Sirveris reaches the village tavern as dusk gathers. Its door is barred from within, and frightened patrons cluster around the hearth beneath smoke-darkened beams.
The blacksmith, his ruddy face framed by close-cropped iron-gray hair and marked by a crooked nose,, a broad-shouldered middle-aged man in a soot-stained leather apron, stands beside the bar. Forged travel warrants lie half-covered near his hammer.
the blacksmith
A dragon rumor brought the king's soldiers here. That is what they say, at least.
He keeps one hand near the papers and watches Sirveris closely, his wary gaze measuring the stranger for an opening, ally or threat.
the blacksmith
If you came seeking shelter, choose quickly. If you came seeking answers, speak softly.
Boots and armored voices draw nearer beyond the shuttered windows. The patrons fall silent, while the blacksmith shifts subtly between Sirveris and the hidden warrants.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the travel warrants
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn why the king's soldiers came to the village
“Tell me about both sir”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Sirveris
Tell me about both: the dragon rumor and the king's soldiers.
The blacksmith studies Sirveris for a breath, then draws the warrants fully into the firelight. Their red seals bear the king's crowned wyrm.
the blacksmith
Three nights ago, shepherds saw a vast shape beyond the northern crags. Wings, smoke, and a red glow above the peaks. No attack, no bodies, only ash on the grass.
the blacksmith
The soldiers arrived at dawn, led by Captain Veyr. They claim the beast carries an old royal curse, and that this village hides someone who knows where it lairs.
He taps the warrants with one scarred finger. Outside, a mailed fist strikes the tavern door, and dust trickles from the beams.
the blacksmith
They searched every house, seized our maps, and demanded guides. I kept these warrants because Veyr's seal is wrong. The crown points left, not right.
the blacksmith
If the soldiers ask, you arrived alone and heard nothing. If you want the truth, the northern crags are not where the tracks lead.
Quest Complete
Learn why the king's soldiers came to the village
“I’ll use those travel warrants to investigate if you’d let me”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -1)
Sirveris
I’ll use these travel warrants to investigate, if you’ll let me.
The blacksmith glances toward the pounding door, then gathers the warrants and places them in Sirveris's hand. Their wax seals are warm from the hearth.
the blacksmith
Take them. Captain Veyr believes authority lives in the seal, not the hand carrying it.
He points to the lower warrant, where cramped ink lists seized maps, questioned shepherds, and a route marked through the western ravines.
the blacksmith
Use the first as passage and the second as inquiry. Ask why Veyr's men avoid the old quarry.
A second blow shudders through the tavern. The blacksmith lowers his voice, while the warrants disappear beneath Sirveris's cloak.
the blacksmith
Go by the kitchens, through the rear yard. If they see those papers, let them think you serve the crown.
Quest Complete
Secure the travel warrants
Skill Upgrade: Thievery Superb→Legendary
+ New Item Acquired
Travel warrants