Cade hasn't stopped pinching the bridge of his nose since Chubby made his... offering. He knew by now that the dwarf had been serious in his offering; but, this did not assuage the goblin's sensibilities. After watching his companions one by one make an offering, he too takes his place forward, though avoided as much of the bile as well. If allowed to do so in relative peace, he stares up at the statue for a long moment before digging out his former clothes.

To anyone else, they were little more than shredded rags covered in half-washed out bloodstains. But these were hand-stitched by his mother, and his only real keepsake left from home. A physical story he had intended to return with someday when words ultimately failed to convey everything that happened to him in the past year since his disappearance. Maybe he could've had it stitched back up and hang off a mantle commemorate his first real adventure...

"I'm sorry Ma." He says setting it down before solemnly stepping away from the shrine to rejoin the others. 

 Eldreth had been quiet for much of the time since they'd came here, mostly having just followed along silently after what had happened with her, Crispy, and Cade, involving apparently, the other faction. She pulled Crispy, and Chubby close to her to whisper, saying I dinnae know ifyou noticed.. but we can see that horror of a shrine farther down.... that must be the deep father .. the ground rumbled as she finished the name, as if the world were about to experience an small earthquake, but it passed swiftly Th' 'ell was that? and then, speaking loud enough for her party to hear, would say And anyone else feel like they forgot a bad dream? I feel my night was restless... haunting.. but I kinnae remember why... with that though, she would take a lock of her own hair, and carefully tear it out, in a way that tore it mid-way. Her mother had always combed her hair, and such things, doting as she was, before she passed, so to Eldreth, this was personal, and she couldn't afford to lose her hammer and shield. Then, joining again with the rest, but casting constant nervous glances at the other shrine. At her mention of this, everyone else remembers having some kind of horrifying dream, but cannot remember any of the details surrounding it.

Chubby's offering was accepted, however, the sea mother felt the offering was only an act, the kou-toa gathered there, would simply glare at him, though none moved to harm him. Eldreths offering was met with small praise, and chanting. The sea mother statue glowing softly.

Arthasis offering was very personal, but... as he did not truly care about the dagger itself or the eye that had been impaled, sicne he had sacrificed it, the sea mother shrine dims again. The kou toa simply wait for the next, continuing their chanting.

At Crispy's offering, all the kou-toa, even the archpreist blanched, and the aura of the statue darkened. All the kou-toa except the archpreist, spitting at their own feet. But none came to harm her. She would however feel ostracized from the group.

However when Immotichey came up, and offered his spell, the shrine flared to life once more. Immo felt his body lifting, and he could see only white. His body contorted as he twisted through the air, his body felt lighter, and his jerkin was much more loose. He was now a male, once more. His shield, also glows, it seems to shift, and be remolded, much more fit in the defense of Ranged Attacks. It is now a Arrow-Catching Shield

Evriks offering was utterly heatfelt, the shrine glowing brighter, and the kou-toan's chant with it, they were practically screaming, warbling, some climaxing in raw ecstasy , thier knees getting weak. Evriks shortsword flew through his chest, spilling his blood on the altar, causing it to flare even more. The sword exploded and reformed in front of him. And suddenly, Evriks woulds were healed, and he was hale again, as if it had never happened. The shortsword founds its way back into his sheath. It was now a Moon-Touched Sword, Shortsword

 Cade's offering, however, was the most personal of all. Cade was almost immediately enraptured, pulled into the air by an unseen force. His body too glowed white, the world seemed to spin, spin,m spin spin spin.. faster faster faaster faster faster............ His world exploded, as did his flesh, flopping everywhere outside the glow as it was flayed. His body was snapped, and broken in thousands of ways, he felt stretched.... all the kou-toa fell, passing out, they had never felt such raw power from the shrine before, more kou-toa came and thusly passed out in bliss, many stayed far back to avoid the overwhelming bliss, choosing to enjoy it from afar. Even those at the others shrine saw it, and were awed. In Cades place, a human was spat out, and unceremoniously dumped on the floor. Cade also now had knowledge he had not had before. He knew where 'she' was, and that he must accept what was to come, if he ever hoped to find her before her captors got 'ideas' on how to use her for ignoble, and forceful actions.

EDITING

Chubby to Crispy: "Huh.  Big deal.  My offering came from deep down inside myself.  Raw.  Real.  Where's my cool new weapon?"

