The party crosses the western field to the farmhouse. Bren leads the mule, while Slaan and Nhal accompany Kynes along the old sheep path.
The farmer’s brother brings the pack donkey from the shed. After examining the mule’s hooves, teeth, and harness, he counts out a fair payment.
The Farmhand
Sound animal. No tricks, no hidden sickness. This covers him fairly, and my brother will take the silver for the donkey.
The farmer tucks the coins away and accepts the mule’s reins. With the sale settled, his guarded expression eases as he looks toward the western field.
The Farmhand
The gray-cloaked walker asked who had passed north, whether the hamlet watched strangers, and if anyone had seen travelers carrying old papers.
The Farmhand
He watched the road, not the houses. The sheep path mattered because it reaches the ridge unseen, then joins the northern track beyond the farms.
The pack donkey waits beside the shed, patient but wary. The farmer gestures toward it, then glances at Kynes, waiting to hear whether they will take it now.
✓ Quest Accepted
Discover the gray-cloaked walker's purpose
“"oh you must have misunderstood, do you want this mule, " I pat our mule. " I'm looking for a trade, information and you can out this guy here"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +0)
Kynes
Oh, you must have misunderstood. Do you want this mule? I am looking for a trade: information, and you can have the animal.
Kynes pats the mule’s neck. The animal flicks an ear but remains calm, while Bren quietly loosens the pack straps and Slaan watches the farmhouse door.
The Farmhand
For the mule? Aye, I can make that trade. My brother needs a sound beast, and I can tell you what I know of the gray-cloaked walker.
The Farmhand
He carried a narrow bundle beneath his arm and asked about travelers with old papers. He avoided the hamlet, crossed the western field, and took the sheep path toward the ridge.
The farmer accepts the mule’s reins and examines its harness once more. His guarded manner eases as the bargain becomes practical rather than suspicious.
The Farmhand
He was alone, and he did not want to be remembered. He asked whether anyone watched the northern track, then left before sunrise. I saw no companion or pursuer.
Bren
Then the trade is fair. We take the donkey, leave the mule, and continue by the ridge without giving the hamlet another reason to remember us.
“" no Bren, they can have both. Remember we don't need the animals." I say plainly”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -3)
Kynes
No, Bren. They can have both. We do not need the animals, so keep the mule and the donkey.
Kynes gestures toward both animals, ending the bargain without hostility. The farmer pauses, surprised, while Bren gathers the mule’s loosened straps and the donkey shifts uneasily beside the shed.
The Farmhand
Both? That is generous, but I will not pretend the donkey is worth the mule. You have my word that neither will be mistreated.
Bren
Then leave them with the farmhouse. We keep the road simple, and no one needs to remember which beast carried what.
The farmer accepts the reins of the donkey as well, then calls toward the farmhouse for his brother. The delay costs the party the last clear light before dusk.
The Farmhand
The ridge path is still open, but you should leave now if you want to cross it before dark. The gray-cloaked walker used it this morning.
Slaan
A clean gift, a useful direction, and one less burden to drag behind us. I approve of this trade, even without the trade.
✓ Quest Accepted
Leave the farmhouse with the party’s cover intact
“"Thanks again," we walk away from the farm, once we get out of eye and ear sight. " Ok we'll see if we can catch up. " And we take off in a sprint after the grey cloak.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +1)
Kynes
Thanks again.
The party leaves the farmhouse at an ordinary walking pace, following the sheep path until the shed, fields, and watching windows fall behind the ridge.
Kynes
Okay, we'll see if we can catch up.
Once the farmhouse disappears from sight, Kynes breaks into a sprint. Bren, Slaan, and Nhal follow, their packs held close as the path climbs through coarse grass.
Fresh bootprints mark the ridge soil, and the gray-cloaked walker appears ahead between scattered stones. Hearing pursuit, the figure turns sharply, but Kynes closes the distance.
Tavian Rusk
You are faster than the farmhand suggested. Stop there, and we can speak without making this uglier.
The party catches up on the ridge, cutting off the walker’s path before the northern track bends out of sight. The gray cloak settles in the wind as the stranger faces them.
Quest Complete
Leave the farmhouse with the party’s cover intact
“" and you are? " I question the grey cloaked walker”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Kynes
And you are?
The gray-cloaked walker studies Kynes, then lowers his hands from the folds of his cloak. Wind presses the fabric against a lean, travel-worn frame.
