Within the cool stone of his cave, zakther rests beneath the broad arch of the entrance. Beyond it, a lush lake gleams in the morning sun.
White swans drift across the water. Slender snakes coil among the reeds, their patterned scales unlike any seen in these lands.
Maelin
Dragon of the lake, forgive my trespass. I come seeking shelter, not blood.
At the cave mouth, a hooded traveler lowers a wooden staff and kneels on the grass. Dust marks the hem of their cloak.
Maelin
Something follows me through the reeds. If it finds me here, your quiet shore will not remain quiet.
A ripple cuts across the lake against the wind. The swans scatter, and the strange snakes vanish beneath the reeds as the traveler turns toward the water.
✓ Quest Accepted
Survive the approaching threat
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what follows the hooded stranger
“is it a creature following you”
YES (VeryLikely, rolled 36)
Beneath the spreading ripple, a dark, four-legged shape moves through the clear shallows, its back briefly breaking the surface before it turns toward the shore.
Maelin
Yes. A creature follows me.
“*i went to take a closer look what it was*”
SUCCESS (Great Perception, rolled +2)
zakther moves to the water's edge and studies the shape through the clear shallows.
The dark back rolls beneath the surface, revealing four long legs, a narrow head, and webbed paws stirring the silt.
zakther
It is following the stranger's trail, not hunting the swans.
Maelin
A lake stalker. It has tracked me since the old ford.
The Lake Stalker reaches the shallows. Its wet muzzle rises above the water, scenting the stranger, while its pale eyes remain fixed on the cave mouth.
Maelin
If you mean to give shelter, decide now. It will come onto the shore.
Quest Complete
Learn what follows the hooded stranger
“*i went to scare it away*”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +0)
zakther rises from the waterline, spreading his broad wings until his shadow falls across the shallows.
His warning roar rolls through the stone cave and over the lake. Pebbles tremble beneath his claws.
The Lake Stalker
The beast freezes. Its pale eyes lose their fixed hunger, and its head turns toward the open water.
The Lake Stalker backs away, one webbed paw sliding through the silt. Then it pivots and retreats beneath the dark surface.
The ripples widen, weaken, and fade. No narrow head rises again near the shore.
Maelin
It has gone. You truly mean to shelter me, then? Take me inside before it circles back.
Quest Complete
Survive the approaching threat
Attribute Upgrade: Perception Great→Superb