Harrowmere’s gate rises beyond the muddy road, its market square crowded with wary faces. Mara and Edrin arrive beside Octavius beneath Dunmere’s sealed summons record, while Patter keeps close to the wagon.
Harrowmere townspeople
That is the fugitive. The peddler is her accomplice. Dunmere sends trouble now, does it?
Muttered suspicion spreads through the square. Armed retainers emerge from the gatehouse behind a broad-shouldered older man, a human nobleman with ruddy skin and a broad, weathered face in a dark blue mantle, his silver-streaked beard neatly trimmed and his severe gaze fixed on the summons.
Lord Caldus Rane
I am Lord Caldus Rane, and this is Harrowmere. You will surrender that summons record and explain why Dunmere believes it may place protected fugitives at my gate.
His retainers spread across the gate without drawing steel, blocking the road while the townspeople fall quiet enough to hear every word. Mara’s fingers tighten around her cloak, and Edrin watches the lord carefully.
Lord Caldus Rane
Dunmere’s authority ends at my boundary. Its reeve does not bind me within my lands, and neither does a sealed scrap carried by strangers.
Mara Venn
Octavius, the record is genuine, and Anja authorized our protection. What do you want to do?
✓ Quest Accepted
Have Lord Rane acknowledge the genuine summons
✓ Quest Accepted
Preserve the genuine summons record
“My lord," I immediately raise my hands so that both palms are visible. I whisper a 'put your hands into view, don't move, let me speak unless you know something I don't' to Edrin and Mara. "Lord, if we are not wanted here, we will turn around and leave. Please at least permit us that much if you are too busy for an audience. We would be happy to speak with anyone of your choosing, to avoid taking up your time.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Octavius
Put your hands into view. Do not move. Let me speak unless you know something I do not.
Octavius raises both hands, palms open. Edrin and Mara follow the quiet instruction, while Lord Caldus Rane watches the gesture and his armed retainers hold their positions across the gate.
Octavius
My lord, if we are not wanted here, we will turn around and leave. Please permit us that much, if you are too busy for an audience. We would gladly speak with anyone you choose, rather than take up your time.
The offer removes every appearance of pressure. Caldus’s severe gaze shifts from the summons to Octavius’s open hands, then briefly to Mara and Edrin standing quietly behind him.
Lord Caldus Rane
Very well. You may leave Harrowmere by the road you entered, or you may speak with my seneschal in the gatehouse. The choice is yours, and no one will hinder your departure.
The retainers ease their blockade, leaving the road visibly open. Mara’s shoulders loosen, while Edrin gives Octavius a small, approving glance without lowering his hands too soon.
“May I speak with your Seneschal myself? My companions may remain outside if you wish them to, but I must declare that I am not privy to all of their business, so if you would like someone to speak to them separate from me, we all are here for the same reason ,and will be -COMPLETELY HONEST-" i say loudly enough for mara and edrin to understand and hear clearly, that we will not mislead this lord, "About our reason to be here.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Octavius
May I speak with your seneschal myself? My companions may remain outside, if you wish. I am not privy to all their business, but we are here for the same reason, and we will be completely honest about it.
Octavius speaks loudly enough for Mara and Edrin to hear, then lowers his hands only when Caldus’s retainers fully clear the road. The lord studies him, finding no attempt to divide the party through evasive wording.
Lord Caldus Rane
You may speak with my seneschal, and your companions may remain outside under the retainers’ watch. Oren, attend us. Hear them separately if needed, but record the same truth from every mouth.
A middle-aged man with a lean build and a small silver ring in one ear steps from the gatehouse, an angular human with olive skin, close-cropped graying hair, a dark brown robe, and a narrow ledger tucked beneath one arm. He approaches with calm, deliberate attention.
Oren Valecourt
Oren Valecourt, seneschal of Harrowmere. I will hear you inside, Lord Caldus, and speak with your companions afterward if their accounts require it. Honesty is a sound beginning.
Caldus gestures toward the gatehouse entrance. Mara meets Octavius’s eyes and nods once; Edrin squares his shoulders, prepared to answer plainly while remaining outside under watch.
Lord Caldus Rane
Come, Octavius. You asked for a lawful hearing, and you have it. Seneschal Valecourt will take your statement now, while your companions give theirs without interference.
