Raedwulf and the three armed beastfolk hold position beyond Hearthhollow’s western gate, watching the frost-pale road. The boarfolk patrolwoman grips her spear, the jackalfolk keeps his bow lowered, and the bearfolk steadies his shield.
A mud-covered young adult elf man stumbles from a narrow ravine beside the road. His torn treaty-blue tabard hangs from one shoulder, dark hair plastered to his face, and one hand clutches a half-burned order.
The Courier
Do not wait for raiders on the road. They were ordered to bypass Hearthhollow and seize another target inside the settlement.
The courier drops to one knee, breath ragged. Wax clings to the charred parchment, bearing Caldris Vey’s three-pronged seal beneath soot and torn fibers.
The Courier
I carried this from the western delegation route. Caldris’s men changed course before dawn, and the order names a target within Hearthhollow.
The Boarfolk Patrolwoman
Who is the target? Speak clearly, courier. Every breath now costs the settlement time.
The jackalfolk turns toward the gate while the bearfolk scans the ravine’s rim. Behind them, Hearthhollow’s bells remain silent, awaiting a warning that could send the raiders into panic.
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect Caldris’s intended target from the raiders
Director's notewhole tale
I send the patrol to warn after the courier tell them who's the target inside Hearthhollow, while I guard the ravine.
The Courier
The target is Marra. Caldris’s order calls her the settlement’s binding authority and commands his men to take her alive before the delegation can protect her.
The courier raises the half-burned order toward the gate. Beneath soot and torn fibers, Caldris’s three-pronged seal remains visible beside Marra’s name.
Raedwulf
Warn Marra and the settlement. Caldris’s raiders are coming for her, and they must find Hearthhollow ready.
Raedwulf turns toward the gate, voice calm and steady as he gives the warning. The boarfolk patrolwoman, jackalfolk patrolman, and bearfolk patrolman immediately break from the road.
The Boarfolk Patrolwoman
We will reach Marra before the raiders do. Hold the ravine, and do not let their second route become an unseen entrance.
The three armed beastfolk hurry toward Hearthhollow, carrying the courier’s warning. Raedwulf remains with the kneeling messenger beside the ravine, watching the frost-rimed heights.
The Courier
They changed course near the ashwood. If scouts find you here, the raiders will know their order has been exposed.
✓ Quest Accepted
Hold the ravine against the raiders
Director's notewhole tale
Raedwulf looks at the courier with a cold smug
“"Well then... Best I go find them first."”
FAILURE (Good Survival, rolled -1)
Director's notewhole tale
Raedwulf looks at the courier with a cold smug
“"Well then... Best I go find them first."”
SUCCESS (Good Survival, rolled +2)
Raedwulf
Then I will find them first.
Raedwulf leaves the courier beneath the ravine’s shelter and moves up the frost-rimed slope, following the faint horse tracks toward the ashwood.
Beyond the trees, six mounted raiders, all adult humans in dark riding cloaks and weather-stained armor, their faces shadowed beneath hooded helms wait beside a dry streambed. Their dark cloaks conceal weapons, but Caldris’s three-pronged marks show beneath their cuffs.
The Courier
There they are. The order was real, and they are close enough to reach Hearthhollow before the next bell.
Raedwulf reaches the streambed’s upper edge unseen. Below, two scouts study Hearthhollow’s walls while the other riders prepare a narrow trail toward the settlement.
The Lead Raider
We take Marra alive. No fires, no disorder, and no warning reaches the delegation until she is in Caldris’s hands.
The raiders’ route, numbers, and purpose lie plainly before Raedwulf. Behind him, the courier remains concealed, while Hearthhollow’s warning bells begin to sound.
Director's note
Raedwulf leaves he's hiding spots and proceeds to calmly walk down the road, directly toward the six raiders. Hands in his pocket, shoulder relaxed. His posture is as non-threatening as possible
“"Greetings... Ummm, is this main road to Hearthhollow?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Raedwulf
Greetings... umm, is this the main road to Hearthhollow?
Raedwulf steps from the ashwood and walks calmly down the road toward the six raiders, hands in his pockets and shoulders relaxed. Frost crackles beneath his feet.
The movement draws every hooded face toward him. Behind the raiders, the dry streambed opens onto the narrow trail leading directly toward Hearthhollow’s walls.
