Before the crowd can disperse, a travel-stained young adult woman approaches beneath the guildhall towers. She wears a weather-darkened green cloak, carries a leather satchel, and has a sealed letter in hand.
The dwarf runesmith remains beside Daveowulf with the cracked relic pressed to his chest. The sun-priest leader and her two priests stay in the square, watching the newcomer cross toward them.
The Mage Courier
I carry a sealed message bearing Hinerich’s mark, by his appointment as courier. The old records noticed these fractures before the relic was brought here.
The letter bears a dark blue wax seal stamped with the sigil of Ghaul’s official Mage Guild. Dust clings to its edges, but the seal itself is unbroken.
The Sun-Priest Leader
I recognize that seal. Priests, take the message for inspection. If it concerns forbidden sorcery, it falls under the sun’s judgment.
The Mage Courier
You may inspect the outside, captain. You will not break Hinerich’s seal while I stand as his appointed courier.
The priests advance, one reaching toward the letter while the leader’s scarred face hardens. The runesmith shifts closer to Daveowulf, and wary onlookers halt at the guildhall steps.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure safe passage for the courier and relic toward Ghaul
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what Hinerich’s sealed message reveals about the relic’s fractures
“"What ho small mage!" I say pleasantly. "Who is the letter for?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Daveowulf
What ho, small mage! Who is the letter for?
The mage courier pauses as the priest reaches toward her hand. She turns her sealed letter outward, keeping the dark blue mark plainly visible beneath the towers.
The Mage Courier
For the sun-priest captain, by name and office. Hinerich commands that she receive it unopened, concerning the relic’s fractures.
The sun-priest leader’s eyes narrow at hearing her title. The nearest priest withdraws his hand, while the dwarven runesmith tightens both arms around the cracked relic.
The Sun-Priest Leader
For me? Then deliver it, courier. I will hear what the Mage Guild claims before deciding whether the seal deserves obedience.
The Mage Courier
You may receive it, captain. You may read it before witnesses. You may not break Hinerich’s seal here in the square.
She extends the letter toward the sun-priest leader without surrendering it, placing the sun-priest leader and the guild’s authority in direct, visible opposition.
“"Alright, well if it's for the captain then give it to her and we'll be on our way. I'm looking for the adventurers guild but uh...I may be a bit lost"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -3)
Daveowulf
If it is for the captain, give it to her, and we will be on our way. I am looking for the adventurers guild, though I may be a bit lost.
The courier places the sealed letter into the sun-priest leader’s waiting hand. As the captain accepts it, the surrounding crowd turns its attention sharply back toward Daveowulf.
The Mage Courier
The adventurers guild is this guildhall, great one. Enter through those doors, and ask the clerk within. You are standing at its steps.
The Sun-Priest Leader
Your guidance is sound, stranger, but do not mistake departure for escape from scrutiny. I will remember that you defended the dwarf and directed my courier.
The captain breaks the dark blue seal with her thumb. The parchment unfolds with a dry snap, while one priest watches Daveowulf instead of the message, suspicion now openly fixed upon him.
Bromm Coalvein
Come, great one. The guild’s door stands ready, and I would rather have your honest strength nearby than leave you to wander these streets.
The runesmith turns toward the guildhall entrance, relic hugged beneath his beard. Behind them, the captain begins reading Hinerich’s warning as the square slowly parts.
“"Well met small man!" I say, clapping the dwarf on the back. "I am Daveowulf, the mightiest warrior in the land."”
SUCCESS (Superb Strength, rolled -2)
Daveowulf
Well met, small man! I am Daveowulf, the mightiest warrior in the land.
Daveowulf claps the dwarven runesmith across the back with enormous friendly force. The dwarf lurches forward, boots scraping stone, and the relic knocks against his breastplate with a sharp crack.
Bromm Coalvein
By the buried kings, great one! Your greeting has the strength of a battering ram. Still, I accept it in the spirit offered.
