The Amber Expanse road opens before Durnan in a haze of dust and trampled grass. A lean young adult man, with windburned cheeks, close-cropped dark hair, and a crooked nose, in a sun-faded blue coat approaches, one hand bloodied, a sealed parchment clutched in the other. A curved sword hangs at his hip.
Behind him, merchants drag their guards into a rough crescent around the nearest well. Across the road, a second caravan answers with shields and drawn blades, while wagons and riders gather behind Durnan, tightening the bottleneck.
Tavian Rusk
You there. I need protection long enough to bring both parties together.
Tavian Rusk
This agreement promised water rights to each caravan. Both discovered the contradiction only after the first blows fell.
He raises the sealed document between them, careful not to smear it with his blood. The nearest guards watch Durnan now, measuring whether he is another blade or a possible shield.
Tavian Rusk
Stand with me, and I can make them listen. Refuse, and this road becomes a battlefield before sunset.
A horse rears somewhere in the gathered traffic. The rival guards tighten their line, and the well lies between both caravans like a prize no one can surrender.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure a mutually witnessed settlement between the caravans
“I nod silently, not yet drawing any weapons. I step up next to him, and quietly ask how he plans to settle the dispute.”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +3)
Durnan nods without reaching for a weapon and steps beside the blood-handed swordsman. Dust skirls around their boots as the nearest and rival guards keep the well between them.
Durnan Scalabis
How do you plan to settle it?
Tavian Rusk
By proving which parchment carries the older seal, then having both caravan masters swear to honor that ruling.
The blood-handed swordsman turns the document toward the light but does not break its seal. His bloodied hand trembles once; his voice remains controlled over the restless horses.
Tavian Rusk
The seals can be compared without opening either agreement. If one master accepts the finding, the other will follow rather than lose face before the road.
He raises his uninjured hand toward the opposing lines, then lowers it beside the sealed parchment. The nearest guards ease their blades a fraction, watching for Durnan's next move.
“I speak, my voice even and not raised. "It is best we all follow the seal's outcome. it is better for half of you to travel farther to the next well than everyone die in the dust killing each other with dry throats."”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +0)
Durnan Scalabis
It is best we all follow the seal's outcome. Better for half of you to travel farther to the next well than for everyone to die here with dry throats.
The words carry without force. For one exposed breath, Durnan's composure falters, and the nearest guards notice the hesitation before he steadies himself.
Tavian Rusk
You heard him. The seal decides this, and both caravans honor the finding.
The Nearest Caravan Guards
We will stand by the seal.
The Rival Caravan Guards
And we will not spill more blood over ink.
Blades lower across the well. The rival line parts enough for the nearest merchants to approach, while the gathered traffic exhales and the horses settle.
Tavian Rusk
Now we compare the seals. No one loses face, and no one dies thirsty.
“i wait and watch. i take no action and observe.”
SUCCESS (Good Perception, rolled +2)
Durnan waits beside the swordsman and watches the seals pass between careful hands. The nearest caravan master holds one parchment to the sun, while the rival master studies the other in silence.
Durnan Scalabis
The darker wax is older, and its impression is sharper at the edges.
Dust settles on lowered blades. Durnan notices the rival seal bears a newer layer of wax beneath its crest, while the nearest guards watch their merchants for the ruling.
Tavian Rusk
The nearest seal is older. The water right belongs to that agreement.
The rival master presses his lips thin, then lowers his hand. His guards follow the gesture, and the tension drains from the road without another blade leaving its sheath.
The Rival Caravan Guards
We honor the ruling.
Tavian Rusk
Then the road remains open. Durnan, you have my thanks.
Quest Complete
Secure a mutually witnessed settlement between the caravans
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Fair→Good