The eastern water stairs spill into a small riverside chapel. The blue-marked gnome crosses the threshold clutching the stolen file, while Dagg, Gandien, and the unfamiliar goblin paladin reach the doors behind him.
A young adult man in a plain brown clerical robe steps from beside the altar. He has a lean build, olive skin, short black hair, and a narrow silver cross at his throat. The gnome grips the altar rail before him.
Brother Cale
By the forty-day sanctuary law, no armed seizure may occur within this holy space. Lower your weapons and state your grievance.
King Gandien
Brother Cale, the fugitive carries stolen court evidence. I recognize the law, but sanctuary does not erase the crime.
Beelz
Then reconsider it. He stole from the magistrate, served Pike’s hidden backers, and will vanish behind your altar if you let him.
The gnome says nothing. His knuckles whiten around the rail, and the recovered file’s missing corner shows the same blue paint as his cloak. Outside, river bells mark the passing hour.
Brother Cale
He may remain until the forty days pass, or until he leaves willingly. You may question him, but not drag him from sanctuary.
“{Dagg walks up and snatches the file from the gnomes hands, revealing his face} No armed seizure you say? fine i wont use any of my weapons. {Dagg stares at the gnome, inches from his face, Daggs face turns pale as he hdies it from the others in the room so only the gnome can see his eyes. Purple flames are shwon to the gnome in Daggs eyes, the evil that Dagg hides underneath is ever so slightly revealed to intimidate the gnome.} Okay mister, why dont you kindly walk yourself out of this here sanctuary all on your own or I will need to use the 40 days law to protect me from the things I am about to do to you.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled -1)
Dagg Nabbitt
No armed seizure, you say? Fine. I will not use my weapons. Walk yourself out of this sanctuary, or I will use its forty-day law to protect me from what follows.
Dagg steps within inches, snatches the stolen file from the gnome’s hands, revealing the gnome as a slight young adult male with cropped white hair and a brass ear cuff, and exposes his narrow gray face beneath the hood. His pale expression hides the change from the others, but purple flames burn in his eyes for the gnome alone.
The threat lands, though Dagg’s composure catches for one visible heartbeat. His relaxed reluctance to press a grim confrontation shows in that hesitation, while Steady Under Watch keeps his stare fixed and his voice controlled.
The Blue-Marked Gnome
I am leaving. Keep your judgment outside the chapel.
The gnome releases the altar rail, lowers his empty hands, and walks toward the doors without touching a weapon. Brother Cale steps aside, watching him cross the sanctuary’s boundary voluntarily.
Brother Cale
He has chosen to leave freely. The sanctuary law is satisfied, and no armed seizure has occurred within these walls.
King Gandien
The file is recovered, and the suspect is outside. Dagg, keep your weapons lowered while we take him into lawful custody.
✓ Quest Accepted
Take the blue-marked gnome into lawful custody
“I will follow your order, but if he even thinks of running again, he will find that my arrows move faster than his feet, and its very hard to run with multiple arrows in your back.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled -3)
Dagg Nabbitt
I will follow your order. But if you think of running again, my arrows move faster than your feet, and running gets difficult with several in your back.
Outside the chapel, Dagg keeps his bow lowered, but his hand settles firmly along its ancient grip. The threat is quiet, exact, and plainly meant for the blue-marked gnome.
His relaxed nature makes the demand feel heavier than a drawn string; he would rather be home than managing another prisoner. Steady Under Watch holds his gaze steady despite that weariness.
The Blue-Marked Gnome
I will not run. Take me to the magistrate, and keep those arrows pointed at the ground.
The gnome stops beyond the chapel threshold, turns his back to the river, and places both hands where they can be seen. His surrender is deliberate, but Dagg’s brief hesitation has cost him some composure.
King Gandien
Good. The suspect remains in custody without bloodshed. We return to Magistrate Delly, preserve the file, and begin the lawful questioning.
Beelz
Then bind his hands and walk him in. If he breaks that promise, I will stop him.
Quest Complete
Take the blue-marked gnome into lawful custody