A fresh hairline fracture creeps across the relic’s already damaged surface. The runesmith quickly steadies it in both hands, while nearby onlookers exchange startled glances.
Bromm Coalvein
Daveowulf, then. I am Bromm Coalvein, runesmith of the northern holds. Come inside, mighty warrior, before your welcome brings down the guildhall.
The Sun-Priest Leader
Mighty warrior, is it? The title may be tested sooner than you expect. Your name and boast are now remembered by witnesses of the sun.
The guildhall doors stand open before Daveowulf and Bromm. Behind them, the captain continues reading Hinerich’s letter, her attention divided between its warning and the newly proclaimed warrior.
“"Well met lady knight!" I say. "Best of luck to you in your uh, sun witnessing." I follow Bromm inside.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Daveowulf
Well met, lady knight! Best of luck to you in your, uh, sun witnessing.
The sun-priest leader lowers Hinerich’s letter and regards Daveowulf across the square. Her scarred cheek remains stern, though one corner of her mouth shifts faintly.
The Sun-Priest Leader
Well met, Daveowulf. May the sun judge your deeds more kindly than your understanding of our offices.
Bromm enters beneath the guildhall arch, ducking beneath the carved lintel. Daveowulf follows, his heavy steps echoing through the entry hall as the crowd’s murmurs fade behind him.
Bromm Coalvein
There, great one. You have greeted the captain, survived her notice, and reached the adventurers guild without breaking another relic.
Inside, cool stone surrounds a broad chamber lined with quest boards, weapon racks, and dusty banners. A clerk looks up from behind a scarred oak counter.
The Sun-Priest Leader
Hinerich’s warning names the fractures, but the giant may prove the more immediate uncertainty.
Director's note
I don't know how to read or write
“"What ho small desk person! I am Daveowulf, the mightiest warrior in the land. I would like to join your adventurer's guild. Uh, how do I do that?" I say, somewhat uncertainly at the end”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Daveowulf
What ho, small desk person! I am Daveowulf, the mightiest warrior in the land. I would like to join your adventurer's guild. Uh, how do I do that?
The clerk rises behind the scarred oak counter. She is a young adult woman with a compact build, russet hair pinned beneath a blue guild cap, and an ink-stained thumb.
Merella Vane
Well met, Daveowulf. You have already done the first part: you came to the guild and asked plainly. The second part is a spoken registration before witnesses.
She sets aside her ledger and gestures toward the broad counter, where Bromm places the relic carefully against a stone pillar. The clerk studies Daveowulf without fear.
Merella Vane
I record your name, strength, and chosen work. Bromm Coalvein can witness your arrival, and the guildhall itself can vouch that you seek service openly.
Bromm Coalvein
I will witness it, great one. Any guild that refuses a warrior who announces himself so loudly deserves the quiet that follows.
Merella Vane
Then it is settled. Daveowulf, by your spoken request and Bromm Coalvein's witness, you are entered as a guild adventurer. The quest board and its contracts are now open to you.
“"Excellent! Many thanks to you Bromm! And what is your name?" I say to the clerk. "You are very pretty but so small for a warrior. Is it difficult for you to find enough meat to eat?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Daveowulf
Excellent! Many thanks to you, Bromm! And what is your name? You are very pretty, but so small for a warrior. Is it difficult for you to find enough meat to eat?
The clerk blinks at the sudden compliment and question. Bromm’s beard bristles with silent amusement, while the guildhall’s nearest patrons turn discreetly toward the counter.
Bromm Coalvein
Ha! Great one, you have found the quickest road from courtesy to danger. Let the lady answer before your honesty topples another pillar.
Merella Vane
My name is Merella Vane. I thank you for the compliment, though I am no warrior. I serve the guild with ledgers, contracts, and a stout understanding of troublesome adventurers.
