The Memorial Grounds fill with Wolsurian clans beneath the Mythic Forest’s shadow. Emerald, Ruby, and Lapis colors surround the great cross and the stone bearing Amethyst names.
Before the rites begin, a young adult man, with olive skin, tousled dark-brown hair, and a narrow scar over his right eyebrow staggers from the trees. His torn gray cloak hangs from a lean frame, one hand pressed to his side, and a broken Imperial insignia gleams at his shoulder. He collapses against the name-stone, leaving fresh blood across the engraved dead.
Tavian Rusk
Wait... please. I came to warn you.
Zey Yeni
That insignia is Royal Guard. He is not a common soldier.
The gathered clans answer with drawn blades, bows, and spell-light. Their circle tightens around the deserter while several voices demand to know why an Imperial soldier has come to sacred ground.
Emerald Clan
Speak! Who sent you here, and what does the Empire want from us?
Zey Yeni
Lower your weapons, but do not let him leave. Let him answer before the memorial becomes another battlefield.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn why the Royal Guard deserter came
✓ Quest Accepted
Discover why the Lufthansian Royal Guards were in the area and what their goal was
Director's note
From the crowd of Emerald kinsmen, a voice calls out
Director's note
Nadia would appear from the crowd, walking forward, dressed in her armor. She'd walk to the stone pedestal, where the Guardsman lay injured, not noticing him quite yet. She'd look to Zey
Director's note
she noticed; she noticed the symbol on his arm; a low growl would come from her as she stared directly at the man
Director's note
she growled, her left hand moving to her Katana.
“"Let me through!" Aunt Yeni, what's going o-" "You're a Imperial Guardsman....." "who are you....what the hell are you doing here.... and of all times... even an Imperial like you should know not to disturb a memorial gathering without reason."”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +0)
From among the Emerald clansmen, a voice calls for space. Nadia steps through the gathered Wolsurians in her armor, moving toward the stone pedestal and the wounded Imperial.
Nadia Veyas
Let me through! Aunt Yeni, what's going on? You're an Imperial guardsman. Who are you, and what are you doing here? Even an Imperial should know better than to disturb a memorial without reason.
Nadia reaches the pedestal and finally sees the broken insignia on his arm. A low growl leaves her as her left hand settles on the hilt of her katana.
The clans hold their weapons ready, but no one attacks. Nadia's command of herself slips for one visible breath, and the nearest Wolsurians notice the hesitation.
Tavian Rusk
My name is Tavian Rusk. I was Royal Guard, but I deserted. I came because Captain Ferric ordered troops toward the Emerald village.
Zey Yeni
Ferric? You came here wounded, carrying his insignia, and expect us to believe this warning?
Tavian Rusk
Believe the warning or do not. The order was given. I could not stand by while another clan was marked for slaughter.
Quest Complete
Learn why the Royal Guard deserter came
Quest Complete
Discover why the Lufthansian Royal Guards were in the area and what their goal was
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine how many Imperial soldiers are approaching
“can Nadia tell if the deserter is being truthful”
YES (Likely, rolled 18)
The broken insignia catches the gray daylight, but Tavian’s voice carries no practiced Imperial certainty. His breath shakes from pain, not from the careful cadence of a deceiver, and his eyes keep returning to the clan banners.
Nadia Veyas
He is telling the truth.
The faint pressure of Nadia’s arcane heritage confirms what her instincts already found: Tavian’s fear is genuine, and the warning was not crafted to lure the clans into a trap.
Zey Yeni
Nadia? What do you sense?
Tavian Rusk
The order bears Ferric’s seal. Three companies are moving through the eastern paths, and they mean to reach the Emerald village before dawn.
Emerald Clan
Then we meet them at the walls!
Zey Yeni
No reckless charge. If the captain has marked us, we must learn how many are coming and why Tavian alone escaped.
Director's note
Nadia draws her katana and points the end at his chest; she doesn't touch him with the sword; she doesn't need to. She explained her intentions via action if he was being untruthful
“Tell me, Tavian... how did you manage to escape your unit..... how did you even FIND us? How strong is the force you left? Do you have any evidence of your claims....I will order my people to help you if you are being genuine; if you aren't....”
SUCCESS (Fair Reasoning, rolled +0)
Nadia Veyas
Tavian, how did you escape your unit, and how did you find us? How strong is the force you left, and what evidence proves your claims? If you are genuine, I will order my people to help you. If you are not, my sword has already made my meaning clear.
Tavian Rusk
I deserted during a forced halt near the eastern ravine. I took the dispatch pouch after its bearer fell, then followed an old charcoal-burner's trail north. Your memorial fires guided me through the forest.
Tavian slowly pulls a sealed packet from inside his torn cloak. The wax bears Ferric’s unmistakable captain’s seal, though mud and blood have smeared the accompanying route marks.
Tavian Rusk
Three companies, roughly two hundred soldiers in all. Their orders name the Emerald village as the objective. The packet carries the march route and arrival hour, but the final page is missing.
The figures settle the broad question, but the missing page leaves a dangerous gap. Reading the packet will cost precious minutes while the companies continue advancing through the eastern paths.
Zey Yeni
Give me the packet. We will verify the seal and send scouts toward the eastern paths. If his evidence holds, every clan prepares before dawn.
Tavian Rusk
There is one more truth. I was not the only deserter. Two others fled east, and Ferric’s riders were already searching for us when I turned toward this memorial.
Quest Complete
Determine how many Imperial soldiers are approaching