The rocky path winds toward a dark cave mouth above the village. Liz Thrush arrives within clear sight of the entrance, sword at their side, as hoofbeats climb behind them.
An anthro female dragon stands near the cave, broad wings held close. She watches the bishop and his mounted party ascend, while villagers gather in a wary line behind them.
the dragon
The whole village has come to witness this.
The bishop raises one gloved hand. Horses pick their way over loose stone, and the armed riders spread across the narrow path without drawing steel.
the bishop
Dragon, remain where you are. By the authority of the Church, you will answer for your presence here.
the dragon
You bring witnesses and weapons, Bishop. That is not the manner of a man seeking honest answers.
The bishop's gaze shifts past her and fixes on Liz Thrush. Several villagers follow his attention. The path leaves no shelter, and every face waits for what happens next.
✓ Quest Accepted
Help the dragon leave freely
“I face the bishop and demand he let the dragon leave freely.”
FAILURE (Fair Willpower, rolled -1)
liz thrush
“Bishop, let the dragon leave freely. She has done no harm before you.”
The demand carries along the narrow path. The bishop’s raised hand lowers, and the riders close ranks between the cave and the descending road, blocking any easy passage.
the bishop
“You presume much, kobold. This creature stands accused, and no accused party departs before questioning.”
the dragon
“There. His purpose is plain. He wants a cage, whatever words he chooses to dress it in.”
A murmur passes through the villagers. One rider dismounts and takes hold of the bridle of a packhorse, tightening the barrier across the path. The bishop keeps his eyes on Liz Thrush.
the bishop
“Stand aside. If you obstruct the Church’s officers, you will be treated as part of this matter.”
the dragon
“Do not mistake his refusal for authority over me. But the road is sealed, and steel will decide nothing cleanly.”
“I slip around the riders with the dragon”
FAILURE (Fair Agility, rolled +0)
Liz Thrush moves low beside the dragon, using the packhorse and its shifting load as cover. The dragon folds her wings tighter and follows, shoulder to stone.
the bishop
Hold them there! Do not draw steel, but close the gap!
A rider catches the dragon's wingtip before they clear the line. The startled packhorse sidesteps, and the barrier buckles inward, forcing Liz Thrush and the dragon against the cliff.
the dragon
Not through them. Up, along that shelf. It bends behind the cave mouth.
Above the riders, a narrow shelf runs through broken scrub toward the cave. It is steep and exposed, but the horses cannot reach it without abandoning the road.
the bishop
Kobold, step away from the dragon. This is your last lawful warning.
the dragon
The shelf is dangerous, but it offers ground his horses cannot command.
“I lead the dragon up the narrow shelf”
SUCCESS (Fair Athletics, rolled +2)
Liz Thrush climbs first, testing each handhold before shifting their weight onto the shelf. The stone is narrow, but it bears them securely above the road.
the dragon
Keep close to the wall. Give me your hand where the shelf narrows.
The dragon follows with folded wings, placing her feet carefully in Liz Thrush’s tracks. Together they pass beyond the riders’ reach and gain the bend behind the cave mouth.
liz thrush
The shelf continues behind the cave mouth.
the bishop
Hold the road! Do not pursue them onto that ledge. We will find another way up.
Below, the riders rein in their horses. Villagers crane their necks toward the shelf, while the bishop’s order settles over the path like a locked gate.
the dragon
You have brought me beyond his line. Now we can speak without his men pressing steel around every answer.
“I ask the dragon about a hidden exit”
FAILURE (Fair Perception, rolled -2)
liz thrush
“Is there a hidden exit from the cave?”
the dragon
“There was a narrow rear passage once, used by shepherds. The winter rains brought half the hillside down across it.”
She turns along the shelf and gestures toward a low cleft behind the cave mouth. Loose stones choke its entrance, packed with damp earth and roots.
the dragon
“I tried it this morning. It ends after a few paces. Not even I could force a way through without bringing the roof down.”
The cleft admits only a cold thread of air before the rubble seals it. Below, the bishop’s men remain gathered on the road, visible between gaps in the stone.
the dragon
“So there is no safe hidden exit. We must use the cave mouth, or remain here until he finds a path to us.”
“I lead the dragon through the cave mouth”
SUCCESS (Fair Agility, rolled +3)
Liz Thrush leads the dragon back along the shelf, then down through the cave mouth. The stone floor slopes into cool darkness, away from the bishop’s sight.
the dragon
Stay near the wall. The first chamber is broad enough for both of us.
Liz Thrush enters first, testing the damp ground before guiding the dragon beneath the low arch. Her folded wings clear the stone without scraping.
the dragon
The cave gives us cover, at least for a little while.
Behind them, daylight narrows to a pale wedge. The riders remain outside, their voices muffled by rock as the pair reaches the wider inner chamber.
the dragon
Here. He cannot command this ground merely by shouting from the road.
The dragon settles her wings and looks deeper into the cave, while Liz Thrush stands safely inside beside her.
“I search the cave for another exit”
SUCCESS (Fair Perception, rolled +3)
Liz Thrush searches the chamber methodically, tracing the walls, probing cracks with their blade, and following the faintest current of cooler air beyond the fire-dark stone.
Behind a curtain of hanging roots, they find a narrow passage descending through the rock. Its floor is dry, and daylight glimmers far below through a split in the hillside.
liz thrush
The passage reaches the lower slope outside the bishop’s line.
the dragon
You found it. That air is moving freely, and the stone there is sound.
The dragon approaches and bends beneath the roots, examining the passage without touching its walls. From below comes the muted sound of wind through grass.
the dragon
It opens onto the ravine behind the village. Narrow for me, perhaps, but wide enough for you to reach the woods unseen.
The route lies open, sloping toward cover and away from the road. The cave’s darkness now offers two clear choices: deeper shelter or a concealed way out.
“I lead the dragon through the hidden passage”
SUCCESS (Fair Agility, rolled +3)
Liz Thrush enters the narrow passage first, keeping one hand against the sound stone while guiding the dragon beneath the hanging roots and down the dry slope.
the dragon
Slowly. Your path is sound, and I can follow without bringing the roof down.
The passage bends twice, then widens at the split in the hillside. Liz Thrush emerges among tall grasses below the village, with the dragon close behind.
the dragon
We are out of his line. The ravine hides us from the road, and those woods will conceal even my wings.
A faint track continues through the grass toward the woods, marked by old shepherd stones. From it, the bishop’s riders are visible above, searching the cave mouth.
the dragon
You found more than an escape. That trail reaches the forest without crossing the village path. We can leave unseen.
The dragon folds herself beneath the trees’ first shadow, while Liz Thrush stands safely on the lower slope. Behind them, the hidden passage remains concealed.
Help the dragon defend her presence
Quest Complete
Help the dragon leave freely
Attribute Upgrade: Agility Fair→Good