- Meredith Bradford (bows her head with a smile):
“Welcome, we're waiting a few moments for more to arrive.” - Thalyn Oakshade (lowering his hood, offering a polite dip of his head):
“I see. Shall I make my way inside?” - Meredith Bradford (nods):
“If you wish to do so you may, you'll have your pick of seating.” - Hans Heinrich:
“I will be gathering some things...”
- Zomactelonyvarix (arrives in a black robe):
“Good evening.” - Rudyard Boneart (arrives in a full black outfit)
(no direct speech, just arrival) - Kaidus Du’monte strums a few chords, glancing about the room:
“Marvelous acoustics... *tucks the lute over his shoulder.*” - Gustha:
“Haven’t been here in too long... Practically lived here back when I arrived... it always feels too soon when a funeral comes ’round.”
(She seats herself, smoothing her robes.)
- Meredith Bradford (claps her hands, then bows her head):
(Preparing the congregation for the memorial.) - Zomactelonyvarix (looks up to the central figure): *(awaiting the ceremony)*
- Arkais Varhgaust (setting down an item):
“This... will actually do well here. For now...”
- Meredith Bradford begins speaking to the crowd:
“Today we mourn the loss of our late commander, Kassandra Cynch. From what I've heard from some of you, and from my own encounters with her, she was a paragon of valor, compassion, and justice. While her first steps into the afterlife were violent, please join me in praying for her safe passage to Kinarugi's arms.” - Hans Heinrich (bows his head solemnly)
- Meredith (bows her head, hands together, reciting passages):
"Oh, Kinurugi, Keeper of the Final Rest..." (She continues a short prayer.) - Thalyn Oakshade and Arkais Varhgaust also bow in respect.
- Meredith finishes the prayer, then says:
“Under normal circumstances, we would perform a Last Embrace for the departed. Without a body, we sadly cannot do so properly. If any of you have any words for Kassandra—and perhaps a personal prayer for her safe travels—please stand.” - Hans Heinrich steps forward:
“My name is Hans. When I met Kassandra... I was a farmboy hoping to become a knight. She taught me everything—how to fight, how to wield a sword... She never stopped believing this city was worth defending. Now I understand why. Edana unites people together. That was the last lesson she taught us all.”
(He salutes.) - Arkais Varhgaust follows, sharing how he has known Kassandra since she was young, following the guards around with her wooden training sword:
“She truly cared for this city. It’s still hard to believe she’s gone. She was taken from us far too early, but I vow her death will not be in vain. Edana will stay resilient, and we will prove to the Cult that in the end... we will prevail.”
He offers a solemn prayer to Dovaros, Guardian of Oaths:
[20:27] Cedric Warren speaks last, recalling how he sought any job in the kingdom and found Kassandra a firm, patient commander:"Kassandra Cynch stood firm in duty, her blade unyielding...
Let her rest in the light of your eternal vigilance.
By duty, by honor, by the will of the shield.
So shall it be."
[20:34–20:41]"She was encouraging of us all, individually and uniquely. She pushed us forward to do well for the kingdom. At the same time, the kingdom has lost a dear soul—a bit of its own soul. May she have found swift peace in Kinarugi’s arms. We will prevail in her honor."
- Meredith concludes:
“In Kassandra Cynch we have lost a dear sister in arms, a paragon of justice and valor. May she be welcomed peacefully into the afterlife, and in Justice's name, smite the darkness that took her from us.”
(She sprinkles holy water over an urn.) - Cedric wipes at his face, Arkais and others bow.
- Meredith thanks the envoys of Tilverton for providing a statue in her memory and reminds everyone:
“Kassandra is not truly dead unless forgotten. Keep her in your hearts, her goodness, wisdom, advice, and training. She will guide us from the afterlife.”
[20:42–20:44] The Statue Bleeds
A small stream of crimson drips from the statue’s visor, followed by eerie laughter.
*Mortimer steps forward, mocking the funeral.*"Should we... uhhh... That seems most unusual."
[20:45–20:59] Mortimer’s Interruption
- Mortimer: "I have brought you all together, no? I got exactly what I want—you’re all here, ripe for the picking."
- The defenders (Hans, Arkais, Meredith, Gustha, Clyde, Zomactelonyvarix) call him a coward and a threat.
- Mortimer resurrects or puppets Kassandra, along with other fallen comrades (Eoneleth, Rafe) as undead.
- Hans shouts: “MEREDITH, THE SWORD I GAVE YOU. This sword will free their souls!”
- Fighting ensues, with calls of: “Defend! Hold this gate!”
*Mortimer summons more minions; fierce combat unfolds.*
Thalyn and Meredith pray for divine aid: “By the Might of Talathas!”
Arkais: “This has gone too far! THIS IS ENOUGH!”
Clyde: “Hold this gate!”
Mortimer boasts, “YOU CANNOT BEAT ME. DO YOU SEE NOW?!”
Eventually, Mortimer withdraws.
---
Aftermath
- Mortimer: “You believe you’ve prevailed? I am satisfied… to allow you all to remain here.”
*He calls the fallen away, leaving the defenders bloodied but unbroken.* - They suspect Mortimer’s power might be weakening. They discuss the cult’s mine operations or crystals and how to disrupt them.
- Hans and Arkais return to Meredith, praising her steadfast service. Hans formally names her a Priest of Mercadia.
- Meredith pledges: “I pledge my service to the Kingdom of Mercadia and its defense.”
- Arkais clarifies: “This kingdom is for life. We will soon all stand before the King and swear our allegiance.”
- Thalyn says he cannot attend an audience with a foreign king without sanction from his magistrate.
- They end by agreeing a larger “world meeting” is needed and will seek help from all races—Elves, Orcs, Dwarves—to stand against Mortimer and the cult of Azamul.
---
Final Remarks
Everyone disperses to handle post-battle matters:
- Meredith will finish final funeral rites for Kassandra Cynch.
- Hans and Cedric plan to train the kingdom’s forces.
- Arkais seeks formal alliances with other realms.
- Thalyn vows the Elves will not stand idle.
- Mortimer remains at large, but the defenders of Edana continue Kassandra’s fight.
*End of Log*