The butcher leads Klodryx a few paces from the square to his stall. The old woman follows close behind, while the jeering man remains in the dust beneath the crowd's watchful silence.
the butcher
You handled yourself better than most would. I have an offer, Klodryx, but first you should hear what it may involve.
Before he can continue, hurried boots strike the square stones. A young hunter enters beneath the town gate, gripping a bloodied creature claw wrapped in torn cloth.
the Copper-rank hunter
Which of you is Klodryx? They said the scarred fighter here stood against a stronger man and brought him down cleanly.
The hunter stops beside the butcher's stall, breathing hard. The claw hangs from his hand, dark blood spotting the cloth and drawing uneasy glances from nearby townsfolk.
the old woman
That is him. The one standing there. But mind your manners, hunter. He has been tested enough for one morning.
the Copper-rank hunter
Then perhaps he is exactly who I need. Something in the western hedges is taking livestock, and this claw proves it is not an ordinary beast.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the hunter's work offer
✓ Quest Accepted
Stop the creature attacks
“"Who are you, and why do I have to do your chores"”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Persuasion, rolled +1)
Klodryx
Who are you, and why do I have to do your chores?
The Copper-rank hunter's grip tightens around the wrapped claw. A dark spot spreads through the cloth and drops onto the stones between them.
the Copper-rank hunter
I'm a Copper-rank hunter of the HA. My name matters less than the creature killing livestock west of town.
the Copper-rank hunter
And you do not have to do anything. I am asking because I need another set of hands, not because I own yours.
He unwraps the claw just enough to show its hooked length, then binds it again. Several townsfolk retreat from the stall, whispering behind their hands.
the Copper-rank hunter
Come with me, help track it, and the HA will record your assistance. There is payment if we return with proof, and danger whether you accept or not.
the Copper-rank hunter
He bristles at orders, but he listened. If I call this a chore again, he will walk.
“"Is there a reward"”
Klodryx
Is there a reward?
The question hangs over the stall, plain and practical. The Copper-rank hunter studies Klodryx for a moment, then nods without offense.
the Copper-rank hunter
There is. Coin for confirmed proof, and a separate share if the creature is brought down. The HA will record your assistance besides.
the butcher
Good. Ask what your labor earns before you spend your strength. Nobody should mistake courage for free service.
The hunter adjusts the cloth around the claw and reaches beneath his belt, producing a small stamped token marked with the HA's sigil.
the Copper-rank hunter
Show this at the western watchpost when we return. The clerk will verify the work and issue the payment. I will not promise more than that.
the old woman
Then the bargain is clear, lad. Take it only if the reward is worth the danger to you.
Director's note
I take the coin thing
“"Nah your getting the wrong idea, I aint in it for the money Im just here to get strong."”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +1)
Klodryx
Nah, you're getting the wrong idea. I ain't in it for the money. I'm here to get strong.
The words leave the stall quiet. Klodryx accepts the stamped token anyway, its sharp edge biting briefly into his scraped palm before he closes his fingers around it.
the Copper-rank hunter
Then the coin is not the point. Good. Strength comes from facing what can truly test you, not from boasting in a square.
the butcher
And remember, lad, getting stronger does not mean letting someone else decide how you spend your life.
The hunter gestures toward the western road. Beyond the town wall, hedges bow beneath a restless wind, and somewhere among them livestock has gone silent.
the Copper-rank hunter
Come, then. I will show you the tracks, and you can decide whether the creature is strong enough to teach you anything.
the old woman
Go with your eyes open, scarred one. A lesson from a beast can cost more than any coin.
Quest Complete
Secure the hunter's work offer
Skill Upgrade: Persuasion Mediocre→Fair
+ New Item Acquired
HA Stamped Token