Dust drifts through the shrine yard as the surrendered bandit stays on his knees. Parthus lowers his weapon, holy sigil bright on his chest, while the merchant family watches from the steps in wary silence.
Parthus
Kneel before God and swear it. If you serve me, you serve justice.
The bandit swallows hard and reaches for his discarded belt with shaking hands. He does not rise, only lifts his eyes to Parthus, fear and hope mingled there.
The Surrendered Bandit
I will take the oath. I will not run again.
The Merchant Father
A bandit for a squire... by the saints, that is mercy I did not expect.
The Woman
If he means it, let him mean it with his whole heart.
Parthus’s shadow falls over the kneeling man as the yard quiets completely. The merchant child peeks from behind his mother’s skirt, staring at the belt as though it were the start of a new life.
The Surrendered Bandit
Tell me the words, lord. I will speak them plain.
✓ Quest Accepted
Test the bandit's oath
“Repeat after me "I swear to uphold Good and Justice above all. I swear to protect the innocent and weak. I vow correction of the wicked. I vow to conduct myself in all dealings with honor, compassion, and integrity.”
SUCCESS (Good Theology, rolled +2)
Parthus begins the vow, calm and clear, while the shrine yard holds its breath around him.
Parthus
I swear to uphold Good and Justice above all.
The Surrendered Bandit
Good and justice. Not coin, then. Not fear.
Parthus
I swear to protect the innocent and weak.
The Surrendered Bandit
Then hear me, lord. I was paid for tribute, and I took it. I thought that made me strong.
The merchant child keeps watching as the bandit’s hands unclench from the belt.
Parthus
I vow correction of the wicked.
Parthus
I vow to conduct myself in all dealings with honor, compassion, and integrity.
The Surrendered Bandit
I swear it too. No tricks. If I break this, I break myself against God’s judgment and yours.
The Woman
That sounds like a man who has finally heard himself.
The bandit bows his head again, but this time it looks like assent, not fear. The family eases on the steps, waiting for what Parthus commands next.
Quest Complete
Test the bandit's oath
“Ask the merchant family where they are going”
SUCCESS (Fair Reasoning, rolled -1)
Parthus lowers his voice and asks where they are headed, keeping the question simple.
The Merchant Father
North, to my brother’s mill by the ford. We lost enough today, so we mean to sleep under a roof that still stands.
The Woman
If the road is kind. If not, we take daylight and prayers and keep moving.
The Surrendered Bandit
A mill by the ford... that is still better than a rope.
The merchant child glances from Parthus to the bandit, then to the discarded belt on the ground.
The Surrendered Bandit
If you mean to send me anywhere, lord, send me with them. I know the roads east. I can watch for brigands.
The Woman
Watch him first. Then I will trust what his hands do.
✓ Quest Accepted
Assess the surrendered bandit’s sincerity
“We will travel north with this family to assure them safe passage”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +0)