Morning light spreads over Rostrum’s pale walls as the party advances from camp. Traver remains in the wagon beneath the patrol healer’s care, surrounded by wary riders.
Ezuri
I was cold last night, handsome. You should have come to warm me in my tent.
Ezuri keeps close beside Belron, her red hair bright against the road dust. Alena walks on his other side, hearing every word as the city gate grows nearer.
Alena Knight
Ezuri, must you make every morning an invitation? Belron has enough trouble without you provoking the whole camp.
At the gatehouse, a lean middle-aged man in a dark sentry’s coat studies Belron’s face. A small hunter’s insignia glints beneath his collar.
the Hunter sentry
That is him. He is werewolf.
The sentry gives a quiet signal. Chains groan overhead, and Rostrum’s open gates begin closing before the wagon can pass, while the patrol captain reaches for his sword.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure safe entry into Rostrum
“"Your tent is far too small" jested Belron not fully understanding her meaning. He then looks at the sentry, "You are mistaken. I am a humble traveler helping this young woman find a healer for her brother."”
FAILURE (Good Persuasion, rolled -1)
Belron Valerion
Your tent is far too small. You are mistaken, sentry. I am a humble traveler helping this young woman find a healer for her brother.
Belron’s jest earns a sharp glance from Ezuri, but his denial carries across the gatehouse. The sentry’s hand closes around the hunter’s insignia instead of wavering.
Ezuri
Oh, handsome, I think the tent was large enough for your confusion. Though I admit, your timing could use improvement.
the Hunter sentry
A humble traveler does not have eyes like yours, nor does he make the horses fear him. The Guild has marked your kind.
The last gate chain locks into place. Riders draw together around Traver’s wagon, cutting off the road into Rostrum while the sentry calls for the patrol captain.
Alena Knight
He is helping me, and my brother needs a healer. Closing the gate will not change either truth.
The Patrol Captain
Lower your weapons, but keep the wagon guarded. Captain Gallahar must hear this before anyone enters Rostrum, and Traver remains under my custody.
“"Yes call the Captain before things get out of hand. These hunters have no right to disturb the city peace with false allegations."”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +1)
Belron Valerion
Yes, call Captain Gallahar before things get out of hand. These hunters have no right to disturb the city peace with false allegations.
The patrol captain signals the gatehouse bell. Its bronze call rolls through Rostrum, while the hunter sentry keeps one hand on his insignia and watches Belron with hardened suspicion.
the Hunter sentry
False allegations? The Guild marked his kind before he ever reached these gates. If Gallahar comes, he will hear my report as well.
A broad, grizzled middle-aged man emerges from the gatehouse in a dark guard coat, his weathered face stern beneath iron-gray hair. Captain Gallahar strides toward the halted wagon.
Captain Gallahar
Weapons down. All of you. I will hear the accusation, the traveler’s defense, and why my gate was closed without my order.
The Patrol Captain
Captain Gallahar, this werewolf interfered with my custody of Traver Knight. The Hunters Guild identifies him as a threat, and I will not surrender the prisoner.
Gallahar’s gaze settles on Belron, then shifts to Alena and the guarded wagon. Belron has secured the hearing, but the hunter’s accusation now stands publicly against his name.
“Captain Gallahar this patrol captain is a Yarathian, he took Traver Knight as a prisoner. Traver knight is a soldier of Etheldren. A soldier that fights for your city. Stand with us and see him free. As for the gate being closed this hunter is the reason for that. I apologize for all the fuss our party has caused."”
FAILURE (Good Persuasion, rolled +0)
Belron Valerion
Captain Gallahar, this Yarathian captain took Traver Knight prisoner. Traver is an Etheldren soldier who fought for your city. Stand with us and see him free. The hunter caused the gate to close, and I apologize for the disturbance.
Gallahar listens without interrupting, one hand resting near his sword. The patrol captain’s jaw tightens, while the hunter sentry watches for any sign that the accusation has turned the captain against him.
Captain Gallahar
You speak plainly, traveler, but you ask me to break Yarathian custody on your word. I will not free a prisoner merely because his uniform bears Etheldren colors.
The Patrol Captain
Traver Knight was captured under my authority after his patrol was found compromised. He goes to the mountain fort for judgment, not into Rostrum’s streets.
Captain Gallahar
The hunter’s report explains the gate, but it does not settle your identity. Still, Rostrum will not let an injured Etheldren soldier be carried away without examination.
Gallahar points toward the wagon, then fixes the patrol captain with a hard stare. The captain keeps custody, but the immediate road to the mountain fort is no longer uncontested.
Captain Gallahar
Bring Traver to the city healer under guard. I will hear the Guild’s evidence and the patrol’s account before deciding whether Yarathian custody stands within my gates.
“A young guard steps up to remind Captain Gallahar that the Queen recently declared war on Yarath so the Yarathian custody should be void. Belron also ask if they can accompany Traver to the city healer.”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +2)
A young guard in a blue-gray coat steps from the gatehouse, carrying a city seal. His narrow face is clean-shaven, and a copper badge hangs at his throat.
The Young Guard
Captain, the Queen declared war on Yarath. Their authority no longer holds within Rostrum, so Yarathian custody of an Etheldren soldier is void.
Belron Valerion
Then let Traver remain here. May Alena and I accompany him to the city healer while you hear the Guild’s evidence?
Captain Gallahar
The guard is right about the war. Yarathian custody ends at this gate, and Traver will be treated in Rostrum. You may accompany the wagon under my authority.
The Patrol Captain
This is an unlawful seizure. Yarath will answer for it, Gallahar, and I will not forget that you took my prisoner.
Gallahar gestures, and his soldiers move Traver’s wagon through the opened gate. The Yarathian patrol remains outside, weapons lowered but faces hard with restrained anger.
Alena Knight
Thank you, Captain. Traver needs the healer quickly, and we will follow every condition you set.
Quest Complete
Secure safe entry into Rostrum
Skill Upgrade: Persuasion Great→Superb