The quill keeps scratching as Hauer bends over the summons. The torn scarf lies on the desk beside the red seal, both now entered into record.
The oak doors groan open. A messenger in church colors steps in, breath hard, Bishop Eisenfaust's seal lifted high for all to see.
The Messenger
By authority of the Church, I demand a stay of proceedings. This matter is to cease at once.
Magistrate Hauer
You come late. The court already holds the Bishop's mark, the papers, and witness names.
Frieda
He is trying to stop the record before it hardens.
Hauer glances from the summons to Frieda, then back to the seal in the messenger's hand. The room waits for which authority will blink first.
✓ Quest Accepted
Defy the Bishop’s stay of proceedings
“"I came to Schweinfurt because it is an imperial city, governed by the laws of the Holy Roman Empire. The Bishop of Nuremburg has no authority here. You are out of your jurisdiction, Messenger, and have no right to demand anything from an imperial magistrate."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Frieda
I came to Schweinfurt under imperial law. The Bishop of Nuremberg has no right here, and you have no right to stop an imperial magistrate.
Frieda’s words cut cleanly through the hall. The messenger lowers his seal a fraction, and Hauer straightens at once over the open record.
Magistrate Hauer
Then let the seal of Rome wait outside my doors. This court proceeds under imperial oath.
The Clerk
The summons can stand. If he objects, let him object to the record.
Ulrich
She speaks true. I will answer for what I saw.
The messenger’s jaw tightens. He keeps hold of the bishop’s seal, but his stance loses its certainty.
The Messenger
You force a hard road for yourselves. I will carry this answer back.
Hauer dips the quill again and sets his name beneath the summons. The torn scarf and red wax seal remain in full view on the desk, proof now stronger than the warning.
Quest Complete
Defy the Bishop’s stay of proceedings