response to a comment from Rahnee, Carlin said that he believed that the time to defeat Ashnakzeroth was growing short, based on his conversations with Melissa. Brok-Tul interjected doubtfully that the lich had waited longer than most dragons age and he thought it could handle a few years more. Carlin explained that Ashnakzeroth had recently succeeded in making himself corporeal, which he had not been able to do for aeons. Now, he was able to gather power to himself, for Helm knew what purpose.
Rahnee commented that from what they had seen, Ashnakzeroth did seem to be progressing toward some kind of plan. Carlin turned to go and bring back Melissa, but before he could move was interrupted by Brok-Tul. Somewhat nervous, the half-orc began by saying that previously he had spoken of his intent to marry Rahnee. Carlin said that when their task was over and done with, he would be happy to officiate. Brok-Tul continued by saying that he was prepared to do his heart and spirit's most to defeat this evil, including placing Rahnee, himself, and his friends in danger, or death. However, he did not want to wait for the afterlife for Carlin to marry them. Rahnee kneeled, joined by Brok-Tul, and said that what her half-orc lover was trying to say was that they wished to be joined in marriage before they walked into the jaws of death.
After asking them to rise, Carlin placed a hand on Brok-Tul’s shoulder, asking to speak with him privately. The two exited the side chamber and then returned some time later. Brok-Tul took a golden ring off his finger and extended it to Rahnee on his palm. “Cake can wait. I already have all the bond I'll ever need” said the half-orc, then asking if she had a similar ring. In response, Rahnee raised her hand, pulling a gold ring from it, which Brok-Tul accepted, gravely placing his ring on her finger afterwards. Brok declared his love and said that they could wait and have the party after they destroyed Ashnakzeroth. Rahnee asked him if it was his free will, which he indicated it was. Rahnee drew her sword and knelt at Brok-Tul’s feet, holding her sword up to him across her palms.
Rahnee announced that their love bound them in life as they were bound in death. With her sword, she bound their strength, and he would always find her at his back. Grinning mischievously, she then declared that, maybe by the time they had finished this up, that “blasted merchant” would have her wedding leathers finished. (Carlin showed wisdom by convincing the half-orc to wait for his full reward. Tragedy becomes doubly so when there is a formal bond, not just a promise. --R)
Carlin told the group that he had more information he wished to share with them, before they spoke with Melissa. According to the cleric, in the days that he had sat and spoken with Melissa, she had perhaps become more “herself” or at least more like the person he knew when she was growing up in Turnton. He meant that she was less obsessed with "the Master" and more human. She still referred to Ashnakzeroth as "the Master" but it seemed to be more out of habit than feral devotion, as was the case previously. Belle commented privately to Rahnee that Melissa could simply be acting. Continuing, Carlin said that he was convinced Melissa remained the key to discovering Ashnakzeroth's whereabouts and, hopefully, his weaknesses. He also believed she would be willing to help, although he did not fully trust her and advised the group not to either. Rahnee commented that there was little question about that.
Belle, although somewhat hesitant to speak, then asked Carlin what he thought if Melissa would do if she were simply let free. The cleric admitted that he had not thought about it, since he did not consider it an option. He stated determinedly that he had raised her for the sole purpose of destroying Ashnakzeroth through her, which would be done. (The determination of the cleric of Helm is praiseworthy. Abomination must be destroyed and there is no room for mercy for those who support it. --C). In response to a comment from Rahnee, Carlin said that he believed that the time to defeat Ashnakzeroth was growing short, based on his conversations with Melissa. Brok-Tul interjected doubtfully that the lich had waited longer than most dragons age and he thought it could handle a few years more. Carlin explained that Ashnakzeroth had recently succeeded in making himself corporeal, which he had not been able to do for aeons. Now, he was able to gather power to himself, for Helm knew what purpose.
Rahnee commented that from what they had seen, Ashnakzeroth did seem to be progressing toward some kind of plan. Carlin turned to go and bring back Melissa, but before he could move was interrupted by Brok-Tul. Somewhat nervous, the half-orc began by saying that previously he had spoken of his intent to marry Rahnee. Carlin said that when their task was over and done with, he would be happy to officiate. Brok-Tul continued by saying that he was prepared to do his heart and spirit's most to defeat this evil, including placing Rahnee, himself, and his friends in danger, or death. However, he did not want to wait for the afterlife for Carlin to marry them. Rahnee kneeled, joined by Brok-Tul, and said that what her half-orc lover was trying to say was that they wished to be joined in marriage before they walked into the jaws of death.
After asking them to rise, Carlin placed a hand on Brok-Tul’s shoulder, asking to speak with him privately. The two exited the side chamber and then returned some time later. Brok-Tul took a golden ring off his finger and extended it to Rahnee on his palm. “Cake can wait. I already have all the bond I'll ever need” said the half-orc, then asking if she had a similar ring. In response, Rahnee raised her hand, pulling a gold ring from it, which Brok-Tul accepted, gravely placing his ring on her finger afterwards. Brok declared his love and said that they could wait and have the party after they destroyed Ashnakzeroth. Rahnee asked him if it was his free will, which he indicated it was. Rahnee drew her sword and knelt at Brok-Tul’s feet, holding her sword up to him across her palms.
Rahnee announced that their love bound them in life as they were bound in death. With her sword, she bound their strength, and he would always find her at his back. Grinning mischievously, she then declared that, maybe by the time they had finished this up, that “blasted merchant” would have her wedding leathers finished. (Carlin showed wisdom by convincing the half-orc to wait for his full reward. Tragedy becomes doubly so when there is a formal bond, not just a promise. --R)