Rain turns the road to sucking brown mire. Cloud Cloud stands between a frightened child and a rough barricade of carts, his leopard crouched beside him, ears flat.
The child is a small, mud-spattered girl with cropped black hair and a torn yellow cloak. Three bandits block the road, led by a broad-shouldered man in a rusted helm.
the bandit leader
Hand over the girl, guard. She comes with us, and you and that beast may walk away.
His companions spread along the carts, gripping cudgels and a hooked polearm. Behind them, the flooded ditch gurgles beneath the rain, dark and deep.
the bandit leader
Resist, and we drag all three of you into the mire. No village will hear a cry through this storm.
the frightened child
Please, sir. My mother is waiting beyond the old chapel. They took my brother, and now they want me too.
the bandit leader
Enough pleading. Lower your shield and step aside, or learn whether duty can keep you standing.
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect the child from the bandits
✓ Quest Accepted
Rescue the child's brother
“Signal my companion Leon to guard the child. Charge forth with shield ready and slam into the first two enemies. Telling the child to stay behind Leon.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Combat, rolled +1)
Cloud Cloud
Leon, guard the child. Stay behind him, girl.
Cloud Cloud gives Leon a sharp signal. The powerful leopard moves at once, placing his striped body between the girl and the barricade as she ducks behind him.
the frightened child
I will! Please do not let them take me.
Shield raised, Cloud Cloud charges through the rain. His boots tear free of the mire as he drives straight into the first two bandits before they can close ranks.
The shield slams into the rusted-helm leader and his nearest companion, knocking both sideways against the carts. Wood groans, and muddy water splashes high.
the bandit leader
Hold him! Break that shield!
The hooked polearm wavers as its wielder retreats a pace. Behind Cloud Cloud, Leon bares his teeth over the child, making the remaining bandit hesitate.
Quest Complete
Protect the child from the bandits
“Keeping the leader heald with the shield, I swing my blade heavily at the seconds bandits leg to wound him.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Combat, rolled +0)
Cloud Cloud keeps his shield braced against the rusted-helm leader, pinning him hard against the cart while rain streams from the battered metal.
With his other hand, he swings low and heavy. The blade cuts across the second bandit's leg, forcing him down into the mud with a sharp cry.
the second bandit
My leg! He has me! Get around him!
The wounded bandit drops his cudgel and clutches his leg, unable to stand. The hooked polearm wielder recoils, staring between his fallen ally and Cloud Cloud's shield.
the bandit leader
You fool! Keep fighting! The girl is worth more than your fear!
Behind the carts, Leon snarls and advances one pace, keeping his striped body between the child and the struggle. The girl grips his wet fur with both hands.
the frightened child
Please, guard, the chapel is not far. My brother is still there!
“Take the chance finishing the pinned leader aiming to run through the leader with my blade. Yelling that One of you may yet live if you surrender.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Combat, rolled +1)
Cloud Cloud
One of you may yet live if you surrender!
Cloud Cloud drives his blade through the leader's defenses and into his torso, pinning him against the cart. The rusted helm strikes wood as his resistance goes slack.
the bandit leader
You... should have taken the bargain...
Cloud Cloud wrenches his blade free and keeps the shield raised. Rain washes across the steel while the leader collapses into the mud beneath the cart.
the polearm wielder
Drop it! Drop the sword! I surrender!
The polearm falls with a wet thud. The remaining bandit lifts both hands, eyes fixed on Cloud Cloud, while the wounded man stays facedown and silent.
the frightened child
Please, guard, we must reach the chapel. They took my brother there!
“I tell the child we will. Keeping my guard up. I ask why her brother and are there more of you?”
SUCCESS (Fair Reasoning, rolled +1)
Cloud Cloud
We will reach the chapel. Tell me why they took your brother, and are there more of you?
Cloud Cloud keeps his shield high and blade ready. Rain rattles against steel as the surrendered polearm wielder watches him, hands still raised.
the frightened child
They said my brother saw where they hid their stolen silver. They took him to make him speak.
the frightened child
There are four more captives at the chapel, I think. Two villagers, an old priest, and my brother.
the polearm wielder
She speaks true. The others are bound inside the chapel. The leader meant to collect them after sunset.
The girl slips from behind Leon's shoulder and points through the curtain of rain. Beyond the road, a chapel spire rises above black cypress trees.
the polearm wielder
Do not kill me, guardian. I will show you the path, and I will tell you which door they use.
“I say quickly lead the way there, anything suspicious and you will end up like your leader. The other I say avoid such deeds in the future and toss a bandage, as next time you won't be spared.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled -2)
Cloud Cloud
Quickly, lead us there. Anything suspicious, and you will end up like your leader.
The polearm wielder swallows and lowers his hands only enough to point toward the cypress path. As Cloud Cloud steps after him, his shield strap tears, leaving the shield hanging loose from one arm.
the polearm wielder
Yes, guardian. The chapel door is hidden behind the graveyard wall. I will lead you straight there.