Merella Vane
As for meat, I find enough easily. Size is not the measure of a person’s appetite, strength, or worth, Daveowulf.
Merella’s expression settles into patient authority, though a faint flush warms her cheeks. She retrieves the guild ledger and turns it toward Bromm, ready to make the registration official.
“"You're not a warrior?" I ask surprised. "Would you like me to teach you? If you train hard enough you could become a warrior in no time!" I say with an encouraging smile”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Daveowulf
You're not a warrior? I ask, surprised. Would you like me to teach you? If you train hard enough, you could become a warrior in no time!
Daveowulf offers the instruction with an encouraging smile. Merella studies his enormous frame, then glances at the ledger and the weapon racks beyond the counter.
Merella Vane
A generous offer, Daveowulf. I have never trained for battle, but I know how to work hard, and I would like to learn.
Bromm Coalvein
Ha! There is your first pupil, great one. Start gently, unless you mean to teach her how to survive being struck by a greeting.
Merella Vane
I will not abandon my ledgers, contracts, or guild duties. But I can train after the hall quiets, under proper supervision and with suitable practice weapons.
Merella draws a clean line beneath Daveowulf’s registration and adds a brief note in the ledger. Her decision is made, and the guildhall’s attention settles into curious approval.
“"Excellent! We shall begin your training tonight, Merella!" I clap my hands together delightedly. "Uh, now how do I...adventure? Is there a dragon I can fight?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Daveowulf
Excellent! We shall begin your training tonight, Merella! Uh, now how do I adventure? Is there a dragon I can fight?
Daveowulf claps his hands with delighted force, and the report rolls beneath the guildhall rafters. Merella steadies the ledger while Bromm’s beard quivers with laughter.
Merella Vane
Tonight, then, with practice swords and a proper instructor nearby. For adventure, you choose a posted contract from that quest board and bring it to my desk.
Merella Vane
As for dragons, the guild records only Dagoralon, the last known living dragon. He appears about once a century to make a prophecy, so he is not presently listed as a quarry.
Bromm Coalvein
If you want glory before a dragon finds you, great one, take a border contract. Rescue work, monster hunts, lost caravans, and ruins all make honest beginnings.
Merella turns the nearest quest board toward Daveowulf and points to its marked postings, while Bromm shifts the relic farther from the training space. The path to adventure is plainly laid before him.
Director's note
I can't read
“"Hmm...I see! They are mystery pictures!" I declare looking at the board”
Daveowulf
Hmm... I see! They are mystery pictures!
Daveowulf leans toward the quest board, studying painted signs and stamped symbols instead of written words. A wolf’s head, a broken wagon, and a little red tower fill the nearest postings.
Merella Vane
That is one way to understand them, Daveowulf. Each picture marks the kind of work being offered.
Merella steps from behind the counter and taps the postings one by one. The wolf marks a monster hunt, the wagon means a missing caravan, and the tower points toward old ruins.
Bromm Coalvein
A mystery picture indeed! Pick the one that looks most like the glory you seek, great one.
Merella Vane
I can tell you what any picture means, then read the contract aloud before you choose. The board is meant to guide adventurers, not confound them.
The guildhall settles into expectant quiet around Daveowulf. Three illustrated postings wait beneath the torchlight, each offering a different road beyond Lindensberg.
“"You can read?" I say in awe. "Human females are incredible!" I look at the board. "A monster hunt sounds fun...I like fighting monsters...But Bromm, do you want me to escort you and your rock home? Will the sun people try to take it from you again?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Daveowulf
You can read? Human females are incredible! A monster hunt sounds fun. I like fighting monsters. Bromm, do you want me to escort you and your rock home? Will the sun people try to take it from you again?
Merella’s eyebrows rise at the awe, while Bromm turns from the relic to Daveowulf. Around them, the nearest adventurers listen openly, sensing a serious question beneath the exuberance.
