Gutty steps into the alley, escaping the tavern’s heat for a breath of cool night air. Moonlight glints on wet cobbles, and a man in fine silk waits in the shadowed mouth of the lane, a heavy coin purse resting in his hand.
Lord Vane
You have the look of a performer worth keeping private. Dance for me tonight, away from these eager eyes, and I will make it worth your while.
He lifts the purse just enough for the coins inside to clink, then lets it hang where Gutty can see the weight of it.
Lord Vane
A hundred silver crescents now, and another hundred when you carry a sealed note to the Black Chapel at dawn. No questions, only grace.
Gutty Greenspot
How tempting. What kind of dance does your purse expect?
Lord Vane
One meant for a witnessless courtyard, not a tavern floor. Refined. Dangerous. Memorable.
Behind Gutty, the tavern’s laughter swells through the open door, while Lord Vane’s offered coin purse glimmers like a promise and a warning.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure Lord Vane as a patron
✓ Quest Accepted
Carry Lord Vane's sealed note to the Black Chapel
“Gutty accepts, taking the first purse of coins. "Very well, I'll carry your little note and dance for you there, man of mystery."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Charm, rolled -2)
Gutty Greenspot
Very well, I will carry your little note and dance for you there, man of mystery.
Gutty takes the purse at once. The coins thud into her palm, cold and heavier than they look, and the first bite of the weight settles in her hand.
Lord Vane
Prudent. I prefer a dancer who understands when the music is worth more than applause.
He draws a sealed note from his sleeve and places it in her other hand, keeping his fingers steady even as the tavern light warms the edge of his cheek.
Lord Vane
Bring it to the Black Chapel at dawn, untouched. In return, I pay well, and I remember those who keep their word.
Gutty Greenspot
The note feels dry against my fingers. The side still stings under the coin-weight.
Moonlight catches on the wet cobbles as the purse settles against Gutty's hip, and the alley falls quiet around the bargain now made.
“"Sure, Black Chapel at dawn. I'm assuming you'll also be waiting for your private dance there?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Charm, rolled +3)
Gutty Greenspot
Sure, Black Chapel at dawn. I assume you will be waiting for your private dance there?
Lord Vane
I will. I prefer a patron to enjoy the full performance, not merely commission it.
Lord Vane
You carry yourself like someone who understands terms. That is rare, and useful.
Lord Vane
Take this as advance, for your trouble.
He slips an iron token into Gutty's purse, a chapel key stamped with a crescent moon. The metal clicks against the coins, a second promise hidden inside the first.
Lord Vane
Show that token to the chapel keeper. It opens more than a door, if the right hands hold it.
The alley stays hushed, but Lord Vane's satisfaction deepens into something almost pleased, as if the bargain has already begun to work for him.
Quest Complete
Secure Lord Vane as a patron
Skill Upgrade: Melee Weapons Mediocre
+ New Item Acquired
iron chapel token