And then in a hushed, whispered voice to Crispy: "I purposefully left a handaxe here...when all hell breaks loose, which you and I both know is going to happen, I know I'll have a trusty blade nearby.  And oh, by the way, was that pocket lint edible?  You shouldn't get rid of that stuff...never know when we'll be starving for food and that's all we have left to eat...speaking of eating, I'm hungry."

"I feel like i've been eating lint for days. Wait a minute," Crispy blinked, "Didn't you just eat?!"

Cade hadn't screamed; but, the panic was clear in his eyes. Even after having seen Immotichey go through a similar process, the fact that Evrik wound up skewered to obtain his blessing did not feel him with much confidence. Panic becomes confusion, confusion turns to disorientation... he could even begin to focus when his whole body erupted into a gory mess.

The feeling of being stretched became the only thing he could focus on during the fleeting seconds his mind wasn't so wrecked with fear and pain (imagined or otherwise) as his body contorted and twisted in the air. Landing hard on his back, Cade coughs up blood, spit, and shards of bone before rolling onto his hands and kneels. After a few more gasps of air and intermingingly coughs, the goblin regains enough of his senses to acknowledge the newfound information.

He chuckles hoarsely and says, "Not quite the blessing I was expecting, but--" He stops, eyes going wide as familiar dreads register in his eyes. The shift quickly to his hands -- HIS callused, dark-skinned hands, and not that of the red-skinned 'imp' of a goblin. His nails were sharper than he remembered, but the thought comes and goes as he starts touching his face, the thin but full beard, his ears -- unexpectedly pointed at the tips, yes -- but his all the same. Not to mention the fact he felt some of his old strength return.

As any sane man would do after such a transformation, Cade wastes no time expecting his junk for good measure. "Oh... well, guess that's at least one part I'll miss." He admits to himself before finally look at the others with look of fading disbelief and crooked grin. "Well... mmm... This is mighty awkward?" When he chuckles it borders on the hysterical side for a second or two, and reveals in feeling moments the same sharp, goblin canines and incisors.

Cade would notice he still retained his goblins eyesight, the final blessing of the sea mother, to better help him hunt 'her' down. Aside from this, nothign else happened. Many kou-toa, aside from Gloog and Ploop had fainted, many others looking on in awe of the spectacle. Now that it was over, they all began to mill back to their business, and slowly, the unconscious regained awareness.

The archpreist ploop breathed deeply, saying Ahhhh... that was wonderful. It seems some of you were found truly worthy by the sea mother, while others were found lacking. Regardless, this sign will only help make my daughter wish to have you for herself, to take from the sea mother what is hers. So.. let us go back, and eat, for you are all to be sacrificed in a few hours. I have already dispatched my messengers. So come, let us go! hahahahaa!

it was impossible to tell whether he was serious or being jovial.

Everyone continued to feel as though they had had a horrid nightmare the night before, but that it had been drowned out in white noise. 

Breakfast was served not long after everyone would arrive back at the hovel.

The archpreist however would look at Crispy, saying It seems my spy's reports were right though. Is it true you almost went feral at my daughter? I heard she charmed you to calm you down. What would you have done had she not?

Chubby chuckles at the archpriest's question to Crispy.  Under his breath, he intones "That's my girl..."

To the archpriest: "Speakin' of blessin's and curses....in your vast font of magiks, do you have the ability to remove curses from things?  If I were to personally take care  of your wayward daughter, if you know what I mean, would you be willin' to remove a curse from somthin' I have?"

Arthasis curiously watched as the goblin turned into a human being out of all things. This kind of magic had to come from a powerful source, powerful enough to peak his interest. What had turned him into this hideous creature? Watson their way back with the archpriest the Warlock approached Cade silently, walking side by side before he started to talk. "Do you even know what happened to you? How you ended up in the body of a goblin?", he asked calmly. 

Evrik was aghast at the awesome display of power shown at this shrine. His gift came at him with such authority that nightmares filled his thoughts for the few moments between the sword splaying him open and suddenly being whole again. And what he witnessed happened to Immotichey and Cade were phenomenal. This Sea Mother was undeniably a goddess of great deeds and abilities. As the adrenaline rush began to subside, he calmed himself and his thoughts as the group started to move back toward the hovel. Making sure none of the Kou-toa could hear him he whispers to Immo and the others in the party near him, "Hey, are you ok? And... Am I the only one that's nervous about this 'pretend' sacrifice to the Sea Mother? That was a lot of power, she may prove upset if her offerings are all of the sudden taken from her."

