Elise sits deep in the baron's banquet hall, steadily filling her mouth from a crowded plate while music and silverware glitter around her. Roast fowl, buttered roots, and honeyed bread vanish beneath her attention.
A wandering swordsman reaches her table. He is a lean young adult man with wind-browned skin, dark hair tied at his neck, and a weather-stained green cloak over worn leather armor; one hand never strays far from his sword.
The Wandering Swordsman
Do not look up too quickly. I need to hire you, and I need your answer before the baron's guests notice.
He places a small sealed purse beside Elise's plate. Its weight gives a muted clink, while the wax bears an unfamiliar black sigil.
The Wandering Swordsman
Take the purse, and come with me when the musicians begin their next song. There is no time for haggling, but there is enough gold to make haste worthwhile.
At a nearby table, two jeweled nobles fall silent. Their eyes shift from the sealed purse to Elise, and a third guest subtly leans closer to hear.
Elise
The purse is sealed, and the nobles are watching.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the swordsman's offer
“I don't ask questions yet that can wait until we're alone when the music begins I walk with him”
FAILURE (Poor Agility, rolled -1)
The musicians strike their next song. Elise sets down her food, rises with the sealed purse, and follows the wandering swordsman as he threads toward a side passage.
The Wandering Swordsman
Good. Keep close, and do not touch the seal.
They reach the edge of the banquet crowd before a broad-shouldered middle-aged steward steps into their path. His burgundy coat bears the baron's silver key, and a pale scar crosses one cheek.
The Steward
You there. The purse on your table belongs to the baron's investigation. Hand it over.
Behind Elise, the nobles rise to watch. The swordsman stops rather than draw, leaving the passage narrowed between the steward and the gathering attention.
The Wandering Swordsman
That seal is not yours, Master Steward. Let us pass, and no scene need follow.
The Steward
You may explain yourselves in the antechamber. Both of you, now.
Quest Complete
Secure the swordsman's offer
+ New Item Acquired
sealed purse