The Church of Fires

*"The moon reaches its height above the city, and upon what does it cast its light? Upon death, destruction, and pain. End this!"*

## Event

*It is night by the time you arrive at the Church of Fires.*

*Estrella's ally waits within the hushed marble cathedral.*

1) Enter.

*Through the flickering candlelight, you walk past row upon row of wooden pews to the front of the temple.*
*Beyond the altar, you climb a moonlit staircase until you reach the vast doors leading to the West terrace.*
*You heave open the heavy doors.*
*An Empire General with grey hair and a kindly face greets you.*
*"Ah, you must be the traitor. Your face is plastered all over the city. Are you incredibly sly or incredibly ruthless? General Flinthallow, at your service."*
**The player draws a General of Steel.**
*General Flinthallow reviews the blood pledges to your cause...*
If all 12 Conspirators have pledged:
*Flinthallow chuckles as he reads the list. "Old Patton wishes the Emperor dead? Why, you have done well indeed."*
*Suddenly, a troop of Empire soldiers bursts onto the terrace...*
**The Dealer draws a Musket of Steel.**
*...a chained ogre trudging behind them.*
**The Dealer draws an Ogre.**
*The soldiers release the chains and the ogre shudders, its yellowed eyes darting around wildly. Some unknown conditioning prevents him from trying to escape.*
*General Flinthallow draws his sword. "Stand down, men.*
*One of the grubbier looking soldiers growl. "Flinthallow, you traitor! Colluding with the assassin? May your death be slow and painful."*
*You draw your weapon.*
**The player enters Combat.**
*As the last enemy falls, Flinthallow is already cleaning his sword and walking swiftly toward the exit.*
*Without breaking stride he details the way into the Palace. "The sewers by the Western docks... a gate etched with a bronze sun, you may find passage into the Palace there."*
*Gather your companions, mercenary. Prepare for the fight of your life. Tomorrow, you kill the Emperor.*
Otherwise:
*"You insult me," Flinthallow frowns. "Without the people's support you are nothing but a common assassin."*
**The General moves to the enemy side.**
*Before you can react, General Flinthallow draws his pistol with lightning speed and shoots you in the neck.*
**The player draws a Max Life Pain Card.**
*"Still alive, eh? Maybe you have gumption and heart enough after all." The General stands over you as blood drips into your cupped hand. "But I can't allow you to leave here... I am sorry."*
*Then, with a whistle, a troop of soldiers fills the church terrace.*
**The Dealer draws a Musket of Steel.**
*They are accompanied by an ogre.*
**The Dealer draws an Ogre.**
*The ogre's arms are locked in heavy shackles, and the Empire's sigil is branded on its back.*
*The soldiers release the chains and the ogre shudders, its yellowed eyes darting around wildly. Some unknown conditioning prevents him from trying to escape.*
(If current companion is Malaclypse)*"Slavery? Did you lot run out of ideas on how to be evil?" Malaclypse draws his book of spells.*
(If current companion is Ariadne)*"Slavery!"Ariadne bellows."To the depths of hell with you!"*
*You draw your weapon.*
**The player enters Combat.**
*General Flinthallow lies dying in a pool of his own blood. "You have bested me..."*
*He draws a choking breath, and his eyes fall on the dead, enslaved ogre. "Listen... listen. The land is sick. Maybe you are right. Maybe the Emperor must die for it to heal."*
*"You must be vigilant - they know you are here now, they know you are coming for him."*
*As the last breath leaves his body, the General looks at you appraisingly, blood welling in one eye. "You will die in there you know."*
2) Continue exploring this district.