Episode 32.5: Divine Intervention

Episode Events
Velrisa wakes up surrounded by rusted iron bars. An elderly dwarf stands in front of her, watching her. He makes a comment about how he was finally brought a "pretty one."

Velrisa takes in her surroundings, noticing that she is shackled to either side of the cage. She asks why she has been captured, which the dwarf replies explaining that she is what they had been looking for. She asks what they were looking for. The dwarf reaches into the cage, stroking Velrisas face as he tells her that her body is special, and that they need a very special and strong body to act as a vessel for extraplanar blood. He also assures her that it will be incredibly painful.

She asks what they plan to do with her, but the dwarf refuses to reveal his secrets. She attempts to persuade him to tell her, since she is going to be sacrificed anyway. She is successful and learns that the Queen wants her body for a blood fusion strong enough to fuel an ancient weapon named Zorthril (also known as The Pillar of Forbidden Knowledge, in common). He continues to describe that the blood fusion takes a concoction of blood from many different races and describes that the blood has to be pumped in somewhere, which is what they will use Velrisas body for.

Velrisa, confused, explains that she offered to help the king and give him her blood. The dwarf, calling the king a dimwit, tells her that the king knows nothing about fueling Zorthril, and that he thinks the blood is only for research. He says that she took too long to give the king her blood, so they decided to step in and take it themselves because Zorthril is the only thing that can stop Ungaroh.

She is confused why they have to sacrifice her, but the dwarf explains that if he kills just her, he will save thousands of lives. She asks why they haven't thought of a different way, that doesn't involve killing her. The dwarf assures her that her body is strong enough to handle the blood, and that's exactly what they need.

Velrisa asks where she is, and the dwarf explains that they're far in the mountains in a secluded location. The dwarf also warns her not to try to escape, as warforged roam the halls in wait. The dwarf leaves the chamber, locking the door behind him.

As soon as the dwarf leaves, Velrisa notices her warhammer, shield, and armor are gone, but she still has her lantern and her cloak. She also notices that the chains, rusted and worn, are not brittle but are weaker than newer chains. She uses Bull Strength, and attempts to pull on and break the chains. She breaks the chains from the sides of the cage, but the shackles stay connected to her wrists.

She uses Sacred Flame to heat the bars, which causes the bars to deform and bend enough for her to squeeze through. As she exits the cage, she looks through the window of the cell she's in. She hears two voices, one of which is the dwarf she spoke to not long ago, who she then learns goes by the name "Goldur." After listening in to their conversation, Velrisa tries to open the door, but learns it is locked and can only be opened with the large iron key Goldur possessed.

Velrisa sinks down to the floor, grasping her holy symbol and praying for Wee Jas to aid her. Wee Jas appears, and Velrisa notices she's in a different room with a circular pedestal and a beam of white light coming from the center of it. Wee Jas wonders why Velrisa calls to her, while still having a debt to pay. Velrisa insists she cannot pay the debt if she is sacrificed. Wee Jas, convinced she truly wants to atone, assures her that Velrisa won't die in the cell, but is curious on how she wants her to help. Velrisa only asks for insight to assist her through this. Wee Jas agrees to guide her, but refuses to help any further until she atones. Velrisa agrees, and Wee Jas turns to the beam of white light. Ander can be seen in the mirror of light enjoying a tankard of mead. He jolts forward suddenly, and looks through the mirror towards Velrisa, calling out to her. Velrisa explains to him that she is stuck in a cell, and called upon Wee Jas for help. Ander, rising from his seat, grasps his great sword and demands guidance from Wee Jas. He punches the mirror of light, and he disappears as it shatters. Wee Jas tells her that the door is unlocked, but she needs to be cautious. Wee Jas suggests escaping the cell and finding somewhere to hide, and wait for Ander to find her rather than trying to escape. She thanks her, and assures her that the next time they speak, her sins will be fully atoned for.

The vision dissipates, and Velrisa is back in the cobblestone cell. The door, previously locked, is now wide open. Stepping out of the doorway, she sees a long hallway with many other locked doors just like hers. She takes a deep breath, clutching her lantern, and stealthily begins to move down the hallway.