Butram’s tavern roars like a caged sea, smoke curling under low beams, ale sloshing over boots. Captain Arnold Runner and his crew push through the noise just as a Donkey Country table spots the fresh gold and fresh faces.
The Red-Eared Bruiser
Well now, look what the tide dragged in. Wild Ones with pockets full of polite theft.
The room answers with brays and hammering cups. The Quartermaster and the Boatswain drift apart on either side of Arnold, hands hovering near their belts, while the mocking spreads from table to table.
Captain Arnold Runner
Captain Arnold Runner takes the jabs in stride, and lets the room hear it.
The Red-Eared Bruiser
Stride? That’s a fine word for a crew that had to be herded into a bargain. My aunt’s mule could haggle better.
A few Donkey Country sailors pound the table in approval. Near the bar, a neutral-looking grey mule in a neat waistcoat straightens a ledger and watches both crews with careful, businesslike patience.
Master Beltran
If the shouting is a prelude to commerce, do try not to break my stools. I have no wish to invoice splinters.
The insult hangs in the air, the two crews squaring up by instinct. Arnold’s men wait for his next move while the tavern itself seems to lean closer.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish dominance over the Donkey Country sailors
“Arnold attempts to bait the Red-eared bruiser into striking first, preparing to throw him prone if he does. He walks right up to him, and addresses his crew rather than Red Ear directly. Pointing to Red Ear, he starts "You see, empty barrels do make the most noise. Judging by this fool, he's broke."”
SUCCESS (Superb Intrigue, rolled +0)
Captain Arnold Runner closes the distance to the donkey table, calm as a drawn blade. His jab lands where it hurts, and the nearby sailors bark with laughter before they can stop themselves.
The Red-Eared Bruiser
Broke? Say that again, coyote, and I’ll put your grin on the floor.
The Bruiser rises fast, but the joke has already spread. One of his own crew snorts into his mug, and that split-second of laughter undercuts him.
The Quartermaster
Careful. If he swings, it’s because he has to explain himself later.
The Boatswain
Aye, and I’d hate to see him fail at that too.
Beltran’s ears tip back as he watches the room tilt toward Arnold’s side of the wager. The Bruiser clenches his jaw, trapped between pride and a crowd that now expects a mistake.
Master Beltran
If this is a contest of manners, Captain, you are winning it by vandalism.
The Bruiser’s mug thumps onto the table. He does not strike. He just glares at Arnold, breathing hard while his own table waits to see whether he backs down or bites.
“"My apologies I know your last haul was, let's see... you have made one before, right?" Arnold keeps his planned manuever at the ready in his mind.”
SUCCESS (Superb Intrigue, rolled +2)
Captain Arnold Runner lets the silence stretch, then tips his head with careful politeness. The Bruiser’s crew hears the hook in it before the Bruiser does.
Captain Arnold Runner
My apologies. I know your last haul was... let’s see. You have made one before, right?
A couple of donkey sailors choke on their drinks. The Bruiser’s lip curls, but the laugh at his table lands first, and that is what stings.
The Red-Eared Bruiser
You’d better pray that was a joke, coyote.
The Quartermaster
Oh, it was a joke. A tidy one too.
The Boatswain
Aye, and he says it like he’s seen the records.
Beltran’s hard stare softens into a grim little smirk as the donkey crew starts looking anywhere but at their leader. The Bruiser’s shoulders stay high, but his own men now wait to hear him answer for himself.
Quest Complete
Establish dominance over the Donkey Country sailors
Skill Upgrade: Intrigue Superb→Legendary