BonerFart and his companions reach the south gate just as morning crowds press through the arch. Ahead, a hunched hedge-magus throws up a chalked charm, and the nearest guards recoil from the snapping green light.
The guards bark demands and shove closer. The hedge-magus stays planted, robes trembling, one crooked hand still tracing warding sigils in the air.
Joe
Keep your hands back. I have papers, and curses enough for fools who ignore them.
One guard hesitates at the edge of the charm, eyeing BonerFart’s trio as if weighing whether new trouble is worth the effort.
Steven
We need a hedge-magus, and this one looks like he can still bite.
Jeff
Then let’s not crowd him like bandits. Better we ask than blunder.
BonerFart steps nearer, the blue glow of his bow catching on the gate stones. The guards shift aside a fraction, more wary of his reputation than eager for a fight.
Joe
If you’ve come to hire me, speak plain. If you’ve come with these yard dogs, I’d rather know now.
✓ Quest Accepted
Recruit the hedge-magus
“I humbly approch the old man with a kind gift of clean water to drink. I ask him how he is feeling, of there is still a fire in whats left of his heart, and if he would hear us out in explaining all why we are before him.. kindly, as to not upset the old man and make him feel comfortable with our presence.”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +3)
BonerFart lowers the bow and offers the hedge-magus a skin of clean water, stopping just outside the ward glow. The chalk light steadies instead of snapping at him, as if the spell itself is listening.
Joe
Water first, then words. That is kinder than most of your city.
He takes the skin with both hands, drinks, and the hard line in his shoulders eases a little. The guards keep their distance, but no one lunges.
BonerFart
He asks if the old fire is still in your heart, and if you will hear us out.
Joe
Still burning. Not brightly, but enough. Speak, then, and speak honestly.
Steven
We are hunting Barack. He twists oaths, forges loyalties, and leaves honest folk to carry the blame.
Joe
Barack, yes. I have seen that name in copied ledgers and bent seals, always near men who think a lie can be made lawful.
Joe
If you mean to drag truth into the open, I can help. But first, tell me what you are willing to pay in trust.
“I say... I am the last of my kind, and I seek vengeance. I have many resources and a fire that burns deeply. So if its payment you inquire about, I say for your time, old man, you name your price. What os it YOU need?”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +1)
BonerFart
I am the last of my kind, and I seek vengeance. I have coin, steel, and reach. Name your price for your help, and tell me what you need.
Joe
Straight enough. Rare, too. Most men hide behind titles before they offer their throats.
Joe
What I need is simple, a safe road, honest speech, and proof that Barack's lies can be pinned to a wall where everyone can see them.
Steven
Then you have our road. We are not asking you to bleed alone, hedge-magus.
Jeff
And if your price is practical, we can meet it. Supplies, shelter, witness, whatever keeps your hands free for the real hunt.
Joe
Good. I will come, if only to stand where Barack cannot pretend I was never there.
The ward sigils dim from a hard green glare to a softer, steady glow. The hedge-magus folds his papers once and tucks them away, while the guards let out the smallest breath of relief.
Quest Complete
Recruit the hedge-magus
Skill Upgrade: Persuasion Fair→Good
