The common room snaps into silence. A heavily armored captain pushes through the inn door, black plates creaking, his gaze fixed on the glow under Lorrin's cloak.
He lifts two fingers. Three mercenaries fan out around the table, cutting off the aisles. The bard freezes mid-breath. The swordsman shifts, measuring exits.
The Captain
That map is Syndicate property. Set it on the table, and no one bleeds tonight.
Before the room can tip into violence, a woman at the hearth rises with a tankard in hand. She wears a trader's coat and a dagger at her belt, and she looks more annoyed than afraid.
The Trader
Captain, you are late. If this is the same Black Hill business, then your quarry is already spoiled. You should hear the whole song before you threaten the singer.
Lorrin Elcryss
The newcomer knows the route, or the Syndicate.
The captain's jaw tightens at her tone. One of his men glances between the trader and the glowing map, suddenly less sure. The swordsman edges half a step closer to Lorrin, waiting to see who blinks first.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn the swordsman's motive
✓ Quest Accepted
Listen to the rest of the song
“Nod to the bard to finish the song while the captain is distracted.”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +0)
Lorrin gives the bard a small, sharp nod, just enough to be seen through the crowding bodies and bad light.
The Bard
He sees it. Keep going.
The bard inhales, steadies, and sings on. The map beneath Lorrin’s cloak flares brighter, spilling pale runes across the table edge and into the captain’s hard stare.
The Trader
There. Now everyone in here knows the path. So either talk, Captain, or start lying louder.
The Swordsman
If the Syndicate means to claim the hill, then say why. I did not come here to die for a secret I was never told.
The captain turns that question like a blade. His men tighten their ring, but the trader’s challenge has split their certainty. The swordsman’s stance shifts beside Lorrin, no longer guarding the captain, but the gap between them.
The Captain
Fine. The grave below Black Hill was opened once before. We are here to make sure it stays shut.