The thorn trail spills onto Logs Horn's outer gate. Beyond the open timber arch, lamplight glows over muddy lanes and clustered roofs, while Rose and Pip emerge soaked, tired, and streaked with forest dirt.
A middle-aged woman stands beneath the gatehouse awning, lantern raised. She is broad-shouldered and weathered, with iron-gray hair braided close, a rust-red cloak, and a scar cutting through one pale eyebrow; her gaze fixes on Pip's damaged satchel.
Mara
Hold there. The gate is open, but not every traveler walks through it unquestioned. Did bandits do that damage to your satchel?
Pip
Bandits found us on the forest road. Rose got me free, and we came straight here. My name is Pip, and I am not carrying trouble deliberately.
The gatekeeper lowers the lantern a fraction, studying Pip's horns, then the torn leather and muddied buckles. Behind her, the empty road into town waits beneath the rain.
Mara
Mara Vell. Gate watch. If you were attacked, you can tell the watchhouse what happened before seeking an inn. If you were part of the attack, you will find the town less welcoming.
Rain ticks against the gatehouse roof. Mara keeps her pale hands visible as she keeps one hand near the whistle at her belt, but she does not block the passage; her lantern remains trained on Pip's satchel, awaiting Rose's answer.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get Pip safely into Logs Horn
“Rose, as the smaller one said. Just passing through. Was going another direction to the town west of here, but turns out there were bandits on the path. So, just going to wait the storm out here. {She answers with a small yawn, shaking some of the water from her pelt as she sighs.}”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Persuasion, rolled +0)
Rose Thornweald
As the smaller one said. We are just passing through. We were bound for the town west of here, but bandits held the path, so we will wait out the storm in Logs Horn.
Rose gives a small yawn, shakes rain from her black pelt, and sighs beneath the gatehouse awning. Pip watches Mara carefully, clutching his damaged satchel.
Mara
That is a modest enough tale, and I have no wish to keep honest travelers in the rain. You may enter and find shelter until the storm passes.
Pip
Thank you, Gate Watch Mara. We will report the attack if the watchhouse requires it.
Mara steps aside, admitting them beneath the timber arch. Her suspicion does not lift; instead, she scratches a brief note onto a wax tablet and keeps Rose's face in view.
Mara
Go on, then. But before you leave Logs Horn, both of you will give the watchhouse your account. I will remember if you do not.
Give the watchhouse an account of the attack
Quest Complete
Reach the next town
Quest Complete
Get Pip safely into Logs Horn