The Lead Raider
It is. Keep walking and you will reach the settlement. State your name and business.
The Lead Raider
He approaches alone, but no traveler walks into six armed riders by accident. Is he warning us, or measuring the road?
The answer confirms the route, but the exchange costs Raedwulf his concealment. Two raiders shift toward the trail, while the lead rider watches him with open suspicion.
The Lead Raider
You chose a poor time to travel, stranger. Hearthhollow is under armed protection until further notice.
Director's note
Raedwulf talks calmy and nonchalant. As if he's talking to a stranger at a tavern
“"My name is Raed. I'm just a local hunter. I tend to stay out in wilderness for few or weeks. Sometimes a month is the game is good for a season." "Armed protection? " "When the hells they that happened?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Raedwulf
My name is Raed. I am a local hunter. I spend weeks, sometimes a month, in the wilderness when the season is good. Armed protection? When in the hells did that happen?
Raedwulf keeps walking with his hands in his pockets, posture loose and voice casual. The six raiders study him as an inconveniently ordinary traveler on their road.
The Lead Raider
Since before dawn. The settlement’s ward failed, and Caldris Vey’s men were ordered to secure Hearthhollow until the treaty delegation arrives.
The Lead Raider
A wilderness hunter would know the roads, but not speak like a man testing our orders. Keep him talking.
The Lead Raider
You have been away from the valley, then. That explains your ignorance. Turn aside toward the settlement, and you will pass safely under our protection.
Two raiders ease nearer the trail while the others remain by the dry streambed. Their answer confirms the false story: they intend to occupy Hearthhollow before the delegation can intervene.
The Lead Raider
Unless you have business inside Hearthhollow, hunter, keep to the road and do not make trouble. We have no wish to harm a local.
“"I see... Sorta. I tend to stay away from local politics. They tend to get in the way and just become meddling to simple folks like myself." "I'm come to check on my old aunt, a wolfkin name Sava."”
FAILURE (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -4)
“"I see... Sorta. I tend to stay away from local politics. They tend to get in the way and just become meddling to simple folks like myself." "I'm come to check on my old aunt, a wolfkin name Sava."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Raedwulf
I see. I tend to stay away from local politics. They meddle in simple folks’ lives. I’m here to check on my old aunt, Sava, a wolfkin.
Raedwulf keeps his hands in his pockets and his shoulders loose, speaking as casually as he might at a tavern. The raiders listen beneath their shadowed helms.
The Lead Raider
Sava? The wolfkin woman who keeps to Hearthhollow’s eastern terraces?
The lead raider’s suspicion eases. One of the men glances toward the settlement, where warning bells continue sounding, then looks back at Raedwulf.
The Lead Raider
You should have said so earlier. Family business is no concern of ours, provided you do not interfere with the protection order.
The Lead Raider
Take the lower path toward the east gate. Tell the sentries you are visiting Sava, and they will let you through. Caldris’s men have no quarrel with locals.
The raiders shift aside, opening the road toward Hearthhollow. Their attention returns to the settlement, satisfied that the harmless hunter has a reason to enter.
“"Oh? You know my Aunt Sava?" "That's new to me. She hardly opens to strangers."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Raedwulf
Oh? You know my aunt Sava? That is new to me. She hardly opens herself to strangers.
Raedwulf keeps his hands in his pockets and his shoulders loose. The raiders’ path remains open, though their attention settles on him again beneath their shadowed helms.
The Lead Raider
I know her because our scouts watched the eastern terraces before dawn. Sava confronted one of them and sent him back with a warning for Caldris.
The Lead Raider
She was not welcoming. She demanded our names, our authority, and the reason armed men were studying Hearthhollow’s approaches.
The lead raider glances toward the lower path, then back to Raedwulf. His guarded tone carries reluctant respect rather than familiarity.
The Lead Raider
We learned her name from the terrace sentry and from Caldris’s order. It identifies Sava as one of Marra’s trusted household voices.
The Lead Raider
If you are truly her nephew, hunter, go to her. She will tell you what our men were doing there, and why she expected trouble.
Director's note
Raedwulf ask in a curious question, in slightly annoyed tone of voice
“"Not that it's any of my business, but did your men do? Said something that had a opinion she didn't like?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Raedwulf
Not that it is any of my business, but did one of your men say something that gave my aunt an opinion she did not like?