Merella Vane
I can read, write, and explain contracts, yes. Human women are not all alike, Daveowulf, but guild clerks do learn useful things.
Bromm Coalvein
Aye, great one, I would welcome your escort north. The sun-priests may try again once I leave the city, and your honest strength would discourage them.
Bromm lifts the cracked relic carefully, wrapping it in a padded strip of leather. His expression remains wry, but relief settles into his broad, weathered features.
Merella Vane
The wolf posting is a monster hunt near the eastern road. I will read its terms aloud, and you may choose it for the journey if Bromm agrees.
Bromm Coalvein
I agree. A road guarded by a mighty warrior and a monster hunt besides sounds safer than traveling alone, though try not to greet the beasts like guild pillars.
“"Then onward! Let's go fight" I say excitedly. "I mean, and get your rock home of course"”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +0)
Daveowulf
Then onward! Let’s go fight! I mean, and get your rock home, of course.
Daveowulf strides toward the guildhall doors with Bromm beside him, the padded relic secured against the dwarf’s chest. Merella gathers the monster-hunt contract and follows to the steps.
Merella Vane
The eastern road is our first destination. I will mark the contract active, and Bromm’s northern route can begin after the hunt is resolved.
Bromm Coalvein
Aye, great one. Keep your eyes on the road, your hands away from my relic, and your welcome quieter than last time.
They pass into the afternoon streets, Daveowulf’s heavy footfalls announcing the guild party before it clears the square. Several heads turn, and the captain’s watching priests notice their departure.
Merella Vane
That noise has earned us attention, Daveowulf, but it also tells anyone threatening Bromm that he is not traveling alone.
At the eastern gate, Merella hands the contract to Daveowulf’s keeping after reading its terms aloud. The three set onto the road together, monster hunt and escort begun.
+ New Item Acquired
monster-hunt contract
“"Are you coming with us Merella? I thought you had to do writing things at the guild?"”
FAILURE (Poor Reasoning, rolled +0)
Daveowulf
Are you coming with us, Merella? I thought you had to do writing things at the guild.
At the eastern gate, Merella slows with the contract ledger tucked beneath one arm. The road stretches east, while Lindensberg’s towers rise behind her.
Merella Vane
I do have guild duties, Daveowulf. The contract must be recorded, new requests must be received, and someone must keep the adventurers supplied with accurate work.
Merella Vane
So no, I cannot travel with you today. Bromm needs an escort, and you have one. I will remain at the guild and keep this hunt properly recognized.
She removes a small blue guild token from her belt and offers it toward Daveowulf, its stamped crest catching the afternoon light.
Merella Vane
Show this at the eastern waystations if the contract’s meaning is questioned. When you return, I will record what happened and begin your training tonight, as promised.
Bromm Coalvein
There, great one. You have an answer, a useful token, and a reason to come back alive. Let us find these monsters before sunset.
“"Splendid! Uh, what monsters are we looking for again?"”
SUCCESS (Poor Reasoning, rolled +3)
Daveowulf
Splendid! Uh, what monsters are we looking for again?
Bromm pauses beneath the eastern gate, one hand resting protectively over the padded relic. Beyond him, the road descends toward darkening woods and scattered farmland.
Bromm Coalvein
Road-wolves, great one. A pack has been harrying drovers near the old boundary stones, taking livestock and frightening travelers from the eastern road.
Bromm Coalvein
Merella said the contract calls them ash-fang wolves. Their coats are gray, their muzzles dark, and they hunt together beneath the trees.
He points beyond the road, where wind moves through the distant tree line in long, rippling bands. A toppled milestone leans beside the ditch, its stone face scored by fresh claw marks.
Bromm Coalvein
We are looking for the pack, protecting the travelers, and driving the beasts away from the road. If they threaten us, you may meet them blade to blade.
Bromm Coalvein
If the contract is accurate, the wolves are dangerous enough to test him, but not so dangerous that courage must become recklessness.