Quest Complete
Preserve the genuine summons record
Skill Upgrade: Crafting Superb→Legendary
“Lord Rane..." I hesitate after saying so, trying to judge how he received the title, "Where would you like me to go, and what is the best way you would like me to refer to you? I swear i intend no ill will.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -2)
Octavius
My lord... where would you like me to go, and how would you prefer I address you? I intend no ill will.
The hesitation makes the courtesy plain rather than polished. Caldus notices it, while Oren opens the gatehouse door and indicates a smaller record room beyond the entry hall.
Lord Caldus Rane
You may call me Lord Rane, or my lord in formal company. Go with Seneschal Valecourt to the record room. We will speak there, privately but under witness.
Oren Valecourt
This is a respectful beginning, but your hesitation tells me you are measuring the ground beneath you. I will record that caution alongside your statement.
The permission is granted without delay, but the cost settles into the room: Oren’s ledger will preserve Octavius’s caution as part of Harrowmere’s first impression of him.
Lord Caldus Rane
Come, Lord Rane is sufficient. If you speak plainly, your manners will not trouble me. Seneschal, begin with the summons and its purpose.
“Respectfully," I look to Oren Valecourt, "This is not my first time needing to prove myself to a local liege lord, nor my first time speaking to one whom I know will dislike me.... But I owe my friends to do my best, and will all respect due... I will not be dissuaded from this task.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +0)
Octavius
This is not my first time proving myself to a local lord, nor speaking before someone I know may dislike me. But I owe my friends my best effort, and I will not be dissuaded from this task.
Octavius keeps his voice respectful and his posture steady. He neither challenges Lord Rane nor retreats from the duty that brought him and his companions to Harrowmere.
Oren Valecourt
That is plainly spoken. You are not asking Harrowmere to admire you, only to hear why you persist. I will record that distinction.
Oren’s pen moves across the ledger, preserving the resolve rather than reducing it to defiance. Lord Rane watches from beside the doorway, silent but attentive.
Lord Caldus Rane
Then complete the task without mistaking persistence for permission. Speak your account, Octavius. If your purpose is lawful, my dislike will not bar it.
Oren Valecourt
Begin with the summons, then explain your connection to the travelers it protects. I am persuaded that you intend to see this matter through, and I will hear the reasons before judging the request.
“"My Lord," I bow. It aches in my hip even if most of the leverage is in my spine instead, but the bow is as deep as I can physically manage, hands exposed so that no one could claim a weapon was concealed or reached for. "We are here because of an issue of corruption in Dunmere. Lady Reeve is trying to clean house, and we need to not be there while she does so." I am honest, and I am open about the situtation, and I want to know what lord rane's response is. My attention is focused on him.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Octavius
My lord, we are here because of corruption in Dunmere. Lady Reeve is trying to clean house, and we need not be there while she does so.
Octavius bows as deeply as his hip permits, keeping his hands plainly exposed. Pain pulls at his left side, but he holds the posture until the courtesy is complete.
Oren’s pen pauses above the ledger. Lord Rane studies Octavius’s lowered head, then the open hands, weighing candor rather than searching for a concealed demand.
Lord Caldus Rane
Rise, Octavius. That is a serious accusation, but you have offered it plainly and without trying to make Harrowmere carry Dunmere’s quarrel for you.
Lord Caldus Rane
I believe you are seeking safe distance from an internal cleansing, not shelter for conspirators. Your companions may remain under my protection while I determine what Harrowmere must know.
Oren Valecourt
I will record that Lord Rane accepts the immediate explanation as credible. He will want the corruption described, but he is not treating your arrival as an offense.
Lord Caldus Rane
Now tell me what protection you require, and what danger might follow you here. I will hear the facts before deciding how Harrowmere receives you.
“My lord, if you have questions, please ask them of me. I am permitted to answer -most- honestly. I will tell you what questions I am bound to conceal when you ask them, so that I can avoid telling you a lie... but I will be honest that My loyalty does not lie here, and I will not mislead you.... if you can trust that.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Octavius
My lord, ask what you must. I am permitted to answer most honestly. If a question touches something I must conceal, I will tell you so rather than lie. My loyalty does not lie here, but I will not mislead you, if you can trust that.
Octavius keeps his hands visible and meets Lord Rane’s gaze without challenging it. Oren’s pen remains poised, ready to preserve both the answers and the boundaries honestly given.