Deep father* for sacrifice. The faction war is between sea mother who you were just at. And deep father who pretend sacrifice is for)))))

 As Evrik's nerves finally settle down, he thinks back over the conversations about the events of the day and realizes that he'd been confused about his role as a sacrificial lamb. He whispers, "Sorry, that display of ethereal faculty shook my nerves and I confused the plan for a moment there. But still... even if we are to be sacrificed to a 'false idol', do we all really trust this OoboopMcPloop fellow?"

     Immotichey grunts with satisfaction after being sat back on the ground after his transformation. He stands a little straighter, no longer feeling the embarrassment of being partial emasculated. He pulls the shield off his back and passes a hand over it, sensing its defensive capabilities. He continues to watch on as the rest of his party finishes their offerings. At the goblin's transformation, he stands jaw agape with awe and confusion. Shaking himself from his stupor he another realization and turns to the archpriest. "Excuse me, but why has the Sea Mother not choose to bless the more devout followers of your people? Though appreciative, I find it strange that some of us, as outsiders, were fortunately for her gifts."

    As the group makes its way back to the priest's home for their breakfast, Immotichey looks to Cade, "Is this your true form," the lizardman questions the former goblin. "I think I have a small understanding of your apparent frustration at being transformed." 

   Turning to Evrik, Immotichey attempts to clarify the situation for the cleric. "I believe we are to be given up to the archpriest's daughter, who is a follower of the Deep Father - this Leemooggoogoon...," a chill runs up his spine causing his frill to flutter as well. "I wonder if he has anything to do with the roars that woke us last night?"

(After breakfast, Immotichey will take a short rest to attune to the shield and regain his spent spell slot.)

Crispy couldn't have cared less about the offering or the results from the shrine.

She was used to being alone, and only cared about Chubby. Having one thought in her mind: escape. Something was deeply wrong with this place, and it made her very nervous. Seeing Cade transform into a human, she almost leapt at him with her boot heel slammed on his throat, annoyed with the constant moping and deception. Almost. But she didn't. Instead, she folded her arms and sighed. "Well, look at that. Some of the truth is revealed."

The Archpreist asked her a question, and she answered plainly, without emotion. "I would have killed her, obviously."

She ate breakfast quickly, and while her other teammates asked questions, she wanted to let everyone know they were in great danger. But now was not the time. She wanted to pull off this charade as soon as possible and get out and get away from this place.

"Oh great." He mutters sarcastically after the archpriest words. Because a giant target on his head was just what he needed at the moment. It wasn't as if the crazy priestess already had probably hate boner for him after he failed to return... assuming she even remembered sending him out in the first place. To Crispy, he gives a look that was a mix of mild annoyance and fatigue before shaking his head. "I did warn that you wouldn't believe me. And I did not lie back then." He replies dryly. Cade eventually rose to follow on unsteady feet, and through perseverance got them back under his control. However, he was slow at the start, giving Arthasis his moment. Sensing the man's approach, he does not start it; but, neither did he turn to acknowledge it.

"No idea. Not really. But I'll tell you this much... Fer all that you've obtained thus far -- and yeah, including that eye of yours, it won't be enough to get'cha what ya want." He replied calmly before picking up the pace to properly rejoin the others. "More or less, Mr. Immotichey. More or less." He replies, marveling again briefly at the claw-like nails and ongoing lack of real shadow visible in his vision before turning to the lizardman with a empathetic look.

"Gods, I hope not... But knowing how our luck's been so far, it probably did. Which is why we need to play this real cool. Which is say'n something coming from me." He admits quietly to the small huddle, remembering his first few hours after awakening in the city. As everyone consumed their breakfast Cade was reticent to do so without first examining it this time around. Once at least assured of it wasn't laced with anything, he'd consume it along with the others.

As everyone devoured their breakfasts, especially the archpreist himself, who had seconds, he realized the fat one was talking to him. Putting up a finger to signal he was still chewing... chewing... and finally Hrmm No, fat one, I do not. I can dispel magics, I can cure heavily. But I cannot remove curses, for that would be blaspheme to the sea mother, who decides whether one stays cursed or not.. As you have already seen. Perhaps you can offer to the sea mother again tomorrow, after all this business with my daughter is done with. Remember my words, you can offer anything ,but the more personal it is.... he let that hang there, as if to emphasize his point, before digging into his food once more.

the archpreists eyes fall on Evrik, as he clears his throat, reminding you that he is in fact, both still in the room, and capable of hearing you talk about him..... right in front of him... I could always reconsider our bargain if you do not trust me.... but that would breach our pact on your side....

