The wagon creaks to a halt within the magistrate’s courtyard. Dust settles over the cobblestones, coating Timothy’s bare, shivering skin. The merchant grins, his teeth yellowed and crooked, as he hops down and hauls Timothy off the back by his chain.
Merchant
Here is your prize, guards. A runaway apprentice, broken and ready for your cold iron cells.
Timothy
The air tastes of wet lime and iron. If they lock me away, I will never see
+ Scene Quest Added
Escape the magistrate's custody
“I use my oratory to persuade the guards to lock me in the holding cell ready to be judged by the magistrate first thing in the morning. I offer to satisfy any of their perverted desires without question if they agree.”
FAILURE (Great Oratory, rolled +3)
“I submit meekly as the guards lead me into the jail and lock the door behind me. I am unsettled by the two other prisoners in the cell, who are large strong men who seem from their expressions to have evil intentions regarding my small and helpless status trapped with them. They obviously plan to take advantage of me.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +4)
The iron gate slams shut, echoing through the damp stone corridor. Timothy stands small and still as the two prisoners, a scarred brute and a wiry man with hollow eyes, rise from the straw to circle him.
Timothy
They underestimate me. They see a boy, but I see their movements before they make them. They are clumsy with hunger, their footing wide and unstable on the slick floor.
Large Prisoner
Well now, look what the magistrate brought us. Fresh meat for the larder.
Wiry Prisoner
Small, but he’ll do for passing the time.
Timothy
I suggest you sit back down. You look like men who are far too tired to fight, and I am not a boy who enjoys being cornered.
Timothy
If I keep my back to the wall and bait the brute into the wiry one, they will trip over their own shadows. I need to make them believe I am more dangerous than the magistrate's shackles.
Large Prisoner
Is that a threat, little rat?
Quest Complete
Escape the magistrate's custody
Skill Upgrade: Oratory Great→Superb
+ Story Quest Added
Survive the cell confrontation