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"All of the demon bile we found has been destroyed and all of it was in places that Gellion appeared to have visited. So if we can get him back to his senses, it may be worth checking if there is anywhere else he has been just to double check it for demon bile." suggests Victor.
"As for Gellion's current condition, I am familiar with certain esoteric techniques which could be used to hasten his recovery if that is any help? Although such treatment would still take a number of hours." adds the varisian.
Father Ruvarra and Victor discuss the nature of Demon Bile as a disease and realize it will take two days of curative measures to cleanse Gellion of the affliction.
While some of the group went to the Temple of Erastil, Vreekka and Cannoli stayed behind because they're the enforcers for the group. While cleansing the Demon Bile they locate the following on Gellion:
potions of cure light wounds (2)
acid (2)
alchemist’s fire (2) [I subtracted the one he used on Victor]
smokestick
tanglefoot bag
thunderstone
chain shirt, mwk heavy mace, light crossbow with 25 bolts, antitoxin, 1 gp
And in the warehouse they find a stash of valuable alchemical ingredients. Vreekka estimates the value of the materials at 500 gold pieces!
As you inform the Mayor about the resolution of the situation she reaches into a pouch and removes some valuable gems and hands them to you.
"Per our contract that's 300 gold pieces for rescuing the apprentices, at 50 gold pieces per apprentice, and 100 gold pieces for dealing with the vermin problem."
She smiles and sighs, looking visibly relieved and continues, "I also offer the thanks of myself and all the citizens of Saringallow. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, tongues have wagged and gossip has spread. I will have no choice but to reveal the truth of the situation. You've interacted with some of the citizens of Saringallow and have learned a bit of our history. The people will demand a harsh sentence for Gellion if left to their own judgement. If you wish you may advocate for Gellion and explain the circumstances of his situation and the madness caused by the Demon Bile. But you are under no obligation to do so if you do not think it appropriate or wish to be involved further."
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Cannoli thinks quietly for a bit on the question, a rare occurrence. Then speaks.
”I am glad that you are so sure, but until we talk to him it’s hard to know his intent or level of control. Did he willingly get infected? Was it an accident? Did it just enhance an evil nature? Did he fight against hurting his friends or happily do it? Once we know those details, it will be easier to both make our decision and to argue our case if necessary.”
Father Ruvarra's efforts to aid Gellion's recovery don't seem to make a difference but the potent magic of the potion cleanses Gellion's body of Demon Bile disease. But he's still out cold from the absolute beatdown Guardian XI delivered.
The city guards help load the apprentices in the wagon and escort it to the Temple of Erastil. With Victor's assistance, and his esoteric methods, all of the apprentices - Gellion included - make a full recovery.
As the group, Father Ruvarra, and the Mayor speak to the other apprentices they all insist that Gellion is not evil - a fact proven by Father Ruvarra casting a spell to detect any evil in Gellion and finding none. They also agree that Gellion would only harm them if he was under the influence of something evil.
Vreekka, with her knowledge of planar issues, is certain that Demon Bile is actually the essence of the Abyss made 'solid' and will certainly cause an infected person to become evil and chaotic against their will.
Before you all speak with Gellion, Father Ruvarra offers some advice, "The young man is recovering but is quite fragile. I've seen men break in the Goblinblood Wars and he's on the edge. He is consumed with guilt and I've had to set watches so he doesn't hurt himself."
As you speak with Gellion you find he is indeed wracked with guilt and deeply ashamed of what he has done. When asked about how he came into contact with the Demon Bile he offers his side:
"I was supposed to meet Nolaria in the graveyard but her duties here at the Temple forced her to cancel. So I wandered in the graveyard and spied this odd purple substance on one of the gravestones - the one marked 'Betelgeuse' I believe. I took a sample home with me to study it. I had an odd urge and decided to taste it to see if it was a potion; that's when things become hazy. I remember very little after that and I'm not sure how much of it was real. I saw horrible, nightmarish places and creatures when I was dreaming and awake."
His descriptions trigger recollections in both Jakeric and Vreekka that Gellion was seeing creatures from the Abyss and one or more layers of the fiendish realm.
"I don't know if this helps but the one thing I do remember is an obsession with 'bringing the demon worms home.' But I don't know what the worms are, where they were or are, or anything else...I'm so sorry!"
Gellion breaks down in tears.
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Jakeric's heart breaks for the young apprentice--he has seen firsthand how demons corrupt and ultimately destroy everything in their path: families, armies, and even his own homeland. "I f-for one f-forgive you, Gellion! These demons took advantage of you. Someday, Grizzlebin and I are g-going to close the Worldwound and sweep all the fiends back to the Abyss!"
And for once, without any sign of condescension, Grizzlebin nods in complete agreement with the young God-Caller from the land once known as Sarkoris.
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Cannoli frowns as he breaks down into tears. She moves up and pats him gently on the shoulder, "You are a very young and dumb man. And very very lucky. Curiosity is a good attribute, but it needs to be tempered with some level of caution. It's why I travel with this crew actually. So if they forgive you, let your friends help you. There is no reason to do it all alone. Especially now as you try to recover your mind, you will need them more than ever."
Gellion says, "Thank you so much for saving my friends! They're the most important thing to me besides Majara and my job at Pricknettle's Potions. Perhaps one day people will not hate me as much as they do now.
When the group leaves Mayor Trinelli asks the group if they wish to advocate on behalf of Gellion.
"I understand if you do not want to. After hearing him, and your thorough explanations of what has transpired, I will speak on Gellion's behalf."
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The alchemist tries to comfort the sobbing apprentice, too: "It could have happened to everyone in Saringallow, Gellion. The evil was strong, and you were just a vessel for it. You didn't choose to do all the bad things."
Outside, Vreekka then answers Mayor Trinelli: "I am not the best at convincing people, but I can certainly help with the explanation of what exactly transpired."
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When Gellion's trial begins, shortly after he's declared well enough to stand trial, the Mayor, Majara Pricknettle, and all of his friends join your group in advocating for Gellion.
It's clear such a large number of people speaking on his behalf works in Gellion's favor. With some grumbling to get the gallows ready to others, more level-headed, suggesting several years in prison, Gellion was looking at a harsh punishment. Due to the convincing nature of arguments, facts provided, and the expert testimony provided by your group, Gellion is instead sentenced to a mixed sentence: part time in jail, part working for Majara, and an extensive amount of community service.
Grateful for your help Gellion offers his thanks again and sets about to redeem himself in the eyes of Saringallow...