Months pass in quiet work at Nabbitt Farms. Warm evenings gather around the fireplace, while winter buries the fields and softens every familiar sound beneath snow.
A muffled knock reaches the farmhouse door. Outside stands a travel-stained middle-aged man in a wool coat, snow clinging to his boots and graying beard.
The Mayor
Dagg, forgive the interruption. I would not come in this weather unless Devia had a problem that could not wait.
The mayor removes his gloves and holds them against his chest, reluctant to bring town troubles into the warmth. Snow gathers along the threshold behind him.
The Mayor
Bandits have been robbing townsfolk beyond the city walls. They choose travelers on the roads and vanish before our guards arrive.
The Mayor
Will you look into it? Devia offers its gratitude, and whatever lawful support the town can provide. I know the season makes the request unwelcome.
Behind Dagg, the fire snaps steadily, promising comfort. Outside, the snow-covered road disappears toward Devia beneath a pale winter sky, awaiting his answer.
✓ Quest Accepted
Stop the bandits robbing Devia's travelers
“Well you know my cost Mayor. 20 gold now, and 20 gold for every bandit I have to deal with. Also do you think after all of these years of me helping the city you all could show some appreciation. I dont have my own statue, i dont have anyone that comes and helps me, I rarely even get a thank you from you. the only one that comes and visits me here is Elbee. He brings roast and warm tea and we hang out. Why does noone else do this? do you take all the credit i do for the town? what is the answer”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Dagg Nabbitt
You know my cost, Mayor. Twenty gold now, and twenty for every bandit I have to deal with. After all these years, Devia could show some appreciation. I have no statue, no one comes to help, and I rarely even hear thank you. Elbee is the only one who visits with roast and warm tea. Do you take all the credit for what I do? Why does no one else come? What is your answer?
The mayor absorbs the rebuke without interrupting. Dagg’s questions keep the complaint precise, naming payment, recognition, and practical companionship, though the warmth of the fire makes his old wish to remain home plainly visible.
The Mayor
You are right to demand an answer. Devia has accepted your labor as though it were a public resource, and I have let gratitude stop at private words instead of becoming action.
The Mayor
I will pay twenty gold now, record twenty for every bandit dealt with, and place the first payment in your hand before you leave. I will also put your service before the council for a formal commendation and a yearly relief fund.
He removes a heavy purse from inside his coat and counts out twenty gold pieces onto the table. The coins strike the wood plainly, while his lowered gaze admits the town has benefited without honoring its protector.
The Mayor
No, I have not earned the right to take credit. The town will hear whose work kept its roads open. I will return with the council’s written thanks, and I will ask Elbee to help us learn how to make that thanks a habit.
The Mayor
Take the contract, Dagg. The payment is agreed, the recognition is promised, and Devia will stop treating your sacrifices as something it is simply owed.
“{Dagg signs yet another contract} I keep the city safe as much as possible, it would just be nice to hear from the town every now and then, and Im sure Merrin would love company here besides me as well. {Dagg puts the 20 gold in his bag and starts to pack to deal with some bandits} Which road should i head to first Mayor?”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Dagg Nabbitt
I keep the city safe as much as possible. It would be good to hear from the town now and then, and Merrin would welcome company besides me. I will sign. Which road should I take first, Mayor?
Dagg reads the contract line by line, checking the payment, lawful authority, and bandit terms against ordinary procedure. His preference for the warm fire slows his hand, but the written obligations leave no uncertainty. He signs his name.
The mayor counts out the twenty gold pieces again while Dagg places them securely in his bag. He gathers his traveling gear, and the signed contract joins the town’s official record without alteration.
The Mayor
Take the north road first. Three travelers were robbed near the old stone bridge, and another report came from the orchard lane. The north road has the freshest tracks.
The mayor unfolds a small route map and marks the bridge with charcoal. He adds the reported times, names of the victims, and direction of flight, giving Dagg a clear official starting point.
The Mayor
The victims described four or five riders, poorly disciplined and carrying mixed weapons. If you find proof of banditry, record it carefully. Devia will pay for each one dealt with.
The mayor seals Dagg’s copy of the agreement and steps aside from the packed doorway. Snow blows across the threshold as the road to the old stone bridge waits beyond the farm.
+ New Item Acquired
Twenty gold pieces
“Thank you Mayor. I will be off now. Sounds like the north road and orchard lane will be good places to start. I will see you when its done.”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled -2)