Beyond bowshot, a broad-winged barbarian envoy, a middle-aged hawk man with russet feathers, a fur-edged gray cloak, and a white cloth raised on a spear, advances alone.
He plants a black-painted standard in the dust and stops beneath it. His escort remains hidden beyond the rise, while the veterans hold their locked shields.
the broad-shouldered crane officer
Keep the line closed. No spear flies unless they break the ground between us.
The military courier turns toward the city road, watching for messengers, signals, or movement near the closing gate. The broad-shouldered crane officer stays beside Gideon and the standards.
the barbarian envoy
I demand speech with the centurion before the first spear is thrown. Let Rome hear the terms of those who stand before her.
A hot wind pulls at the envoy’s white cloth. Behind Gideon, veterans brace shields and conscripts remain with the gate force, while scouts watch the ravine and olive grove.
the broad-shouldered crane officer
You may speak from where you stand. Advance no farther, and keep the hidden blades beyond the rise.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn the barbarian envoy’s terms
“stare down the barbarian to ensure a civil exchange”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +2)
Gideon fixes his fire-bright eyes on the barbarian envoy, gladius lowered but plainly ready. His locked shield line and disciplined silence make the boundary unmistakable.
the barbarian envoy
This centurion does not seek blood, but neither will he yield the city to fear.
The hawk envoy meets Gideon’s stare, then lifts one empty talon away from the spear. Behind him, the hidden escort remains beyond the rise.
the barbarian envoy
Your line is firm, Roman. I will speak plainly, and my warriors will hold their ground while we exchange terms.
the broad-shouldered crane officer
Then speak. The city stands under our protection, and no threat will be mistaken for a treaty.
The wind slackens around the white cloth. Spears remain poised, but no one advances; across the roadblock, the first civil exchange begins beneath the black standard.
“continue to stare down the barbarian's men to ensure their cooperation”
FAILURE (Great Willpower, rolled -3)
Gideon holds his fire-bright stare beyond the black standard, measuring the rise where the hawk’s hidden warriors wait. His gladius remains lowered, but his shield line does not soften.
The unseen escort refuses the silent challenge. Shadows shift along the ridge, and several spearpoints appear above the grass, not advancing, yet no longer concealed.
the barbarian envoy
Your gaze does not command warriors who have not sworn to Rome. Keep your line, centurion, and do not mistake restraint for submission.
The veterans tighten their formation as the escort’s outlines become clearer. The road remains open, but the barbarian force now stands visibly ready on both sides of the rise.
the broad-shouldered crane officer
Their cooperation is not secured. We hold the caltrops and the city road, but any bargain must bind those men as well as their envoy.
the barbarian envoy
I can restrain them while we speak, not erase their fear. Name the terms that keep your city untouched, and let my warriors hear them.
Secure the barbarian warriors’ cooperation