Session 130 Trials of Worth
. The Test of Mercy (Moral Dilemma):
Scenario: A captured bandit leader, notorious for brutal raids, is brought before the paladin. The villagers demand immediate execution. However, the leader pleads for mercy, claiming he was forced into banditry to save his starving family, and offers information about a larger, more dangerous threat. Challenge: The paladin must discern the truth of the bandit's claims. They must balance justice with mercy, upholding the law while considering extenuating circumstances. They must decide whether to execute the prisoner, imprison him, or offer a chance for redemption (potentially by helping his family and/or using the provided information). This challenge tests the paladin's ability to discern truth, exercise compassion, and make difficult moral choices.
Nails passes summary judgment and kills the bandit leader, the scenes fades and is replaced with A sacred grove or temple, dedicated to the paladin's deity, has been corrupted by a dark influence. The once-peaceful place now radiates malevolence, and its guardians (animals, spirits, or former priests) have become hostile.
- Challenge:
- The paladin must identify the source of the corruption.
- They must confront and purify the corrupted guardians, without resorting to unnecessary violence.
- They must restore the sanctuary to its former state, potentially through ritual, prayer, or a specific act of atonement.
- This tests the paladin's faith, their ability to resist corruption, and their understanding of sacred rites.
- Possible Complications:
- The corruption is tied to a personal flaw or past sin of the paladin.
- The corrupted guardians are former allies or loved ones.
- The source of the corruption is a powerful entity that can manipulate the paladin's mind.
- Nail - attempts to pay an dhearl their and as he does do they move towards him menacingly. After his prayer they return to the guard positions
- he enters and sees a pitcher flowing with blood that seeps into he stones.
- the corruption is emanating from the alcohol
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- Egon interacts with the spectral figure healing word on the creature Balmaris casts Beacon of hope asks him protection from poison Balmaris challnesl divinity heals
- Egon sense its his spriit not hobody that's
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aldran and Durmen look for the lay lines and use them to find their way thought the maze. the avoid pit traps, flash bangs, and shifting walls.they finally make their way to a white 6 panel door that they investigate - they blast it with spells to open it
- The party finds themselves standing in the hallway out between the alcove where they met Turan and battled the Demon. At the opposite end of the hallway is a singular door that looks identical to the one German and all drawn were blasting away at except all wood and much more weather beaten.
| Roll | Spirit Advice (Uncle's Words) | Interpretation (Uncle's Tone) | Original Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Aldran, seek the stillness, lad. Find yer center." | (Patient, slightly gruff) "You're too wound up. Quiet your mind, listen to what's inside, not just the noise around you." | This suggests a need for quiet reflection, meditation, or a break from chaos. It could mean listening to inner wisdom. |
| 2 | "Follow the whispers, Aldran. Even the faintest ones." | (Knowing, conspiratorial) "Don't dismiss the little things, the gut feelings. They're often the truest." | Pay attention to intuition, subtle signs, and seemingly insignificant details. They may hold important clues. |
| 3 | "Embrace the shadow, Aldran. Don't run from it." | (Stern, but caring) "We all have dark parts. Ignoring them won't make 'em go away. Face 'em, learn from 'em." | Acknowledge and confront fears, hidden aspects of oneself, or difficult truths. Shadow work is needed. |
| 4 | "Nurture the flame, Aldran. Keep it burnin'." | (Encouraging, warm) "Don't let your passions die out. Fan the embers, find what makes you truly happy." | Focus on passions, creativity, and inner fire. Rekindle enthusiasm and pursue what brings joy. |
| 5 | "The river flows, Aldran. Don't fight the current." | (Wise, resigned) "Things change, whether we like it or not. Go with it, adapt. You'll only exhaust yourself swimmin' against the tide." | Accept change, adapt to circumstances, and go with the flow. Resistance is futile; flexibility is key. |
| 6 | "Roots and branches, Aldran. Remember where you come from, but reach for the sky." | (Proud, nostalgic) "Don't forget your family, your heritage. But don't let it hold you back either. Grow, Aldran, grow." | Connect with heritage, family, and grounding influences. Also, reach for new growth and expand horizons. Balance the old and the new. |
| 7 | "The veil thins, Aldran. Be watchful." | (Warning, concerned) "Things ain't always what they seem. Pay attention to the signs, the unseen. You might be seein' more than most." | Be aware of heightened spiritual sensitivity. Dreams, visions, and psychic experiences may be more vivid. |
| 8 | "The mirror reflects, Aldran. Look deep." | (Direct, challenging) "Your actions have consequences, lad. Be honest with yourself about who you are, and what you're doin'." | Examine oneself honestly. Actions and intentions will have consequences. Self evaluation is key. |
| 9 | "The gathering storm, Aldran. Prepare yourself." | (Serious, urgent) "Trouble's comin'. Get ready, be strong. You'll need all your wits about you." | Prepare for challenges, conflicts, or significant shifts. Fortitude and resilience will be necessary. |
| 10 | "The golden dawn, Aldran. There's light ahead." | (Hopeful, reassuring) "Even in the darkest times, there's always hope. Keep your chin up, things will get better." | Hope, renewal, and positive change are on the horizon. Embrace new beginnings and opportunities. |
| # | Setting | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A windswept, rocky mountain peak | Jagged cliffs, thin air, and panoramic views. |
| 2 | A single tree on a plain of grass | Solitary, with a wide expanse of grassland surrounding it. |
| 3 | A sprawling, misty swamp at dawn | Cypress trees, murky water, and the croaking of frogs. |
| 4 | A vast, sun-baked desert canyon | Scorching heat, towering rock formations, and hidden oases. |
| 5 | A vibrant coral reef during low tide | Exposed coral, colorful sea creatures, and the smell of salt. |
| 6 | A frozen tundra under the aurora borealis | Icy plains, shimmering lights, and the howling of the wind. |
| 7 | A lush, tropical rainforest after a downpour | Steaming vegetation, dripping leaves, and the calls of exotic birds. |
| 8 | A volcanic caldera with bubbling hot springs | Steaming vents, sulfurous smells, and the glow of molten rock. |
- The party chooses to enter the doorway and choses #2
- Ironwood tree on a grassy plain
- Sitting net to the tree.
- They can learn knowledge quickly here, as time runs at a different spped
- Members who die here are absorbed by the tees. and their eases is taken in
- Wisdom +1 for 24 hour temporary effect..
- The party chooses to enter #1 the Rocky Mountain Peak.
- The party Time seems normal the environment doesnt