Rain ticks through the half-collapsed rafters of the highwayman's hideout. Mud, old straw, and a sour lantern glow fill the room. Baseva stands just inside the broken doorway, shield ready, as Karr leans over a rough table covered in scraps of parchment.
Karr
You came fast. Good. The baron's name is on the move again, and so is mine.
Karr taps one parchment with a gloved finger. It bears the seal of the Tournament of the Chosen, newly broken open. Another sheet lies beside it, a cramped village plea from Tillworth Village, asking for aid.
Karr
Namal is hiding, but the tournament announcement will draw every knife in Feranden. Tillworth Village sends for help, too. I cannot answer both alone.
Baseva
The seal is fresh.
A shutter bangs somewhere in the dark wall. Karr flinches, then squares his shoulders, keeping one hand near the knife at his belt.
Karr
If you are guarding the baron, tell me what matters first, the tournament, or the village?
+ Story Quest Added
Decide whether to help the tournament announcement or Tillworth Village
“I’ll handle the tournament announcement”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled -1)
Baseva lowers her shield a fraction and steps in from the doorway. The parchment with the tournament seal slides toward her across the rough table.
Karr
Then it is settled. Take the announcement route, and keep your eyes open for anyone who wants the baron dead before the horns sound.
Karr folds the village plea in half without looking at it, then pinches the tournament notice flat with both hands, offering it across the table.
Baseva
I’ll handle the tournament announcement.
Rain hisses through the broken doorway as Karr pushes the parchment into Baseva’s grasp. The seal shows a clean break, red wax cracked open like a fresh wound.
Karr
Good. If the summons spreads, it will pull trouble toward the arena, not the village. That is the cleaner path.
He jerks his chin toward the dark outside, already listening for the next sound in the rain. The hideout feels smaller now, waiting on Baseva's next move.
Quest Complete
Decide whether to help the tournament announcement or Tillworth Village
+ New Item Acquired
tournament parchment