Then he remembers Immotichey having asked him a question after becoming male once more. Personally. I preferred you the way you were.. you were so much more bouncy! As for why.. that is for the sea mother to decide. And it is not as if you are the only ones to recieve her blessing.. several years ago, one of our whips, glaagpliploopop was so devout, he recieved a blessing of a legendary sword, thought to be lost to time. With it, he  was tasked many things that sent him out there.. I believe the sword was called... hmmmm... what was it.... uh... AH YES! Dawnbringer

It is believed it was forged by the gods of the surface world, and it's destiny was to bring light unto the darkness. It was odd though that she would grant him a weapon that would hurt his eyes.. but we do not question her will. They know why they do things, and why they do not. *sigh* The last mission on which he was sent, led him to the Wormwrithings, which is far to the north from here.

Ach and to the east from Gauntylgrim.... Eldreth chimed in, then continuing, as the archpreist seemed content to allow her to finish TIs a wee bit north o' me home... but mostly east.. that place is dangerous though... even for experienced warriors n' scouts... there must be some terrible beastie there, or .. heh perhaps he lost 'is footing.... Either way.. I have heard whispers of this sword, it whispers to you, like a rainbow in er mind... the farther it is away the faitner the whisper, but it.. wants to be found whenever it's lost.. but 'tis a holy sword... One who had it, would have tremendous power.... 

Eldreth seemed lost now, thinking about it.. this was  proof it did exist.. it wasn't just some fairy tail...

The archpreist seemed curious about Immo's comments of some 'strange beast, he looked almost perplexed

The archpreist finally turned to crispy, saying as he applauded Yes, good. if only you had done so already we wouldn't have to do what we are doing now! I don't say this to blame you.. she has recently become very powerful with magic, gaining abilities she should not have... and I cannot understand it. It was only a few weeks ago that she had her visions, which led to her magical power rising exponentially... thus leading to this faction break, as the deep father Lemegoogoon grants power willy nilly so long as you sacrifice living beings to him... they have sacrificed well over a thousand various humanoids like yourselves in just that small time.

And as of two weeks ago my people occassionally experience horrific dreams.... being torn asunder, watching their loved ones die.. reliving past events that were traumatizing.. so on and so on...

the archpreist hadn't realized it, but in the time they had been talking, it was already time to begin the 'sacrifice' Immo already felt attuned to the shield, as he had been wielding it since he got to the underdark, it had simply changed.

He clapped his hands together and said Lets get this business over with. I wish my daughter to die quickly, so that we can go back to the way we were... and No, Shuushar, we will not follow your path either.. one of transcendent peace with no god to help us? Pah! to which Shuushar shook his head, replying You will realize the truth of the flowing rivers soon, for peace will come back to this place.... though Shuushar knows it was not by the hands of a god, but by the hands of men, that our home will be saved. Shuushar gave everyone a heartwarming smile, as if he'd always known you would end up here, that you would save his people.....

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You may reply to the posts above and split it into two single posts with these --- lines, like I am doing here.

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A very large group of kou-toa, obviously from the other faction are seen running o nthe deep-fathers half of town, weapons ready, screaming 'betrayer! Twice breaker of oaths!' Obviously referring to Cade, but they couldn't seem to find an angry little red imp who had failed to keep not one, but two promises.... 

Within the hour, twelve kou-toa led by a kou-toa monitor arrive at Ploopploopeen’s quarters. The archpriest of the Sea Mother admits the monitor and informs him that he, his whip, and the prisoners will accompany them to see the archpriestess of the Deep Father. They are escorted to the altar of the Deep Father near the docks, where Bloppblippodd awaits them. They tie your bindings, very loosely, you all actually have to try to hold them where they are to not appear as if they were loose. It seemed the archpreist was going to be faithful to his word. Once more, none of your weapons have been removed, nor your armor. You are fully equipped.