Raedwulf keeps his hands in his pockets, shoulders relaxed, and lets mild annoyance color the question. The raiders exchange guarded glances beside the dry streambed.
The Lead Raider
One scout told her Caldris would replace Marra and appoint a keeper who understood obedience. He called Sava’s questions obstruction.
The Lead Raider
Sava answered that Hearthhollow had a matron, a compact, and no need for a foreign keeper. Then she sent him away.
The lead raider’s mouth tightens with reluctant embarrassment. Behind him, the narrow trail toward Hearthhollow remains open, while the others listen for any signal from the walls.
The Lead Raider
He also said Caldris would take Marra alive if she resisted. That was the part Sava disliked most, though she hid it behind colder words.
The Lead Raider
If you are her nephew, tell her the scout spoke beyond his orders. Caldris wants Marra breathing, but he does not want Sava advising her.
Director's note
He leaves that comment open for the raider to ask
“"Was that all? Huh... I'm surprised your scout was able to get away from alive." "Normally most men would get a black eye on a good day, if she's the mood." "Trust me you don't want to see a mad shewolf when she's really mad." "Ask her last 5th husband."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Raedwulf
Was that all? Huh... I’m surprised your scout got away alive. Most men would earn a black eye on a good day, if she’s in the mood.
Raedwulf
Trust me, you do not want to see a mad shewolf when she is really mad. Ask her last fifth husband.
Raedwulf keeps his hands in his pockets and his shoulders loose, delivering the tease like tavern banter. The raiders exchange uneasy looks beside the dry streambed.
The Lead Raider
Her fifth husband? I was not told Sava had a history of driving husbands into flight.
The Lead Raider
Our scout was lucky, then. He came back pale, missing his knife, and suddenly respectful of every question she asked.
A younger raider, a younger adult human man with a slim build, a narrow clean-shaven face, and sandy hair beneath his hooded helm, his dark riding cloak hanging over weather-stained armor coughs into his fist to hide a laugh, then straightens when the lead rider cuts him a warning glance. The road toward Hearthhollow remains open.
The Lead Raider
If Sava is half as formidable as you claim, I understand why Caldris wants her voice away from Marra. I will not send that scout near her again.
Director's note
Raedwulf notices the young adult human holding a laugh, and looks at him with a warm expression
“"Yeah yeah laugh it up kid. If you ever find yourself courting a female wolfkin, commitment is in the contact. No exception"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Raedwulf
Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, kid. If you ever court a female wolfkin, commitment is in the contract. No exceptions.
Raedwulf turns his head toward the younger raider, warm amusement replacing his guarded stare. His hands remain in his pockets, shoulders loose beside the open road.
Tavin Rusk
Understood. Commitment, no exceptions. I will remember that before I make any promises I cannot keep.
The Lead Raider
Do not encourage him. He has enough trouble listening to orders without collecting advice from every hunter on the road.
The younger raider ducks his head, still fighting a grin. Even two of the older riders shift uneasily, as though Sava’s reputation has become a shared warning.
Tavin Rusk
For what it is worth, hunter, I appreciate the warning. I would rather face six armed patrols than discover commitment was negotiable.
The Lead Raider
Enough. We have spoken of Sava, and you have your path to Hearthhollow. Keep clear of our orders, and no trouble follows.
Director's notewhole tale
Raedwulf asked the younger raider
“"What's your kid?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Raedwulf
What’s your name, kid?
Raedwulf turns his warm gaze toward the younger raider, hands still pocketed and shoulders loose. His question carries easy curiosity rather than pressure, inviting an honest answer.
Tavin Rusk
Tavin Rusk. Tavin is fine. I am young enough for you to call me kid, I suppose, though I am old enough to know when an order smells wrong.
The Lead Raider
Tavin, do not volunteer opinions to strangers. Especially not opinions about Caldris’s orders.
Tavin Rusk
He asked my name, not my allegiance. Still, if Hearthhollow is the target, staying silent makes me part of it.
Tavin Rusk
You can call me Tavin, hunter. And if you are heading to Sava, tell her I heard what that scout said. I will not help anyone take Marra.
The admission lands clearly before the other riders. Tavin’s name becomes a willing witness to Caldris’s intent, while the lower road into Hearthhollow remains open and unchallenged.