Cloud Cloud snatches a bandage from his pack and tosses it beside the wounded bandit. It lands in the mud, clean cloth already darkening at one edge from the rain.
Cloud Cloud
Avoid such deeds in the future. Next time, you will not be spared.
the wounded bandit
I understand. I will bind the leg and leave this life behind.
The polearm wielder hurries through the rain toward the chapel, glancing back once. Leon keeps the frightened girl close behind Cloud Cloud as the black spire grows larger.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach the chapel
“Telling her we will save them and as we go forward getting closer to move quietly as near the door. Will tell the bandit good deeds will help more in the after life than misdeeds why not change and protect others instea?”
SUCCESS (Good Stealth, rolled +1)
Cloud Cloud
We will save them. Stay close to Leon, and keep quiet until we reach the chapel.
Cloud Cloud lowers his steps and follows the polearm wielder along the cypress path. Rain and wet branches swallow their movement as the graveyard wall rises before them.
the frightened child
I will stay close. Please bring my brother back to me.
Leon pads silently beside the girl. At the wall, the bandit presses aside ivy, revealing the chapel's narrow side door, already within reach.
Cloud Cloud
Good deeds will help you more in the afterlife than misdeeds. Why not change now and protect others instead?
the polearm wielder
Because I thought fear was the only law men obeyed. But you spared me, guardian. I will protect them if you let me prove it.
He kneels beside the hidden door and points to its iron latch. Through the rain-muted wood, faint voices answer from within, confirming the captives are there.
“Then we go in don't falter and show your words are true through action. I signal Leon and after opening the door rush in weapon drawn in case enemies are inside still.”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +0)
Cloud Cloud
Then we go in. Do not falter. Show your words are true through action.
Cloud Cloud signals Leon, who guides the frightened girl behind the wall. The polearm wielder lifts the iron latch, and Cloud Cloud draws his weapon.
The hidden door opens into a dim chapel passage. Its hinges groan loudly through the stone, costing them the silence they hoped to keep.
Cloud Cloud rushes inside with weapon ready. Damp torchlight reveals overturned benches, scattered rope, and four captives bound near the altar.
the polearm wielder
There! They are all alive. The raiders must be in the sanctuary beyond the screen.
A chair scrapes across stone deeper in the chapel. Someone shouts a warning, and hurried footsteps answer from behind the carved wooden screen.
the frightened child
My brother is there! Please, guardian, do not let them move him!
Quest Complete
Reach the chapel
Skill Upgrade: Stealth Good→Great
“I tell him to be ready and signal to Leon and Charging forward as I ready my sword and shield going through the screen to subdue the bandits and rescue the hostages .”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Combat, rolled +0)
Cloud Cloud
Be ready. Prove your words through action.
Cloud Cloud signals Leon toward the captives, then braces sword and shield. The leopard springs forward as Cloud Cloud charges through the carved screen.
Wood splinters across the sanctuary. Three raiders turn too late, and Cloud Cloud crashes into their formation, shield driving one aside while his blade commands the others back.
the polearm wielder
Stay down! The guardian has broken through! Drop your weapons!
Leon bounds past the fallen screen and plants himself before the bound captives. His growl freezes the nearest raider, while Cloud Cloud disarms him and forces the remaining two to their knees.
The polearm wielder gathers the dropped weapons and kicks them beyond reach. He then hurries to the captives, cutting their ropes as the frightened girl calls for her brother.
the frightened child
There he is! You reached him! Thank you, guardian!
✓ Quest Accepted
Escort the freed captives out of the chapel
Quest Complete
Rescue the child's brother
Attribute Upgrade: Agility Good→Great
“Saying bind yourselves tossing rope at the bandits weapon in hand towards them. Asking the hostages if they are alright, as glance at them. Thanking the polearm user, saying you have done well in showing a better path.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +0)
Cloud Cloud
Bind yourselves. Weapons down, hands where I can see them.
Cloud Cloud keeps his weapon trained on the kneeling raiders and tosses a coil of rope across the sanctuary. They scramble to bind their own wrists beneath his watch.
the raider
We will. No more fighting, guardian.
Cloud Cloud
Are you all right? Can anyone stand, and is anyone hurt?
The freed captives gather near the altar. The frightened girl embraces her brother, while the old priest, an elderly man with a thin build, a bald crown beneath wispy white hair, and a faded gray robe rubs his wrists and the two villagers rise shakily from the floor.
the old priest
We are shaken, but alive. Your arrival has spared us a terrible fate.
Cloud Cloud
Thank you. You have done well in showing a better path.
“I am Clous of the guard. Glad we made it in time. I thank the girl for her bravery and the reformed bandit for his aid. Are you all unhurt able to walk I ask? As I run my hand over Leons fur.”
SUCCESS (Fair Perception, rolled +1)
Cloud Cloud
I am Cloud of the guard. Glad we made it in time. Thank you for your bravery, girl, and for your aid, polearm wielder.
