Of Fists and Faith - A 5th Edition D&D Quest

While a Wikipedia page is a good start, it is not the end all and be all of this quest. In this quest, She Exists. She is called on by all walks of life in Mexico, and in some parts of the United States, and despite what many denizens of the Abyss may try to tell you, She does answer.

It is not exactly easy to describe what exactly Santa Muerte is. Perhaps a good way to describe Her is as one follower has said: "Saint, goddess, angel, psychopomp, She is all of these, but also none of them. Those are human concepts and ideas. While they may be enough for us to gain some semblance of understanding, they can never accurately describe Her in Her entirety."

There are plenty of stories and beliefs. That She is Mictēcacihuātl reborn. That She was there when He died and/or resurrected. That She will be the last thing in the universe, as all things must End. But there is no known canon for her, and there is still a lot of questions involving her.

You can choose to add her to your pantheon, if you can find enough information in-quest to do so. The Cleric has plenty of information, and Decompose is one of Her spells. And if you're willing to head to Mexico City, there may be plenty of things for Codex to analyze. But be warned: Many churches, and many government agencies, do not like worship of Santa Muerte. The churches, for obvious reasons. The government, because of fear that many "criminals" worship Her for protection.

(Vote Choice: You have chosen to find a way to revive Anastasia Gorbunova)

If you are concerned that your new goal will conflict with Her, do not worry on this front. Resurrection is not anathema to Her.

(Religion Test (Advantage): 4,8. 8 + 5 + 4 = 17. DC: 10/15/20/25)

In-quest, you know the general basics about Santa Muerte, the Day of the Dead, and a way or two she is venerated. But there is still far more you do not know. But that's okay. Someone is coming who can instruct you

Secret Bonus: You will find the Cleric in the next Book, regardless of which choices you make. What dealings you make with her, is as always, your choice.

Happy Belated Halloween/Day of the Dead! I would have gotten this out sooner, but life is a pain in the ass.

"I want to help"

You've seem to catch both Ludmila and Raskova off guard. "What?"/[Wait, what?]

"I want to help" You repeat, with more confidence. Your mind is whirling now, as you flip both the Codex Gygax and Biblica Sacra open, one in each hand. "I can cast spells. I can heal things by punching them. And I literally worship two Gods. So I'm probably the best bet for learning True Resurrection." Mainly because the other possible option is Goodfellow, and you wouldn't trust him if everyone's life depended on it.

There is a long pause, before Ludmilla finally speaks. "Alice…" She stops, as if debating something internally. Then, she speaks again. "I know you want to help. But this could be… no, will be dangerous. And you still have a whole lot to live for. I don't think I could live with myself if I got you injured… or…"

(Insight Check: 14 + 7 = 21. DC: 10/20. Pass.)

She's trying to hide it, but she keeps looking over to the picture. The one with her and the others having a toast. You knew it was important. Or more specifically, the people in the photo.

"I wonder what Dimitri would think of all this. Probably would have tried to use the Portals for the fight, the brave fool. I wonder if they're still around. It's been a while."

Between the fact that she fears you'll get hurt if you help her, and the way she's been acting with the photo, you think something happened. You think most of them are alive. At least, when Ludmila last saw them. But obviously something happened.

Something she doesn't want to happen to you.

But you will not be deterred. "What if I'm willing to take that risk?" you ask. "What if I think it's worth it?" You look over to the picture, and an idea forms in your head. "How long have you been fighting the Nazis?"

It takes a moment for Ludmila to think. "The ones we fought? About a little more than half a year. Why?"

"How often have you fought them alone?"

That question causes Ludmila to stop for a moment. She opens her mouth to answer, then closes it. Finally, it is Raskova that answers the question. [She has only had me since Christmas. And even then, I cannot fight physically. So the entire time.]

"So you don't have to be alone anymore!" You say with a smile. "Please. Let me help you. Let's do this together. Let's bring Anastasia back home."

(Ludmilla: Friendly. Situation: Hesitant.)
(Persuasion With Advantage: 2, 10. 10 + 3 = 13. DC: 10/20. First Breakpoint Passed.)

You can see Ludmilla war within herself for a few agonizing seconds. "...you remind me of me. A bit too stubborn for your own good. But you're willing to help somebody you've just met…." a few more seconds of internal conflict, before her shoulder sag. A mirthless chuckle leaves her lips. "Ah, mother would be laughing now.."

Then she places a hand on your shoulder. "Alright. I still don't think this is a good idea. But if you're sure, then who am I to say no?" And with that, she pulls you into a huge hug.

You hug her back as best you can, considering you're still holding both books of Codex. But you can hear your friend whispering something, though not to you. "You'd have loved her spirit, Vladimir."

You feel Codex moving its pages, and you look to see what he has to say. We don't want to interrupt this emotional method, but We may be learning new spells.

"New spells? That's good!"

Yes, though this leaves Us with questions. Already, We know Decompose from a nearby Cleric. And We're pulling pieces of a spell from a nearby Paladin. This has… implications. Especially for the amount of Microfissures in the local area.


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Finally, got it done. Shorter then normal, but decided not to force it. Also, no vote. Going to try and get the next bit out soon.