“(Has Raedwulf distraction bought time for reinforcements to arrive at his location?)”
NO, BUT (Even, rolled 60)
The road remains empty behind Raedwulf. No Hearthhollow patrol appears, and the warning bells fade beneath the hoofbeats gathering beyond the ashwood.
Tavin Rusk
No one is coming from the settlement. Their riders must be covering the gate and the eastern terraces.
The lead raider raises two fingers. The six riders divide their attention, keeping Raedwulf engaged while one pair slips toward the dry streambed.
Tavin Rusk
They are using him as a distraction. If those two reach the ravine, they can circle behind the settlement unseen.
The Lead Raider
You have enjoyed our conversation, hunter. Now step aside. We have a settlement to secure.
Tavin does not follow the others. He reins his horse toward the narrow quarry trail instead, leaving a clear path from the ravine to Hearthhollow’s rear gate.
Tavin Rusk
If you mean to protect Sava and Marra, hunter, the quarry trail is your opening. I will delay them there.
“(Has Raedwulf distraction bought time for reinforcements to arrive at his location?)”
NO, AND WORSE (Unlikely, rolled 94)
Tavin Rusk’s opening remains empty. No Hearthhollow patrol reaches the ravine, and the warning bells fade entirely as two raiders disappear along the quarry trail.
Tavin Rusk
They should have answered by now. Something has gone wrong at the gate.
From the ravine comes a sharp whistle, followed by the courier’s startled cry. The two raiders have found him beneath the rocks and drag him into view.
The Lead Raider
The messenger is ours. Lower your voice and step aside, hunter, or Hearthhollow loses the warning he carried.
Tavin Rusk wheels his horse toward the quarry path, but three riders close around him before he can reach the ravine. Their formation cuts him off from both Raedwulf and the courier.
Tavin Rusk
They have the courier, and the patrol still has not come. I can hold these three, but not for long.
Beyond the ashwood, a single red flare rises over Hearthhollow’s eastern terraces, the agreed signal for an inside breach. Caldris’s raid has already reached the settlement.
“(Is Raedwulf's distraction working?)”
YES (Unlikely, rolled 16)
Raedwulf’s harmless tavern manner has done its work. The lead raider keeps watching him, while the quarry group turns toward Tavin and leaves the ravine briefly unguarded.
Tavin Rusk
You wanted my name, hunter? Remember it. I am Tavin Rusk, and I will not help anyone take Marra.
Tavin wheels his horse across the trail, forcing three riders to close around him. Their formation shifts away from the courier, creating a narrow passage between the rocks and the ashwood.
The Courier
The eastern flare means they are inside. If Hearthhollow sees this opening, the warning can still reach Marra.
Beyond the ravine, the lead raider’s attention remains fixed on the supposed hunter. His men argue over Tavin’s refusal, missing the courier’s movement beneath the rocks.
The Lead Raider
Tavin, hold them there. You, search the ravine. The hunter stays where he is until we know who warned Hearthhollow.
The order confirms the distraction’s success. One rider breaks toward the quarry trail, two remain tangled around Tavin, and the courier slips toward the hidden slope as Hearthhollow’s distant bell answers once.
undefined / undefined
The rider searching the ravine reaches beneath the rocks just as the courier slips toward the hidden slope. Above, the red flare gutters into a second color, blue-white.
The Courier
That is not Hearthhollow’s signal. The old ward is answering something beneath the eastern terraces.
A deep chime rolls through the ashwood, too low for any bell. Frost lifts from the road in pale rings, and every horse shies from the sound.
The Lead Raider
Hold formation. Caldris never mentioned a ward response. Find the courier, then withdraw to the quarry trail.
Tavin Rusk
You heard him. The settlement is waking, and your orders are already failing. I will not let you reach Marra.
Beyond the trees, Hearthhollow’s red flare collapses into a column of silver fire. Its light reveals hidden figures moving along the eastern wall, while the raiders lose sight of the ravine.
The Courier
The ward has marked the invaders. If Marra reaches the central stone, Hearthhollow can bar every approach.
Director's note
I signal Tavin to misdirect the raiders
Raedwulf looks toward the courier with a cold, smug certainty, then turns his head toward Hearthhollow’s silver-lit terraces. The ward has answered before the raiders can regroup.
