Beside Mara’s grave, Panko catches the edge of his travel-stained coat and carefully peels away the altered layers. The disguise comes free in practiced pieces, revealing his familiar halfling form beneath.
Panko
A cook learns early that appearance is another thing that can be prepared. I meant no deception beyond reaching you safely.
The parcel opens beneath Dagg’s hands. Inside rests a carefully folded letter and a tightly sealed leather package, heavy with ten thousand gold coins.
The letter names Mara’s younger brother, Mara’s younger brother, who serves aboard The Obsidian. He writes that he learned Mara was alive, wished to meet her, and hoped his earnings would support her future.
He describes the massive black wooden ship and its crew, each wearing a black gambeson marked with a red ship on the right torso. The gold bears no royal seal, only honest weight.
Panko
Corin is aboard The Obsidian. I know where the ship sails next, and I can tell you what sort of man Mara’s brother has become.
Panko remains beside the grave, hands lowered and expression solemn. The letter rests open above Mara’s name, while the gold waits unopened for Dagg’s decision.
“So Corin is her brothers name. I am guessing his last name is not Vell or he would have known about her earlier. I would be more than happy to meet him in her stead. Can you tell me about Corrin, Panko? {Panko describes a young pirate about the age of 17. Skin and hair color that matches Mara identically. Corin wears a Black Gambeson with the red ship on his right torso peck like the other ship mates. He has dark pants and wears a green Pirate jacket. He is well built and has a clean shaven face. He is the first hand to the ship captain, Jack Finch. Jack is a human who wears a classic pirate outfit paired with the same black gambeson that his crew wears. He has long flowing black hair and wears a red bandana under his black pirate hat. Jack and the Obsidian sail the open seas helping people from all over.}”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -1)
Dagg Nabbitt
So Corin is her brother’s name. I would be glad to meet him in her stead. Tell me about Corin, Panko, and his service aboard The Obsidian.
Panko studies Dagg beside Mara’s grave, weighing the question carefully. Questions Witnesses draws out the distinction between Corin’s family and his chosen duty, while Dagg’s relaxed nature keeps the exchange quiet and unhurried.
Panko
Corin is about seventeen, a young man with Mara’s exact skin and hair. He is well built, clean shaven, and wears dark trousers beneath a green pirate jacket.
Panko
Like the rest of us, he wears The Obsidian’s black gambeson, marked with the red ship on the right side. He serves as first hand to Captain Jack Finch.
Panko turns the letter slightly, showing the careful handwriting without disturbing it. The sea wind lifts one corner of the sailcloth, and Mara’s name remains between them like an unfinished introduction.
Panko
Jack is a human man in a black pirate hat and red bandana, with long black hair and the same crew gambeson. He and The Obsidian sail openly, helping people wherever the sea carries them.
Panko
Corin learned that service from him. He is not merely earning his keep. He stands watch, carries orders, and helps Captain Jack bring the ship’s aid to those who need it.
✓ Quest Accepted
Meet Mara’s brother Corin
“{Dagg looks to Merrin} Well Merrin, once again, as soon as I return home, I am needed elsewhere. I assure you have the Ranch in good hands as I must leave again? {Merrin answers proudly thanking Dagg again for giving him a home and purpose} {Dagg looks to hsi border collie who he has still yet to name.} And you girl {Dagg says as he pets the dog} You will stay here this time and help Merrin out, herd some sheep and chase away the mice, yeah? {the dog barks enthusiastically} OKay Mr. Panko, let's head to the Obsidian and meet Corin for Mara.”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled -3)
Dagg Nabbitt
Well, Merrin, as soon as I return home, I am needed elsewhere. I assure you have the ranch in good hands as I leave again.
Merrin Holt
You gave me a home and a purpose, Dagg. I will guard both with pride. Go where you are needed, and return when you can.
Dagg turns to his border collie and pets her head. She leans into his hand, tail sweeping the porch, while Merrin watches with a grateful smile.
Dagg Nabbitt
And you, girl. You will stay here and help Merrin out, herd some sheep, and chase away the mice, yeah?
The border collie barks enthusiastically and paws once at the porch boards. Merrin laughs, already reaching for the lead rope as the dog accepts her new duty.
Dagg Nabbitt
Okay, Mr. Panko, let us head to The Obsidian and meet Corin for Mara.
Panko leads Dagg to the coast and aboard The Obsidian. Near the black rail, a well-built young man named Corin, a young adult human in the crew’s black gambeson and dark trousers, with Mara’s skin and hair, clean-shaven beneath a green pirate jacket, turns sharply toward them.
Quest Complete
Meet Mara’s brother Corin