Delfarius enters the Tremble adventurers’ guild carrying a cloth-wrapped basket of freshly baked saffron buns. To mortal eyes and senses, he is merely an ordinary man, smiling as he approaches the familiar table.
Pistol
I knew he would come! He promised me he would visit Tremble, and he always keeps the interesting promises.
Pistol brightens over the guild table, copper pigtails bouncing as she reaches toward the basket. Stabby McStabbson pauses over a rough map, while Vrsha looks up with knowing recognition beneath her composed adventurer’s manner.
Delfarius
Saffron bun?
Delfarius looks directly at Vrsha and smirks, offering the basket toward the table. Pistol reaches eagerly for a pastry, her attention abandoning the half-discussed adventure without regret.
Vrsha
For me? I suppose I can be persuaded to pause an expedition for a saffron bun, especially when it arrives with that expression.
Pistol
Give me one too! Then you can tell us what you think of our next adventure, because Vrsha says it might be dangerous and Stabby says it will be stabby.
✓ Quest Accepted
Preserve Vrsha’s belief that Delfarius is an ordinary man
+ New Item Acquired
Cloth-wrapped basket
“Cox hops out of the shadow of Pistol and gives her a look. Pistol pouts for a moment then asks if she may have one, please. I chuckle and tell her yes. Pistol takes one, takes a bite then asks if bun are different than or the same meaning as muffins are. Vrsha looks at Pistol confused and I just laugh.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Cox hops from Pistol’s shadow onto the table and gives her a pointed look. Pistol pouts, glancing between the squirrel and the basket of saffron buns.
Pistol
May I have one, please?
Delfarius
Yes.
Pistol brightens, takes a bun, and bites into the golden pastry. Saffron and almond perfume the table as her solemn curiosity returns.
Pistol
Are buns different from muffins, or do they mean the same thing?
Vrsha looks at Pistol in bafflement, while Stabby pauses over his map and Cox gives another tiny, exasperated chirp. Delfarius laughs at the unexpected question.
Delfarius
They are different kinds of baked treats, Pistol. But I suppose both can be excellent.
Quest Complete
Preserve Vrsha’s belief that Delfarius is an ordinary man
“Vrsha asks me what Pistol means and I look at Vrsha smugly. "I will explain it to you when you are older." I say with short laugh. Vrsha sighs and rolls her eyes remarking that she should have known anything with me would involve that kind of lesion. Stabby points at the map and explains to us all with different ways of saying stab or stabby how we need to pay attention to the adventure not baked goods.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Deception, rolled -1)
Vrsha
What does Pistol mean by that?
Delfarius
I will explain it to you when you are older.
Delfarius answers with a short laugh and a smug look. Vrsha’s expression flattens, then she rolls her eyes as Pistol watches with delighted confusion.
Vrsha
I should have known. Anything involving you was bound to involve that kind of lesson.
Stabby jabs a finger at the map, abandoning the buns long enough to demand everyone’s attention. His goblin features twist with urgent frustration.
Stabby McStabbson
Stab! Stabby, stab-stab! Stab!
The meaning is clear enough: pay attention to the adventure, not the baked goods. Vrsha turns toward the map, while Pistol reluctantly sets her bun aside.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what adventure Pistol and her companions are planning
“I take one of the buns and take a few mortal bites of it. I am just a mortal man to mortal eyes and mortal senses. I look over the map and look at Stabby. "What treasures is it now that you are after little goblin?" Stabby regards me with cautious eyes not sure he trusts me or that I am not going to take it for myself. He only has memories of me vaguely threatening him and being more dangerous than I appear. He responds to me accordly by saying Stab or Stabby.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Delfarius takes a saffron bun and eats several mortal bites, savoring almond and browned butter while his ordinary guise remains convincing to every mortal eye. He unfolds the map and studies its marked routes beside Stabby.
Delfarius
What treasures are you after now, little goblin?
Stabby regards him with cautious eyes, one hand edging protectively over the map. The goblin remembers enough of Delfarius’s vague threats to distrust the harmless-looking traveler before him.
Stabby McStabbson
Stab.
The single word carries a guarded refusal to explain, but Stabby’s eyes flick toward a red-marked hollow on the map. His grip loosens when Delfarius does not reach for it.
Stabby McStabbson
Stabby!
Vrsha leans over the table, following the goblin’s gesture. The marked hollow lies beyond Tremble’s eastern quarter, where old stonework and buried riches have drawn more than one adventurer’s attention.
“Pistol jumps in and tells me what they are looking for. Stabby is upset and tells Pistol she should not trust me so willingly. Pistol tells Stabby that I am nice most of the time and I taught her about muffins and shadows and Stabby should be nicer to me. Vrsha just looks at me as Stabby is talking to Pistol in Stabs or Stabby and says to me she has no idea what they are talking about, but she thinks it is about me? I chuckle and smirk. I am just a mortal man to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Deception, rolled -1)
Pistol
We are looking for a treasure hoard beneath that red-marked hollow! Old stone, buried riches, and maybe something magical. Stabby found the route first, but I can tell you the exciting parts.
Stabby McStabbson
Stab! Stabby!
Stabby jabs at Pistol with an indignant finger, then points sharply toward Delfarius. His warning is unmistakable even without more than the single word.
Pistol
He is nice most of the time! He taught me about muffins and shadows, and he brought us buns. You should be nicer to him, Stabby.
Stabby McStabbson
Stab-stabby! Stab!
Vrsha
I have no idea what they are saying, but I think it is about you. Pistol sounds complimentary. Stabby sounds considerably less convinced.
Delfarius chuckles and smirks, remaining an ordinary mortal man to mortal eyes and mortal senses. The table accepts the harmless guise while the treasure map stays open between them.
Quest Complete
Learn what adventure Pistol and her companions are planning
Skill Upgrade: Interrogation Great→Superb