March of the Pyre

March of the Pyre is the quest that occurs in Session 8 of The Truth, The Eye, and the Beholder.

Previously
Pending...

A Rainy Day
The Late-Night Crew awakens to the pouring rain on this grey day. They gather together in the throne room and witness and argument between King Doran arguing with Commander Vael and Commander Cody. Vael takes issue with the day's plans for a mass funeral pyre, claiming the citizens tho died deserve a proper service, and also takes issue with the idea of marching with the nobles of Nede to the funeral for victims who were almost entirely commoners. Cody, pragmatic, emphasizes they have no ability to bury the dead, and supports the king's decision. King Doran stops their bickering, insisting on his original plan: to lead the procession from The Royals to the The Commons, leading the group from The Watergate to the ceremonial staging area. Vael is to aid in keeping the citizenry in line, while Cody will lead a group of soldiers to protect the nobles and the king, himself, along with the newly knighted Late-Night Crew.

King Doran reminds the group to meet with him after the service to receive their first mission as Knights of Nede. The group relaxes before the funeral. Maroo, who refused to be knighted, asks King Doran if she can accompany Commander Vael to provide her services and help with protection. This is accepted. They venture forth when the time comes, although it is possible that in this time they went on a date instead. Much fanfiction was written about this OTP.

The March
The Crew and the King begin the funeral procession. The town is largely drunk and angry with grief, tension simmering with rage at the loss of family and friend. Despite some drama involving a bottle smashing on Marv's head, no action is taken, and the King, nobles, and the Crew continue onward.

On the other side of The Commons, a large area of forest has been cleared, and a tremendous pyre has been constructed with the bodies already moved within. However, a riotous mob of civilians blocks the path of the procession as they arrive. Vael, Maroo, and the other soldiers soon arrive, but Vael stands back and watches the actions from afar.

The mob demands King Doran and his procession turn around. They feel anger at the nobles who were saved by the fortune of their birth, they fume at the king who they blame for the invasion, and they openly blame Commander Vael for not protecting them. Barchibold defends the king's decision with an impressive argument. After they try to insist on violence by insulting Vael, Maroo joins in and defends Vael's honour. Barchibold and Maroo together quiet the mob. The keen thinking of Crew inspires a young child to join the Goldies when he grows up.

The Burning
Despite Vael's warnings of rebellion, the Crew was able to calm the crowds and prevent violence. Maroo mentions to the king that he should promise to the crowd that the kingdom will seek vengeance. King Doran hears her and moves forward and scales the structure of the Pyre, looking upon the grave for 1,200 dead. Vael follows the king, draws a torch, and passes it to the king. The Pyre is lit, and the smoke rises.

With one last look at the citizens watching, King Doran says:

"We will not let this stand."

The pyre burns, and the king leads to procession back to The Watergate.

The King's Mission
Back in the castle, the king meets with the Late-Night Crew. He gives them a sealed letter, and asks the group to deliver the missive to the The King of Kraljic. When the group insists they should prepare some disguises, the king admits that Kraljic were not the perpetrators of the invasion. The king reminds the group that if the missive is opened, all is void, and insists they give it directly to the king. Barchibold entrusts the missive to Nina, and with great hesitance of carrying something so important, she puts it away.

The group is told to set off on their quest by the end of the next day. Commander Cody awards the group with badges that identify them as the king's knights.