Raedwulf
Warn Marra. The ward has marked them, and the eastern breach is their target. Keep the people away from the terraces.
The courier nods and slips along the hidden slope. Raedwulf remains at the ravine, hands in his pockets, shoulders relaxed as frost spirals around his feet.
Tavin Rusk
The ward is closing the eastern approach. If you keep staring at the ravine, you will miss the road opening behind you.
Raedwulf gives Tavin a small signal toward the ashwood. The young rider wheels sharply, shouting toward the quarry trail and drawing two raiders after him.
The Lead Raider
Tavin, stop! Hold the line and do not split us again. The hunter is part of this defense.
Silver fire climbs Hearthhollow’s eastern wall. Hidden patrols emerge beneath it, while the remaining raiders hesitate between the ravine, the quarry path, and the settlement gate.
“Can the ward bar every approach?”
YES, BUT (VeryLikely, rolled 74)
Silver fire races along Hearthhollow’s eastern wall, then branches across the western road, quarry trail, and ravine. Every approach seals beneath a humming lattice of light.
The Courier
It has barred them all. No rider can cross the ward’s boundary now, not from the road, the quarry, or the terraces.
The ward holds, but its chime deepens into a painful roar. Cracks spread through the old boundary stones, and one eastern marker collapses in a burst of silver sparks.
The Lead Raider
Fall back! The ward is stronger than Caldris promised. Break formation and find another way before the stones fail completely.
Tavin Rusk
There is no other way. The whole valley is closed, and every attempt to cross will announce us to the walls.
Hearthhollow’s hidden patrols emerge along the terraces, spears leveled. The raiders are trapped outside the settlement, but the failing eastern marker leaves the ward’s protection temporary.
The Courier
Marra must reinforce that stone now. The ward has saved Hearthhollow, but it will not endure another assault.
Director's note
Raedwulf walk ups to Tavin's horse and leans it nonchalantly, with a satisfying smirk
“"Huh... That's new." "It’s not everyday you a ward like that huh kid?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Raedwulf
Huh... That’s new. It’s not every day you see a ward like that, huh, kid?
Raedwulf turns his head toward Tavin as silver fire races along the walls and the failing eastern marker showers sparks across the frost.
Tavin Rusk
Not for me. I have seen ward-lines flare before, but never one that cages an entire valley while tearing itself apart.
Tavin keeps his reins gathered as the trapped raiders retreat from the luminous boundary. Beyond them, Hearthhollow’s hidden patrols hold their spears steady.
The Courier
That stone is older than Hearthhollow’s compact. If Marra reaches it, she may steady the ward before the eastern wall gives way.
Tavin Rusk
You sound almost pleased, hunter. Strange thing to admire while it groans like the valley is being split in two.
The ward answers with another deep chime, sealing the raiders outside while silver light gathers around the fallen marker and the western patrol watches for their next move.
Quest Complete
Hold the ravine against the raiders
Skill Upgrade: Survival Good→Great
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the raiders’ surrender
“(Have the reinforcements arrived?)”
YES (Likely, rolled 50)
From Hearthhollow’s eastern terraces comes a pounding of hooves and the clang of hastily gathered arms. Marra arrives with Dorran, Neris, and a dozen armed residents beneath the silver wardlight.
the Hearthhollow matron
The reinforcements have arrived. Hold the western line, and keep the raiders from reaching the failing marker.
Dorran’s patrol spreads across the frost, shields locking beside spears. Neris leads archers onto the rocks, while the eastern defenders carry rope, tools, and ward-stones toward the damaged boundary.
Dorran
They are trapped, but not harmless. Their leader may bargain now, or risk breaking the ward before Seralyth can judge them.
The Lead Raider
Hearthhollow has armed its whole valley against us. Lower your weapons, and we will hear terms before this ward kills everyone outside it.
Tavin Rusk
Do not trust that offer. Caldris ordered Marra taken alive, and these men only fear losing their path to her.
The silver lattice tightens around the raiders as Marra’s reinforcements secure both approaches. Behind the failing marker, ward-keepers begin chanting, buying Hearthhollow time while every witness watches the trapped force.