Lord Caldus Rane
I can trust that, Octavius. A declared limit is safer than a polished falsehood, and loyalty elsewhere is no crime unless it commands you to harm Harrowmere.
Oren Valecourt
Then I will record your answers with their limits attached. Lord Rane may judge what Harrowmere requires without mistaking silence for deceit.
Lord Caldus Rane
Tell me first what danger follows Mara Venn and Edrin Vale, and what you believe Harrowmere risks by receiving them. Do not name anything you are bound to protect.
The question is direct but measured. Lord Rane has accepted Octavius’s candor as a condition of the hearing, and Oren turns to a fresh line in the ledger.
Lord Caldus Rane
Answer plainly, and Harrowmere will decide from facts rather than rumor. I will not demand that you betray a confidence merely to satisfy my curiosity.
“Truthfully, there is little I can claim that isn't 'rumor'. Most of what has driven our exodus is 'rumor'. We believe that there is strong reason someone wants to kill my companion Mara." I find it hard to continue immediately and my jaw grinds noticably before I speak again. "As much as I respect your lands, I would not hesitate to kill someone who is trying to harm my companions. I do not want that to be misunderstood or go un-mentioned.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -1)
Octavius
Truthfully, there is little I can claim beyond rumor. We believe someone has strong reason to kill my companion Mara. I would not hesitate to kill anyone trying to harm my companions, and I will not leave that misunderstood.
Octavius’s jaw grinds audibly before he finishes. Oren’s pen pauses, while Lord Rane studies the warning without mistaking it for a boast or an immediate threat.
Lord Caldus Rane
That is understood. You are warning me of the danger surrounding Mara, and declaring the limit you will defend if someone attacks your companions.
Oren Valecourt
I will record the distinction clearly: rumor explains the danger, while your willingness to defend them explains the risk Harrowmere must weigh.
Lord Caldus Rane
I can accept that boundary, Octavius. Harrowmere will not punish you for defending your companions, provided you do not bring violence into my lands without cause.
The tension in the record room eases by a measured degree. Rane has heard the danger and the promise of resistance together, and neither has been hidden behind courtesy.
“Sir I want zero violence." I deliberately drop my things and bow at the waist, trying to avoid aggravating my hip by dipping at the spine instead. "I only want to mislead those who wish harm to my friends.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -1)
Octavius
Sir, I want zero violence. I only want to mislead those who wish harm to my friends.
Octavius deliberately lets his belongings fall and bows from the waist, dipping at the spine to spare his hip. His empty hands and lowered posture make the request unmistakably peaceful.
Oren’s pen remains still above the ledger. Lord Rane watches the abandoned possessions, then Octavius’s careful bow, finding no movement that presses for advantage or threatens his household.
Lord Caldus Rane
Rise, Octavius. I believe you. You seek misdirection, not bloodshed, and you have made that distinction plainly before my seneschal.
Lord Caldus Rane
If Mara and Edrin are harmed, you may defend them, but Harrowmere will not be turned into a battlefield. I will permit peaceful deception against those pursuing them.
Oren Valecourt
I will record the terms accurately: Octavius requests no violence, offers no threat, and seeks only to mislead anyone who intends harm to his companions.
The permission is clear. Lord Rane accepts Octavius’s purpose as peaceful and lawful, while Oren resumes writing the agreement into Harrowmere’s record.
“May I ask for permission for us to stay in an inn, in-town tonight? Or would you prefere we make camp outside the city walls? I swear that we mean no harm, only travel. We will leave tomorrow. I promise.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +0)
Octavius
My lord, may I ask permission for us to stay at an inn in town tonight? If you prefer, we will camp outside the walls. We mean no harm, will leave tomorrow, and I give you my word on it.
Octavius keeps his hands visible and his tone warm, offering Harrowmere an easy choice rather than pressing for shelter. Oren’s pen pauses, awaiting Lord Rane’s answer.
Lord Caldus Rane
You may stay at an inn within Harrowmere tonight. Your promise is accepted, and no harm will come from your lodging so long as you depart tomorrow as stated.
The permission settles the immediate question. Lord Rane’s retainers no longer bar the town, and the gatehouse gives the travelers a lawful place to rest beneath Harrowmere’s protection.
