Fog curls low over the wet alley stones as Gutty Greenspot slows, one hand near her purse. The iron token at her hip gives a faint, cold hum, like a warning under her skin.
A hooded figure steps out from a recessed doorway and plants themself in her path, head angled toward the silver at her belt. The stranger’s stillness is hungry, not brave.
The Hooded Figure
That purse looks heavier than your legs can carry, little dancer. Hand it over, and walk away intact.
Gutty shifts her weight, and the movement makes the token’s cold pulse sharpen against the coins. The sealed note at her chest suddenly feels far more important than the silver.
Gutty Greenspot
The token reacts to the alley’s magic.
The hooded figure notices her pause and reaches under the cloak, readying steel or a spell, uncertain which will scare her off first.
Between the threat in front of her and Lord Vane’s charge at her side, Gutty has no room to linger. The path to the Black Chapel is already costing her, and now it demands she choose how to keep going.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the sealed note safe from the hooded figure
“Gutty uses her natural charm. "Come, now, you wouldn't want to ruin a lady's night, would you? That would just be rude."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Charm, rolled +1)
Gutty Greenspot
Come, now, you would not want to ruin a lady's night, would you? That would just be rude.
Gutty lets the words land with a dancer's ease, not a challenge. The hooded figure's reaching hand stills, and the alley seems to hold its breath around the purse at her hip.
The Hooded Figure
A soft voice, and a sharp one. Not easy prey.
Their hidden blade hesitates under the cloak, then eases back a fraction. The moon catches the iron chapel token at Gutty's side, and the cold glint seems to give her claim extra weight.
The Hooded Figure
A lady, is it? You speak like someone used to getting past locked doors.
The stranger does not retreat, but the hunger in their stance thins. Gutty's sealed note remains tucked safe against her chest, untouched, while the alleyway opens enough for either a step forward or a careful bargain.
Quest Complete
Keep the sealed note safe from the hooded figure