Maurice Headsman reaches the baron's hall as chanting breaks into startled silence. Candles gutter along the walls, and every face turns toward the great doors.
At the hall's center, a young adult woman in a torn ivory gown kneels within chalk marks. Her dark hair hangs loose, and a fresh silver brand gleams at her throat.
the bride
No. I will not give you the baron's seal.
A broad, middle-aged man in a black wool surcoat grips her shoulder. His shaved head and iron rings mark him as the ritual's leader, while two armed retainers close the doors behind Maurice.
the ritual leader
The power has answered. Force it into the seal, girl, or this hall will bury everyone beneath it.
the bride
The presence is inside me, but it does not obey him.
the ritual leader
Headsman, you arrive at the appointed hour. Stand aside, kneel, or prove why the baron keeps a blade at his threshold.
✓ Quest Accepted
Free the bride
“Say to the Baron "I am here to retrieve the bride for the training she is to receive from her patron prior to her wedding. Her power is not meant for you. By order of the Duke, siphoning a patron's power is a crime punishable by death. In these cases I am authorized to carry out the sentence without trial."”
SUCCESS (Fair Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Maurice Headsman
Baron, I am here to retrieve the bride for training with her patron before her wedding. Her power is not meant for you.
Maurice Headsman
By order of the Duke, siphoning a patron's power is a crime punishable by death. In these cases, I am authorized to carry out the sentence without trial.
The hall falls silent. One retainer, a young adult man with a lean build, cropped brown hair, and a rust-red surcoat over chainmail,'s hand slips from his sword hilt, while the other glances toward the sealed doors and the witnesses gathered beneath the banners, a cluster of adult men and women in muted wool clothing, their wary faces visible beneath the hall's shadowed banners.
the ritual leader
You invoke the Duke's authority in my hall, Headsman?
The ritual leader releases the bride's shoulder. His face tightens as he sees the cost of defiance: every armed witness has heard the charge, and none can mistake its penalty.
the bride
Then let me go. I will not lend what is mine to his seal.
the ritual leader
Take her, then. The rite is ended, but this insult will be carried to the baron.
“Say to the leader "I am grateful this did not result in violence. I apologize I may have give. And also please extend my gratitude to the Baron as well." Then tell the bride "please come with me."”
SUCCESS (Fair Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Maurice Headsman
I am grateful this did not result in violence. I apologize for what I may have given. Please extend my gratitude to the Baron as well.
the ritual leader
Your apology is received, Headsman. I will carry your gratitude to the Baron, though I doubt it will soften his displeasure.
The leader steps aside from the chalk marks. The retainers open the great doors, and cold daylight spills across the bride's torn gown and the scattered ritual vessels.
Maurice Headsman
Please come with me.
the bride
I will. Take me somewhere his seal cannot reach, and I will answer to my patron there.
The bride rises, rubbing the silver brand at her throat. She gathers the hem of her gown and walks toward Maurice, leaving the chalk circle behind.
the ritual leader
Go, then. The hall has witnessed your authority, and I will not stain this floor over a rite already ended.
Get the bride beyond the baron's reach
Quest Complete
Free the bride
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Fair→Good