Many other kou-toans watch on in confusion, unsure of how to take this. As they approach the shrine,

They see the The idol to Leemooggoogoon, the Deep Father, consists of a large hide cut roughly in the shape of a manta ray and stretched out on cords between two support poles. A dead, splayed-out manta ray is pinned to the center of the hide. Two dead octopuses are draped across the top, their tentacles pinned and artfully arrayed, their heads tied together and painted with red and blue pigments. The idol reeks of decay, and the broad stone altar below the idol is stained dark with blood. A dwarf woman was strapped to the altars sacrificial rock, and was already being torn open, her body naked as the dagger tore her from rib to hip, allowing her entrails to experience freedom, before the rest of her body was sent hurtling into the deep sacrificial pit through the tiny hole at it's center.

Six kou-toa work at the altar, cleaning up and arranging offerings. Klibdoloogut, a kou-toa whip dedicated to the Deep Father, stands in front of the altar with two kou-toa monitors. Hundreds of deep father cultists were gathered around, to watch the archpreist of the sea mother submit to his daughter. There was a violent, religious tension in the air, the deep father cultists seemed to ... be looking on with anticipation, shaking where they stood, a polarized version of the writhing religious display the group had seen only hours ago.

As your group approached, The archpriest of the Sea Mother steps forward across the span of the altar toward the kuo-toa waiting for him there. “The time has come,” he says, “for us to acknowledge your divine vision and welcome it. I have brought these as offerings.” He gestures toward all of you, standing within a circle of guards behind him. “Will you not accept them?”

“You are wise, father,” the younger archpriest replies. Your offerings given, I do accept. Strength and nourishment, they will provide, your intentions, you cannot hide. I know you see my vision true. On my side, which now you are, daughter and father, sea and star. A burbling cheer goes up from the surrounding kuo-toa, their fists raised in the air.

Another captive was seen, he was apparently going to be sacrificed as well, it was another Deep Gnome. The gnome looks at you all with pleading eyes, and he speaks quickly, knowing the kou-toa who have him bound can't understand common. Hey, you's guys... Ah.... I kinda tried to play both sides here.... Uh... they're gonna sacrifice me..... if you's gotsa plan.. I'd reaaaallly like to be in on it..... Save me and uh... I can be your guide.... That dwarf girl witcha doesn't look like she's form around here.. So I can help you till she can... whatdya say? his voice was shaking, terror in his eyes.

Eldreth shrugs.

Shuushar, who was free to move about, mostly watched on.

Kuo-toa parade around the altar in a wide circle as they chant. Part of their path sends them splashing and wading through the shallows of the Darklake. The characters quickly can’t tell one faction of fish-folk from the other, but they see the archpriest of the Sea Mother and his whip moving toward the altar.

Bloppblippodd, the archpreistess of the Deep Father, calls out [Undercommon] My subjects that I hold so dear... The deep father has come for you to hear. He needs your life, he needs your blood... So come forward, covered in mud. Sacrifice yourself to him, that we may be filled to the brim.

 With almost no hesitation, seven kou-toa, and Shuushar all press forward, the seven jumping in immediately. And just before Shuushar goes himself as he calls out to you all Save my people.. please. Almost immediately

The kou-toa prod the characters with their spears to herd them toward a slight depression 20 feet from the altar, with a large grate at its center. The characters can see that the stonework of the depression is stained with the blood of innumerable sacrifices, and they can hear the gentle lapping of the Darklake coming up through the grate. The chanting grows louder.

'As if this fool could even attempt to grasp what I want', the Warlock thought to himself. Arthasis sat silently at the breakfast waiting eagerly to finally get this job done. This reward was hopefully worth his time. He was starting to get a bad feeling about this whole place. "Can we start this procedure? I think I speak for everyone when I say that we should get this over with.", he was itching to move forward with the plan.

________________________________

Arthasis was beginning to doubt the feasibility of the plan as they were herded into the deep father's temple. The Warlock moved closer to the rest and whispered, "Ok, how should we go about this. I mean kill everyone. Sure. But who first?" Arthasis was readying himself for the big show down and was eager to test his new abilities if he had to. He then turned to the deep gnome saying, "If you make it out of here alive, just don't forget who thank for saving your life." 

"I beg your pardon sir," Evrik says to the archpriest. "I am sure it was just my confusion what with all of the miraculous goings on today at the shrine of the Sea Mother. Please forgive me if I seemed to give an impression of distrust. I meant no disrespect and certainly would not hear of going back on our pact. You have my gratitude for taking care of us and helping to keep us safe." Evrik quickly asks for Guidance from Truesilver the all mother as he attempts to heal the bond broken by his distrusting words. (Persuasion: 20)

Still not sure who to trust and on edge about when they need to move, Evrik kisses the chain around his neck that holds his amulet. He then silently calls on the Revered Mother asking for her blessings. Evrik slowly rolls his fingers, he readies a spell to Bless himself, Arthasis, and Crispy should they be pushed or attacked. He whispers back to the warlock, "We have to get the girl," and he nods toward the archpriestess. Then quietly to all of them he murmurs, "May your actions be swift and your aim be true." 

