The butcher steps between Klodryx and the jeering man, broad shoulders blocking the cleanest line between them. He raises one stained hand toward the watching townsfolk.
the butcher
Enough. We have all seen who began this abuse, and who answered when cornered. The shame is not Klodryx's to carry.
The crowd shifts without dispersing. The old woman lowers her shawl from her mouth, while the butcher's words settle over the square like dust after a hoofbeat.
the old woman
He was taunting the poor man before anyone raised a hand. We heard every word.
the jeering man
So now the butcher speaks for justice? He threw the first punch, and everyone saw it.
The jeering man remains near enough to challenge the space, fists opening and closing at his sides. Several townsfolk glance between him and Klodryx, waiting.
the butcher
Klodryx, the square has heard both sides. Say what you will, if you have more to say.
“"This guys a wussy thats what I need to say. He targets the weak for no reason. I just want to show him that the weak still fight back"”
SUCCESS (Good Intimidation, rolled +2)
Klodryx
He's a weakling. He targets people weaker than him for no reason. I just want to show him that the weak still fight back.
Klodryx's words carry across the square. The butcher stays between them, but the jeering man's face tightens as every witness hears the accusation plainly.
the jeering man
You call me weak after I put you in the dirt? That scar has made you foolish.
the old woman
No. He speaks the truth. You chose him because you thought nobody would answer.
A murmur moves through the crowd. The jeering man's fists close, yet he finds no friendly laughter now, only lowered brows and measuring eyes.
the butcher
There is courage in standing against cruelty, Klodryx. Do not let his shouting bury what everyone here has witnessed.
The accusation lands harder than the earlier blows. The man remains standing, but the square no longer shelters his pride, and the weak he mocked now stand together in silence.
Director's note
I try and let go and look, and feel calm, and in the zone to prepare for what I might have to do
“"If this man wants to fight me, so be it. Ill give him his way."”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +1)
Klodryx
If you want a fight, so be it. I’ll give you your way.
Klodryx lets the tension drain from his hands and shoulders. He studies the man's feet, breath, and balance, standing calmly within the open space.
the jeering man
There. That is better. No excuses when I put you down again.
The jeering man steps around the butcher, accepting the challenge before the whole square. His boots scrape loudly across the dust, drawing every eye back to them.
the butcher
Then keep it clean. No striking after surrender, and no dragging the town into your pride.
Klodryx settles into readiness, calm and alert. His earlier stumble has left a hot scrape along one palm, but he does not withdraw from the confrontation.
the old woman
Let him answer you, bully. This time, everyone is watching.
✓ Quest Accepted
Win the public confrontation with the jeering man
Director's note
I wait for the man to strike, making sure to lock in so I can counter with a throw the second he makes a strike
Klodryx loosens his hands and lets the last strain leave his shoulders. Dust drifts between the two men as he watches the jeering man's feet and breathing.
the jeering man
What happened to all that fire? Come on, scar-face. Show them you meant it.
The jeering man circles left, then suddenly drives forward with a wide right hand aimed at Klodryx's head. The crowd recoils from the motion.
Klodryx holds his ground until the strike commits. Then he slips inside its reach, catches the attacking arm, and turns with the man's momentum.
the jeering man
What are you doing?
A hard pivot takes the jeering man's balance. Klodryx guides him down into the dust with a controlled throw, stopping short of any further blow.
the butcher
That was clean. Stay down, and this ends with your pride bruised instead of your bones.
Quest Complete
Win the public confrontation with the jeering man