The damp, subterranean chill of the cell clings to the stone floor. Large Prisoner
presses his calloused hand against Timothy’s chin, forcing the boy to look up.
Large Prisoner
We hold the coin for your life tonight, little mouse. Be useful, stay quiet, and you might see the sun tomorrow.
Timothy
If I fight them, I am dead before the guards return. Submission is the only path to the magistrate's gate.
Large Prisoner
Look at him, shaking like a leaf. Keep that posture, boy. If you move, if you cry, or if you even breathe too loud, you will regret waking up this morning.
Wiry Prisoner
A soft thing like this won't last long, but he’ll serve the purpose well enough until the bell rings.
Large Prisoner
Fetch the bucket, dog. It is time the boy learns who keeps the peace in this cage.
{{
Timothy: A small, slim human youth, positioned center-left on the cold stone floor, kneeling with head tilted upward in submissive resignation, eyes cast downward, hands resting limp on his thighs.
Large Prisoner: A large, hulking man, positioned center-right, looming over Timothy, right hand gripping Timothy's chin to force eye contact, sc
“I use my willpower to obey every command the large prisoner gives me, hoping that if I submit to whatever he intends, him and his friend might not harm me.”
FAILURE (Superb Willpower, rolled -3)
Timothy
Yes. I will do whatever you ask.
Timothy scurries toward the wooden slop bucket in the corner, his movements frantic and uncoordinated. His hands tremble as he grips the iron handle, but the slick, uneven stone floor betrays his haste. He slips, his knees slamming into the cold ground, and the bucket tips over. A pungent, grey sludge cascades across the cell floor, soaking his threadbare trousers.
Large Prisoner
Look at this mess. You are not just useless, you are clumsy.
Wiry Prisoner
He’s pathetic. Let me handle it.
The wiry man steps forward, his boot catching Timothy in the shoulder and sending him sprawling into the stagnant pool of filth.
Timothy
I tried to be obedient. I tried to stay out of the way. If only I could keep my balance, maybe they would see some worth in me. Now I am covered in their refuse, and the room feels even colder.
Large Prisoner
Get up. You have until I count to three to wipe this floor clean with your own tunic, or I will make sure you never walk straight again.
+ Scene Quest Added
Clean the floor and appease the prisoners to end the harassment
“I remove my ragged clothing and begin using it to clean the floor as instructed.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +2)
Timothy discards his pride alongside his tunic, his movements fluid and efficient despite the filth. He ignores the stench and the sting of his scraped knees, scrubbing the stone with desperate, rhythmic intensity. He works with a strange, frantic grace, clearing the grey sludge until the floor reflects the dim light filtering through the high, barred window.
Large Prisoner
Stop.
The large man looks down at the surprisingly clean patch of floor and then at the shivering, shirtless boy. The air in the cell turns thick and heavy.
Wiry Prisoner
He finished it, boss. Better than we expected.
Large Prisoner
He is faster than he looks, but that does not change where he is.
Large Prisoner
If the boy can move like that, he might be useful for something other than just absorbing kicks.
Large Prisoner
You. Stand up. If you are going to serve us, you need to learn the rules of this hole. What do you think you have to offer us, boy, besides a wet rag and a shivering back?
Quest Complete
Clean the floor and appease the prisoners to end the harassment
+ Story Quest Added
Learn the rules of the cell