Io replenishes one of his 2nd level spell slots by Harnessing Divine Power. He then takes the lead, being the most heavily armored of the group. He lights up his Long sword with Light and approaches the door. "Come, let's see what's behind this." However, he does not quite open the door just yet. He instead would motion for his friends to press up against the walls so that any enemies with bows or spells ready can't see them when the door opens. Then he presses his back to a wall next to the door himself and opens the door slightly with his hands so he too is hidden.
The door opens to a short hall that dead ends in a large room that is 100 feet in diameter. Standing in the center at a golden altar is a robed figure wearing dark robes. Laying on the altar is a golden mask surrounded by corpses of the islanders.
The figure turns towards you. “It is futile to try to stop my Lord’s plans. Erebos will have dominion over these souls once again. Join me in serving Him or face the same end as the rest.”
We are not going directly into combat here, so you can respond to the figure.
Kanlos hesitates, "I do not disagree that the Returned will need to return to His realm, but the others are not due to die just yet, and the undead created here are being denied their proper rest and respect."
"The inhabitants of this island have given the returned sanctuary." The figure says with a scoff. "I will bring them to Erebos as a sacrifice for their transgressions."
Io says, "Just as all things that walk the soil, the Returned will one day go back to the realm of Erebos. That being said, it is not right for you or anyone to forcefully sacrifice them to him. Death is natural and just as it is wrong for undead to walk the earth, it is also wrong to kill the living." He pauses for a bit and then adds, "The Returned here are peaceful. Often times, they are reunited with friends and family. I don't think it is right for the Returned to walk the earth once again but surely there has to be a peaceful solution. Forcefully tearing apart families by slaying both the living and undead members cannot be the best solution to this. Have you even considered talking normally to the residents and slowly preaching Erebos' ideals? Have thought about making them see the error in their ways and have the Returned willingly return to the land of the dead? Or have you defaulted to slaying everyone on the island because it was less effort on your part?"
"My God deserves the death of those who would allow such as this, and who would thrive on these returned being allowed to walk free." The figure seems enraged now, disbelieving that you could even suggest he is not doing his god's will here. "I will send each and every being on this island to the halls of Erebos. Starting with you..."
Io says, "To see the balance of life and death be disrupted brings displeasure to Athreos. Even then, I cannot let someone ruin the lives and peace of common folk who's only sin is to want to spend that much longer with loved ones. I will not let you commit genocide on the folks of this land."
Windlass turns to the group. "Were we trying to be quiet? My apologies if so."
Xerronios gives a tired smile. "No, friend. We were trying to survive."
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
Kanlos nods, "Yes, not our time to die just yet. But quiet would have been good, too. Now, where's this lead and why were they guarding it?"
Io replenishes one of his 2nd level spell slots by Harnessing Divine Power. He then takes the lead, being the most heavily armored of the group. He lights up his Long sword with Light and approaches the door. "Come, let's see what's behind this." However, he does not quite open the door just yet. He instead would motion for his friends to press up against the walls so that any enemies with bows or spells ready can't see them when the door opens. Then he presses his back to a wall next to the door himself and opens the door slightly with his hands so he too is hidden.
The door opens to a short hall that dead ends in a large room that is 100 feet in diameter. Standing in the center at a golden altar is a robed figure wearing dark robes. Laying on the altar is a golden mask surrounded by corpses of the islanders.
The figure turns towards you. “It is futile to try to stop my Lord’s plans. Erebos will have dominion over these souls once again. Join me in serving Him or face the same end as the rest.”
We are not going directly into combat here, so you can respond to the figure.
Kanlos hesitates, "I do not disagree that the Returned will need to return to His realm, but the others are not due to die just yet, and the undead created here are being denied their proper rest and respect."
"The inhabitants of this island have given the returned sanctuary." The figure says with a scoff. "I will bring them to Erebos as a sacrifice for their transgressions."
Io says, "Just as all things that walk the soil, the Returned will one day go back to the realm of Erebos. That being said, it is not right for you or anyone to forcefully sacrifice them to him. Death is natural and just as it is wrong for undead to walk the earth, it is also wrong to kill the living." He pauses for a bit and then adds, "The Returned here are peaceful. Often times, they are reunited with friends and family. I don't think it is right for the Returned to walk the earth once again but surely there has to be a peaceful solution. Forcefully tearing apart families by slaying both the living and undead members cannot be the best solution to this. Have you even considered talking normally to the residents and slowly preaching Erebos' ideals? Have thought about making them see the error in their ways and have the Returned willingly return to the land of the dead? Or have you defaulted to slaying everyone on the island because it was less effort on your part?"
Xerronios hangs back, having nothing to contribute to the debate but ready to support his friends should it come to combat.
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
Kanlos looks very conflicted by all of this, but remains silent for the moment to hear the priest's reply.
Io, give me a persuasion check.
Persuasion: 6
ooc: Xerronios gave Io an Inspiration die (1d6) during the combat and I don't think it was used. It lasts for 10 minutes so has it been that long?
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
Right forgot about that.
If it is still valid, Inspiration Die: 4
"My God deserves the death of those who would allow such as this, and who would thrive on these returned being allowed to walk free." The figure seems enraged now, disbelieving that you could even suggest he is not doing his god's will here. "I will send each and every being on this island to the halls of Erebos. Starting with you..."
Roll initiative.
Xerronios initiative 11
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
Io says, "To see the balance of life and death be disrupted brings displeasure to Athreos. Even then, I cannot let someone ruin the lives and peace of common folk who's only sin is to want to spend that much longer with loved ones. I will not let you commit genocide on the folks of this land."
Initiative: 15
Kanlos initiative: 14
Windlass?
Windlass: 10 (my bad, been a busy week -- feel free to roll initiative for me if I don't roll immediately)