Tavian Rusk
Tavian Rusk. I am a road clerk and courier, though the Gray Glove prefers calling me an asset.
He speaks plainly, without reaching for a weapon. His eyes pass over Bren, Slaan, and Nhal before returning to Kynes.
Tavian Rusk
I was sent to confirm whether the traveler carrying old papers had reached this road. I found no papers, only you.
Tavian Rusk
The Glove wants you alive and questioned. I am not eager to deliver anyone to that work, but I will not pretend this meeting is chance.
Behind Tavian, the northern track descends toward the ridge and remains clear. No riders appear on the fields, and the last daylight rests along the stones.
Quest Complete
Discover the gray-cloaked walker's purpose
Skill Upgrade: Intimidation Good→Great
“" Tavian is it, what is the glove? And are they connected to Corven?" I ask”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Kynes
Tavian, what is the Gray Glove, and are they connected to Corven?
Tavian studies Kynes for a measured breath, then glances toward the empty northern track. The wind carries no hoofbeats from the fields.
Tavian Rusk
The Gray Glove is a courier network, not a single guild. It buys routes, witnesses, and information, then sells people’s movements to whoever pays.
Tavian Rusk
Corven Dask worked one of its local chains. He was not the Glove’s master, but he had authority over watchers and handoffs in Baldur’s Gate.
Tavian lowers his voice, keeping his body angled toward the ridge rather than the party. His plain confession carries no spellwork, only the fatigue of a man tired of being used.
Tavian Rusk
Corven wanted you alive because he believed you carried a missing witness-name. The Glove wanted confirmation first, then intended to sell your location to him.
Tavian Rusk
Since Corven’s chain broke, another hand is collecting the same reports. I do not know who commands it, but the orders still bear the Glove’s mark.
“" I have questions myself, Why am I to be questioned ? And what does this have to do with me in the first place?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -3)
Kynes
I have questions myself. Why am I to be questioned, and what does this have to do with me in the first place?
Tavian’s expression tightens. He glances toward the ridge, then answers without stepping closer, keeping his hands visible against the gray cloth.
Tavian Rusk
Because someone filed you as a living witness to a missing name. They believe you carry knowledge that was erased from their records, whether you know it or not.
Tavian Rusk
The questioning is meant to identify what you remember, who protected you, and whether the name can be recovered through you. Corven wanted that information for profit and leverage.
A gust tears across the ridge and snatches Tavian’s next breath into the open fields. He raises his voice, and distant farm dogs begin barking.
Tavian Rusk
The newer orders are less precise. They say your movements matter because you disrupt old routes simply by surviving them. Someone wants to know what follows you.
Tavian Rusk
That is the cost of refusing the record they made for you. They cannot own your answers, so they intend to force a meeting with the person who thinks they can.
“" what's the name.?" I ask I let sea of shadows slowly drift off of me for intimidation.”
SUCCESS (Great Intimidation, rolled -1)
Kynes
What is the name?
Kynes lets a sea of shadows drift slowly from him, spilling over the ridge stones and swallowing the last warmth of daylight. Tavian stiffens.
Tavian Rusk
The name on the order is Maelin Vey. She is the Gray Glove’s eastern coordinator, the one collecting every report about you.
Tavian keeps his hands visible, but his voice loses its practiced calm. The shadows coil at his boots without touching him, and the farm dogs fall silent below.
Tavian Rusk
She operates between Baldur’s Gate and the northern roads. Corven answered to her chain, though he never met her face to face.
Tavian Rusk
Maelin believes the missing witness-name will lead her to whoever preserved you. She is not searching for your papers anymore. She is searching for your protector.
Bren’s grip tightens on her pack strap. Slaan watches Tavian for any hesitation, while Nhal studies the darkening road beyond him, where the ridge descends toward the northern track.
“"and where is Ms Maelin Vey,?" I let the shadows gain mass around Tavian.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Kynes
And where is Ms. Maelin Vey?
Kynes lets the shadows gain mass around Tavian, pooling over the ridge stones like heavy ink. They rise to his knees without touching him, sealing the threat in silence.
Tavian Rusk
At the Three Ashes wayhouse, two days north of Baldur’s Gate. She uses it as a changing point, never staying past a single night.
Tavian Rusk
She arrived there this afternoon with two clerks and a covered wagon. If she follows her usual pattern, she leaves before dawn for the coast road.
Tavian swallows as the shadows thicken against his boots. Bren watches the northern descent, while Slaan studies his face for any hidden qualification.