Chubby just, well, farts.  He's a little stressed out, worried that the plan will fall through and one of their group might get hurt.  All this worrying causes plenty of stomach acid....which, of course, built up to gas.  Plenty of gas.  As they walk to the alter, he has the walking farts.

He tries to act weak and inconsequential (Deception/Performance: 5).

He comes across as a fat, blubbering idiot who wouldn't hurt a fly.  Just how he wanted to be perceived.

All the while, he's strategizing his big move.  Looking for places to hide, looking for places to attack (and kill) the priestess, looking for where his fellow "prisoners" are and how they might attack, and looking for exit routes to take once he kills the priestess and needs to make haste outta there.

Cade's feasting slows at the reminder of sacrifice, and looks to his hand. Suppressing a sigh, he returns to the meal, only to occasionally look up as topic of interest are brought up at the table. Although hearing of the Dawnbringer had certainly held his interest, and even warranted noting the location in mind, it is the topic after that causes him to stare at the archpreist with his mouth agape.

"So, I wasn't just going crazy. This is serious." The goblin returned human spends the rest of the meal scratching his chin in deep thought.

Cade stood tall and unflinchingly resolute  during most of the process. He takes in as much as he could once they arrive, but kept his movements subtle as possible. While silently thankful he hadn't needed to walk behind Chubby after hearing the trail of farts. All thoughts about the small reprieve are dashed seeing the brutal execution of the dwarf.

With a grimace then, he carries forward. "Not. Everyone." He whispers, but gives Arthasis a sidelong and pointed look. "Or we all die. And you. Mister Gnome. Keep to the center of us, and try to stay safe. Immo. Give'm a dagger, won't cha?" He continues, avoiding looking directly at the others for acknowledgement. Instead, he kept his head on a swivel, and eyes glued for any sign of genuine attentiveness from the guard. But all to some extent seemed enraptured as the spectacles goes on.  

Just as Cade was fixing to 'break free' and snatch up a weapon, he freezes seeing Shuushar rush to the edge with the others. "Wait, what?! Shuushar!" It was already too late. Cade stood there stunned only long enough for the feeling of being prodded to bring him back around to reality. In the heat of that moment, he knew what had to be done. "On three..." He steps foward, hopefully along with the rest. He takes one last calming breathe, seizes upon a renewed Relentless Spirit, then steps foward again in hopes of distancing himself. It didn't need to be much. Just enough feet away from the prodders that he could snap free of his bonds on the count of '3', spin around on his heel, and send his Trident flying, threading the needle between her guards to hit and maim her throat!

For post-surprise round

Crispy 21 | Pocket_AT 16 | Mehmen 18 | Saute_Monkey 20 | o_Merlin_o 14 | Penguini 14

Chubby would notice that aside from the masses of fishmen, there were always large gaps between every building, meaning that movement would be relatively easy. Though it was hard to tell which faction was which as they all were now participating, and schooling in large circles, that going back towards where they had just came from would most likely be the safest bet, as they were now on the Deep Fathers side of town, and going deeper would likely lead to death for everyone.

As Arthasis, Evrik, and several others begin strategizing, Cade is already well under way on his own plans. Everyone else manages to hear him do his countdown, though whether they heard anything else he said was up for debate.

Cades action catches everyone off guard, including those holding them hostage. What Cade hadn't realized, is the surprise attack had already begun. The archpreist had struck his daughter with his scepter, just as the sacrifices had been slain by prodding spears. She was knocked prone, and his attack, which otherwise would have hit, sails off into the air, striking into one of the deep fathers guards, one of her monitors. But his attack had stunned the guards behind them, allowing his companions time to break free without reprisal as the guards stood there stunned at what was happening. Everything around them was turning to chaos, as the sea mother faction assaulted the deep father faction, a raucous chorus of garbled, bubbling war cries rang out. Blood was pooling everywhere, all of it drawn towards the grate, as if led there by some unseen force.

You can all tell, that in the fighting, you have many choices.

Stay and fight.. but which side will you fight for?

Run away in the confusion?