Oren Valecourt
I will record the permission and notify the innkeeper. Your party may enter openly, and your departure tomorrow will be noted as part of the arrangement.
Lord Caldus Rane
Go with Seneschal Valecourt. Harrowmere will offer hospitality tonight, and I expect the same peaceful conduct you have promised here.
“Lord Rane, may I ask for a private audience before you dismiss me?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +4)
Octavius
Lord Rane, may I ask for a private audience before you dismiss me?
Octavius asks without pressing closer or lowering the respect in his voice. Oren’s pen stills, and Lord Rane studies him with renewed attention rather than impatience.
Lord Caldus Rane
Yes, Octavius. You may have a private audience now, before you leave this room. Seneschal, see that the companions remain received and unhindered.
Oren Valecourt
I will conduct Mara and Edrin to the receiving room and keep the record of their lodging separate. No one will trouble them while you speak with Lord Rane.
Oren closes his ledger and opens a side door concealed beside the record shelves. It leads directly to Lord Rane’s private study, granting Octavius secluded access without crossing the public gatehouse.
Lord Caldus Rane
Come with me. Whatever you wished to say privately, Harrowmere will hear it without an audience of townspeople or retainers. You have my full attention.
“Sir, I believe part of why I was sent is to ask to summon you.." I immediately bow at the waist so that my eyes are lowered as is my head, "My I deliver the letter I was asked to give you?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +0)
Octavius
Sir, I believe part of why I was sent is to summon you. May I deliver the letter I was asked to give you?
Octavius bows immediately from the waist, lowering his head and eyes. He keeps the gesture respectful and still, offering the request without pressure.
Lord Caldus Rane
You may deliver it, Octavius. Rise, and place the letter in my hand. I will receive it as a private communication.
Lord Rane steps fully into the study and extends one open hand. The private audience now includes the letter’s delivery, granted plainly and without demanding its contents first.
Lord Caldus Rane
Whatever Dunmere entrusted to you, I will read it before asking you to explain it. Your discretion in bringing it privately is noted.
The permission is settled. Lord Rane waits with his hand extended, prepared to accept the letter directly and hear whatever summons brought Octavius to him.
“"My lord." I answer, immediately offering the letter summons I was asked to bring. "May I suggest that I am not responsible for the contents of that letter, please do not ask me to die.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Octavius
My lord. I was asked to bring this summons, and I offer it immediately. Please do not hold me responsible for its contents or ask me to die for them.
Octavius places the sealed letter into Lord Rane’s waiting hand, then keeps both of his own hands visible. The delivery is complete, private, and without hesitation.
Lord Caldus Rane
I hear the distinction, Octavius. You carried the summons; you did not author its contents. I will not demand your death to satisfy whatever authority wrote it.
Lord Rane breaks the seal and unfolds the letter beneath the study’s quiet lamplight. His expression remains severe, but his attention no longer treats Octavius as the summons’s author.
Lord Caldus Rane
You have done what was asked of you and stated your boundary plainly. Whatever this letter requires, I will judge it on its own terms, not punish the messenger for bringing it.
The summons rests open in Lord Rane’s hands, and Octavius’s responsibility for its contents is explicitly set aside. The private audience proceeds under that understanding.
“Lord Rane," I bow again, deeper even if it aches my hip to do so. "I only need to know that you have received that letter. I am not returning to Dunmere soon, so a reply is not best given to me. But sir I truly mean no disrespect.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Octavius
My lord, I only need to know that you have received the letter. I will not return to Dunmere soon, so a reply is not best given to me. I truly mean no disrespect.
Octavius bows again, deeper despite the ache pulling across his hip. He rises with his hands visible, leaving the sealed summons entirely in Lord Rane’s keeping.
Lord Caldus Rane
You have no cause to apologize, Octavius. I received the letter, and I understand that you are its messenger, not its respondent.
Lord Rane folds the summons once and places it beside the lamp, separating the document from the man who carried it. His severe expression holds no offense.
Lord Caldus Rane
No reply will be entrusted to you, Octavius. If I require an answer from Dunmere, I will send it through proper channels or make my own arrangement.
The matter is settled plainly: Lord Rane has received the summons, accepts Octavius’s respectful limitation, and asks nothing further of him before he departs.
Quest Complete
Have Lord Rane acknowledge the genuine summons
New Gift: Authority Mastery