Moor fog hangs low over a three-way crossing, swallowing the road edges and muting every sound but hoofsteps and wind. Varyn Morvanth stands on the rutted track as shapes shift in the mist ahead.
A wagon lies tipped near the signpost, its driver slumped beside the wheel. Three bandits circle the wreck, blades out, while a robed hedge wizard braces with a shaking hand and a staff etched in ash.
The Hedge Wizard
You there, mercenary. If you mean to help, do it now.
One bandit snaps his head toward Varyn and raises a short sword. Another keeps edging for the wizard, who drags a pouch of herbs from his belt and scatters them into the mud.
The Lead Bandit
Keep back, shadow-man. This road is ours.
The herbs flash green in the fog. The nearest bandit coughs hard and stumbles, rubbing at his eyes as the wizard plants his staff and squares himself against the road.
Varyn Morvanth
The wizard wants time. The bandits want the wagon.
The Hedge Wizard
Choose, then. Stand with me, or watch them take the village’s silver.
+ Story Quest Added
Protect the hedge wizard
+ Story Quest Added
Stop the bandits from taking the village’s silver
“I stand with the hedge wizard”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled -1)
Varyn steps in beside the hedge wizard, blade low and chain ready, making the stand plain before anyone can mistake it.
The Hedge Wizard
Good. Then keep them off me while I gather the silver.
The lead bandit slows, reading the choice in Varyn’s posture. His sword dips a fraction as he recalculates the road.
The Lead Bandit
Shadow-man sides with the hedge rat. Fine. We take this the hard way.
The coughing bandit wipes his eyes and backs toward the wagon, now wary of the wizard’s staff and Varyn’s reach alike.
The Hedge Wizard
He has chosen. Now the road holds long enough for me to work.
Fog curls around the crossroads as the wizard turns to the wagon, protected for the moment, while the bandits hesitate under Varyn’s watch.
Quest Complete
Protect the hedge wizard