Director's notewhole tale
I walk up and stand next to Tavin, arm around his shoulder, nonchalantly like an old friend. I look at Marra and Dorran, and speak to them in a calm casual voice
“"Hey you lots made it. What took you so long?" "I was just having a nice conversation with these boys, till the valley started ripped itself apart." "This is Tavin my new friend."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Raedwulf
Hey, you lot made it. What took you so long? I was having a nice conversation with these boys until the valley started tearing itself apart. This is Tavin, my new friend.
Raedwulf steps beside Tavin beneath the silver wardlight, one arm resting casually across the young rider’s shoulders. His satisfying smirk makes the introduction sound like tavern banter.
the Hearthhollow matron
A new friend? Then your timing is remarkable. The ward began failing the moment Caldris’s men reached its boundary.
Tavin Rusk
Tavin Rusk, apparently promoted from raider to friend before breakfast. I admit, I prefer this arrangement.
Dorran
You made contact with one of their riders while we gathered the defenders. Is he willing to stand with Hearthhollow?
Tavin Rusk
I am. Caldris ordered Marra taken alive, and I refused. Whatever happens next, I will not help him seize this valley.
Behind them, ward-keepers reinforce the failing marker as silver cracks crawl across the lattice. The trapped raiders watch Tavin, their formation tightening while Hearthhollow records his choice.
Quest Complete
Protect Caldris’s intended target from the raiders
Skill Upgrade: Survival Great→Superb
Director's note
Raedwulf says smuggly
“"Drinks on me Tavin. But a female? That's gonna extra."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Raedwulf
Drinks are on me, Tavin. But a female wolfkin? That is going to cost extra.
Tavin Rusk
I have survived armed raiders and a failing ward today. I can probably survive buying one drink, hunter.
Tavin answers with a crooked grin, keeping one hand on his reins as the silver lattice shudders above the trapped riders. His earlier fear gives way to wary amusement.
the Hearthhollow matron
If you two are finished arranging tavern debts, the ward-stone needs steady hands. Tavin can stand with the western line until the marker is secured.
Tavin Rusk
Gladly. And for the record, I am not courting anyone. I was offering advice, not volunteering for a second battle.
A fresh crack of silver light races across the boundary. Dorran signals the ward-keepers forward while Neris’s archers keep the raiders covered beyond the failing marker.
Dorran
Keep your eyes on the prisoners, Tavin. If Caldris’s men move, we answer with the compact and the evidence before steel.
Director's note
I request the raiders to surrender under the compact
Raedwulf moves beside Tavin’s horse and leans against its flank, one arm resting across the young rider’s shoulders. His cold yellow eyes track the trapped raiders beneath the shuddering ward.
Raedwulf
Under Hearthhollow’s compact, surrender your weapons and submit to lawful custody. The evidence and the warden will decide your fate.
The Lead Raider
You expect six armed men to surrender because a beastfolk hunter recites a compact?
Raedwulf’s smirk deepens. At his subtle signal, Tavin guides his horse toward the western line, drawing two raiders’ attention away from the failing marker.
Tavin Rusk
He is offering the only lawful road left to you. Resist, and every witness will record that Caldris chose defiance after the ward exposed him.
the Hearthhollow matron
Lay down your weapons, identify yourselves, and stand beneath Hearthhollow’s seal. No one will be harmed while you obey the compact.
The Lead Raider
And if we refuse? Will your witnesses stop the ward from breaking, or merely record our deaths beneath it?
Director's note
I ask this question to the other five raiders
“"That's you leader saying these words. If all of are free men, with free minds unclouded by fear like Tavin. What do you choose for yourselves?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Raedwulf
You heard your leader. If you are free men with minds unclouded by fear, choose for yourselves. What do you choose?
Raedwulf’s question crosses the wardlit road without threat. Tavin remains beside him, while the five other raiders look from their leader to the waiting witnesses.
The Lead Raider
You would have us defy the man who brought us here?
Tavin Rusk
He is asking whether you serve Caldris willingly, or merely obey because fear is easier than choice.
One raider lowers his hooked saber. Then another follows. The remaining men exchange grim looks before unbuckling their weapons and placing them on the frost.
The Lead Raider
Enough. We choose custody under Hearthhollow’s compact. We will answer for what we did, but not die for Caldris’s ambition.
the Hearthhollow matron
Your choice is witnessed. Lay down the rest, name yourselves, and stand beneath Hearthhollow’s seal. The law will hear you.
Quest Complete
Secure the raiders’ surrender
New Gift: Raiders' Parley