GM TOP #1-39: The Citadel of Flame (Standard, Gameday XIII) (Inactive)

Game Master Pete H.

Yulau listened to the heated discussion. ”Sorry, but when the idol started whispering evil things and promises to the group, I suggested dumping it in the lava. If you want to blame someone, I first blurted out the idea of destroying it. The lava was right there…”

Hamshanks turns to the sorcerer, "Oh no, blame for things is almost never assigned to an individual. Sometimes it can be, but from what the three of you are saying so far, it seems you all agreed to take the actions in question."

He sighs, "Which is GOOD, our organization emphasizes explore, cooperate and report. And so far, you seem to be doing that. But there is likely going to be a consequence for the destruction of such a powerful artifact. It's your job to find and secure these things, not to worry about how they are dealt with. We do take it incredibly serious if an item is a threat to the safety of the world, so that will be taken into account."

He glances at the quiet kobold, "Anything to add?"

The quiet little kobold lifts her face. Her hard, glittering eyes make clear that she wasn't being shy, she was holding her tongue to avoid saying something she would regret. Goaded, the guard on her tongue drops.

"We did what you told us to do. You told us to find the idol, which was probably the whole key to an evil cult. Of course we destroyed it, to stop the problem which the evil cult was. If you wished us to do something else, you needed to make that clear in your instructions, in which case anyone with half a brain would have refused to go on the mission. Evil needs to be destroyed so it does not hurt the innocent."

I just want to make clear that the not very kind tone here is only in character, not out of character...

Hamshanks sighs again, "Your opinion will be noted, thank you. Everyone complete your written reports and submit them within a week. Expect word back about the outcome of your mission in a month. Dismissed."

_________________________

A month passes, still no word. The only thing you can get out of anyone is that 'the decemvirate are completing their review'. This isn't common for most missions, but it isn't that rare.

Six weeks after your return, each pathfinder is couriered a sealed package. Inside is a pouch containing your payment for the mission in coins and semi-precious gems. There is also a letter that reads...

Dear Pathfinder,

Your mission to the Citadel of Flame has been reviewed. Each member will receive full monetary reward. An investigation was completed into the events reported. Witnesses were interviewed from the Citadel and along your path to and from the Citadel. All corroborate your accounts. No evidence was found at the Citadel regarding the golden idol. No evidence was found anywhere else regarding the golden idol. The society is currently concluding that the idol was destroyed and the cult's emergence was stopped. The latter is to the group's credit. The society also believes that some destructive actions taken by the group were excessive and encourages its agents to have more patience in the future. You may resume applications for missions and have been placed back on the emergency call list. If you wish to sever your association with the society, please notify your nearest lodge immediately. Thank you.