Behind a tidy village school, afternoon lessons give way to games. Becca the Hen stands near the kitchen garden, watching children spill across the playground.
Tom Brown, a lean schoolboy with wind-tossed brown hair, a red school cap, and scuffed knees, notices her through the railings. His grin suggests a fresh escapade.
Tom Brown
There you are, then. A proper fine hen, and just what I need for the demonstration.
He slips away from the shouting boys and crouches beside the garden gate. In one hand he carries a length of string; in the other, a paper parcel.
Tom Brown
If she walks quietly, nobody will notice until the bell rings.
The gate gives a small metallic click as Tom eases it open. Sun-warmed soil, crushed mint, and the distant smell of boiled potatoes fill the narrow garden.
Tom looks toward the classroom windows, then back to Becca. He has not yet seen what makes this hen unlike any other, and the next moment belongs to her.
✓ Quest Accepted
Escape Tom Brown's attempt to capture her
“As the strange human approaches me while I observe the tiny humans with no ill intent, I let out a big "CLUCK" as the human attempts to grab me quite rudely! I flap my wings and waddle back onto the ground, clucking in annoyance to the human trying to grab me. Surely, another human wants to eat me! I turn to see the strings he has in hand. I cluck loudly in horror and start making a run for it! He starts chasing me with his string like I'm some sort of cow! We go left and right, left and right, left and right, over and over again until he manages to grab me again! I start to panic before I remembered: I can still fight, can I? I peck at his face and at his fingers long enough for me to make a run for it - for REAL this time! With a successful escape, I let out an annoyed cluck at the rude boy and go about my merry way, safe to be Becca the Hen for another day.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -1)
Tom lunges as Becca watches the tiny humans at play. She flaps hard, drops back onto the soil, and gives a furious, echoing cluck.
Tom Brown
Hold still! It is only a little demonstration!
The string flicks after her as she waddles left, then right, then left again through the garden. Tom stumbles after her, red cap slipping sideways.
His fingers close around her feathers. Becca twists and pecks at his fingers, then snaps toward his startled face until his grip breaks.
Tom Brown
Ow! You spiteful bird!
She bolts beneath the gate and reaches the lane, free at last. The escape leaves a sharp tug at her wing and a burst of clucking that turns several children toward the garden.
Tom remains inside with the string dangling from one hand. Becca gives him one final annoyed cluck, then waddles onward, safe for another day.
Quest Complete
Escape Tom Brown's attempt to capture her