Rain hammers the lean-to in sheets, turning the forest floor to black muck. Talya returns with fresh blood on her hands and wet fur clinging to her face.
By the tree, Hobb is pinned hard, one thief at his throat, another rifling his pockets. A third stands guard with a rusted knife, eyes bright with greed.
The Thief Leader
You’re the one with the curse-money, ain’t you? Toss it out, and your friend keeps breathing.
Talya steps in from the rain, silver dress plastered to her frame, gold eyes fixed on the knife hand.
Hobb
Talya, they tracked us from the farmstead. I tried not to move.
The thief leader tightens his grip, but his stance wavers as he measures Talya and the storm behind her.
The Thief Leader
Back off, wolf. This is just business. Walk away, and nobody needs to bleed.
✓ Quest Accepted
Rescue Hobb from the thieves
“But what if I want somebody to bleed. I say my chaos magic crackling around my claws. It been a while sens I have eaten and I do like food with some fight. I growl bearing my fangs”
SUCCESS (Legendary Intimidation, rolled +2)
Talya
What if I want somebody to bleed? My chaos magic crackles around my claws. It has been too long since I ate, and I like food that fights back.
Red sparks crawl over Talya's claws at the bottom of their vision. Her growl bares her fangs, and the rain seems to hush beneath it.
The Thief Leader
Easy. Easy! Take the cursed stray. We’re done here.
Therefore, the leader shoves Hobb away and retreats into the mud. The second thief abandons the stolen gear, while the third lowers his knife and backs toward the trees.
Hobb
I’m free. Talya, they took nothing important, but they heard about the landowner and the family debt.
The three thieves vanish into the rain, leaving Hobb crouched beside the tree. Behind him, the lean-to shudders, and a muffled thump answers from somewhere beneath the soaked earth.
The Thief Leader
This isn’t finished, wolf! We’ll sell your trail to the landowner!
Quest Complete
Rescue Hobb from the thieves
✓ Quest Accepted
Ensure Hobb is unharmed
“I walk towards Hobb and grab him by the should and sniff him. Are you hurt. I ask”
Talya
Are you hurt?
Talya crosses the muddy camp, grips Hobb's shoulder, and scents him. He is shaken, but uninjured.
Hobb
No. Just frightened. I thought they meant to drag me away. You came back for me.
Have Hobb lead Talya to his employer
Quest Complete
Ensure Hobb is unharmed