Cloud Cloud kneels among the captives and runs his hand over Leon’s rain-damp fur. The leopard leans into the touch, watchful while the rescued villagers test their legs.
Cloud Cloud
Are you all unhurt? Can everyone stand and walk?
the frightened child
I can walk, guardian. My brother can too. The villagers are weak, but they are not badly hurt.
the old priest
We can manage with support. But the stolen silver remains hidden, and more danger may follow if the raiders’ allies learn what happened.
the polearm wielder
I know where they carried the captives from. There is a cellar beneath the chapel, and I heard them speak of a second camp.
The freed brother grips his sister’s hand as the bound raiders shift uneasily. Beyond the sanctuary, rainwater trickles through the stones, and a muffled knock answers from below.
“I tell them to stay quiet we will deal them. I signal and tell Leon watch the bandits if they act suspicious eat them, looking at them. Drawing my sword I head near the doors opening and ready for for striking with my blade if it opens and they are hostile.”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled +2)
Cloud Cloud
Stay quiet. We will deal with them.
Cloud Cloud rises and signals Leon toward the bound raiders, his gesture sharp and unmistakable. The leopard moves between captives and prisoners, ears forward, silent as rain.
Cloud Cloud
Leon, watch them. If they act suspiciously, eat them.
Cloud Cloud fixes the raiders with a hard stare. Their bound hands remain visible; one swallows and lowers his gaze while the others hold perfectly still.
Sword drawn, Cloud Cloud crosses toward the chapel doors. He plants his feet beside the opening, blade angled forward, ready to strike whatever emerges as muffled movement stirs below.
the polearm wielder
I will keep the captives back, guardian. No one will speak unless you permit it.
the old priest
The cellar door leads beneath the altar. Whatever waits there has heard us.
“Opening it I take the initative and strike first.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Combat, rolled -3)
Cloud Cloud reaches beneath the altar and finds the cellar latch. He wrenches it upward, opening the door as damp air and torch smoke billow into the chapel.
The iron hinges shriek through the sanctuary. Before anything below can emerge, Cloud Cloud drops his weight and thrusts his sword down into the first shadow rising.
Steel catches a raider’s weapon and knocks it aside. The attacker stumbles back onto the cellar steps, while Cloud Cloud holds the doorway and keeps the initiative.
the polearm wielder
The door is open, guardian! I heard more than one voice below.
A hooked blade scrapes across Cloud Cloud’s shoulder as another figure lunges from the darkness. The cut is shallow, but it tears cloth and draws a bright line of blood.
the old priest
The bell rope! The raiders rigged it to warn their allies. Your blow has set it trembling.
Above them, the chapel bell begins to toll once, deep and thunderous. Below, the cellar figures regroup in the cramped stairwell as Leon snarls behind Cloud Cloud.
“Using my Shield I push forward aiming to topple them on top of each other and run them two through while still holding high round.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Strength, rolled +1)
Cloud Cloud drives his raised shield into the cramped formation. The cellar raiders, two adult human men in dark, mud-streaked work clothes with broad builds and battered iron caps collide on the steps, losing balance as armor and weapons tangle beneath the bell’s deep toll.
He keeps the shield high and surges forward, forcing both men together. His sword flashes beneath its rim, striking through their defenses and dropping them across the stair.
the raider
Fall back! The guardian has broken the stair!
The remaining shadows recoil into the cellar’s torchlit chamber. Cloud Cloud stands over the toppled raiders, shield still guarding his head while rainwater and dust slide down the steps.
the polearm wielder
Two are down! Keep them covered, guardian. I will secure the passage.
The polearm wielder moves to the cellar mouth and drags the fallen weapons aside. Behind Cloud Cloud, Leon’s growl rolls through the chapel as the captives press close to the altar.
the old priest
The bell has warned their allies, but the cellar chamber is open now. Whatever silver they hid lies below.
“Keep advancing forward ready to parry and pierce any foe that appears. I call grab a weapon to protect yourselves in case to the captives.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Combat, rolled -1)
Cloud Cloud advances down the cellar steps, shield angled toward the torchlit chamber and sword poised to parry. The fallen raiders remain sprawled behind him.
Beyond the stair, the cellar opens around stacked crates, overturned barrels, and a locked iron chest half-hidden beneath a stained cloth. No foe rises to meet him.
Cloud Cloud
Take the fallen weapons. Protect yourselves, and keep the captives together.
the polearm wielder
You heard him. Pass the blades and cudgels forward, then form a ring around the altar.
The polearm wielder gathers the dropped weapons and distributes them among the old priest and villagers. Their grips are unsteady, but each takes position together.
the old priest
We will guard one another, guardian. The silver chest is there, and fresh footprints lead beyond it.
Cloud Cloud reaches the chamber floor with Leon close behind. His keen senses catch a faint draft beyond the chest, carrying distant voices through the stone.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the captives safe from the raiders' allies