Tavian Rusk
The wayhouse stands beside an old stone bridge, marked by three ash trees. Take the ridge path east, then turn south at the shepherd’s cairn.
Tavian Rusk
You can reach her before she changes roads. But if you go, do not announce yourself. Maelin keeps watchers near the bridge, and they report every unfamiliar face.
“I give Tavian a dangerous grin." My boy, I am on a schedule, savvy? " I asorbed the sea of shadows back to me. " Do tell Maelin, if she wants to talk then to wait at the location of the small abandoned shed outside of buldars gate"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Kynes
My boy, I am on a schedule, savvy? Do tell Maelin that if she wants to talk, she should wait at the small abandoned shed outside Baldur’s Gate.
Kynes gives Tavian a dangerous grin and draws the sea of shadows back into himself. The ridge stones emerge beneath the fading light, and the silence loosens.
Tavian Rusk
You want her to wait at the abandoned shed outside Baldur’s Gate, not the wayhouse. I will carry that message exactly.
Tavian exhales and rolls his shoulders as the pressure leaves the ridge. He keeps his distance, but the fear in his eyes has sharpened into wary respect.
Tavian Rusk
Maelin may believe it is a trap. That will not stop her. She prefers choosing the ground, but she will want to know why you selected that shed.
Bren
Then she can wonder while we travel. We have no reason to wait here and invite her watchers to find us.
Below the ridge, the northern track darkens toward the shepherd’s cairn. Tavian steps aside, leaving the passage clear as evening settles over the farms.
✓ Quest Accepted
Part from Tavian without violence
“I send him on his way and wait until he is out of visibility. " Looks like we have an appointment after we're done."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -1)
Kynes
Looks like we have an appointment after we're done.
Kynes sends Tavian down the eastern slope. The courier gives a final nod, then follows the ridge path until the fading light and tall grass hide him from view.
Slaan
An appointment at an abandoned shed, after a journey toward the crypt. Your calendar is becoming remarkably dangerous.
The party waits in silence until Tavian’s footsteps vanish beneath the wind. Bren keeps watch over the northern track, while Nhal studies the darkening fields.
Bren
He is gone, and no one followed him. We should move before night makes the ridge harder to cross.
Nhal
The shed can wait. Maelin has a message now, and we have a road to take before she decides how to answer it.
Slaan adjusts her pack and points toward the shepherd’s cairn. Together, they leave the ridge behind, taking the northern track under the first stars.
✓ Quest Accepted
Meet Maelin Vey
Quest Complete
Part from Tavian without violence
“" ok long way to the crypt or do we take a short cut" I give a grin”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +0)
Kynes
Long way to the crypt, or do we take a shortcut?
Kynes gives them a grin beneath the first stars. The northern track stretches ahead, while the old sheep path cuts east across the ridge toward a narrow ravine.
Slaan
The shortcut, naturally. We have already surrendered the mule, the donkey, and an evening of comfort. Let us at least keep the miles.
Bren
The sheep path is quieter, and Tavian used it this morning. We can follow his tracks without making our route obvious.
Nhal
The shortcut avoids the hamlets and the busier road. Fewer witnesses, fewer questions.
Bren turns from the northern track and leads them onto the old path. Coarse grass brushes their boots, and the ridge gives way to a shallow ravine under moonlight.
Slaan
There. A clean choice, a quiet road, and no Daggerford required. Warlock’s Crypt lies ahead, and this path takes us there.
✓ Quest Accepted
Cross the ravine
“" nah I am surprised no one asked why I didn't port us there in the frist place." I open a travel portal to the front gate of talon Tower at the crypt.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Arcana, rolled +2)
Kynes
I am surprised no one asked why I did not simply port us there in the first place.
Kynes raises one hand. Space folds into a dark, clean arch, showing the front gate of Talon Tower beneath the crypt’s bleak sky.
Slaan
Because walking gives us time to notice ambushes, naturally. Still, I cannot criticize a shortcut that actually works.
Cold air spills through the opening, carrying the scent of old stone and distant earth. Beyond the portal, Talon Tower’s gate stands closed but intact.
Bren
No argument from me. We cross together, keep our eyes open, and avoid making more noise than necessary.
Nhal
The way is stable, and I sense no watcher on the other side. The crypt’s silence is waiting, not welcoming.
Slaan steps through first, followed by Bren and Nhal. The portal remains open behind them, framing the moonlit path they have abandoned.