The Hooded Figure staggers upright, one hand clamped to their side. They inch backward through the stone dust, angling for the alley mouths ringing the square.
Derick Force stays planted near the shattered fountain basin, great sword lowered but ready. His dog keeps close at his heel, low growl carrying across the silence.
Kellan
Stay back. You have done enough.
Kellan
Not here. Not with the seal gone. Just one dark turn, one blind step.
They flick a glance toward the nearest alley, judging the distance, then shift their weight as if to bolt.
The Tavern Keeper
After all that, you think you can just slip away?
The Hooded Figure bares their teeth and reaches for the alley shadow, trying to vanish before Derick can close the gap.
+ Scene Quest Added
Subdue the Hooded Figure
“Send Joi to block the alley while you run after the man to detain him”
SUCCESS (Superb Animal Handling, rolled +1)
Joi springs left at Derick Force’s signal, paws skidding through stone dust as she cuts off the nearest alley mouth.
The Hooded Figure jerks to a stop, startled by the sudden wall of fur and teeth, and stumbles sideways instead of slipping away.
Derick Force
The alley is sealed.
Derick Force lunges after them, boots hammering over broken flagstones, great sword kept clear as he closes the distance.
Kellan
No, wait. I am not your enemy.
The Tavern Keeper
Then stop running and answer for the ruin you started.
Derick Force reaches the fleeing figure at the edge of the dust cloud, one arm coming up to seize their shoulder before they can turn the next corner.
Quest Complete
Subdue the Hooded Figure
+ Scene Quest Added
Interrogate the Hooded Figure
“Reassure the hooded figure that if he stops running, calms down, and explains himself truthfully, then there would be no need to worry about harm, and offer to dress his bleeding wound while he speaks”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +0)
Derick Force tightens his grip just enough to stop the escape, not to harm, and speaks with steady calm. The Hooded Figure goes still at the tone.
Derick Force
Stop running, calm yourself, and speak truthfully. There is no need for harm if you explain yourself.
He eases the figure down by the shoulder, then glances at the bleeding wound and the dust-caked stones beside them. The offer lands before fear can turn into struggle.
Derick Force
Let me dress that wound while you talk.
Kellan
You would... help me?
The Tavern Keeper
If he says so, you’d better listen. You’ve done enough damage already.
The Hooded Figure’s shoulders loosen. They lower to one knee, careful and unarmed, breathing hard as the chase drains out of them.
Kellan
Then listen closely. I did not come here to destroy Oakhaven. I came to stop what was hidden under it.
Quest Complete
Interrogate the Hooded Figure