You come across a trio of ragged, forest-savvy youths. They're quarrelling over their catch, and don't see you until you're almost upon them. When they recognise you, their eyes widen with panic. Cursing, they drop their brace of captured rabbits and scatter into the trees.
(Alternate) You come across a trio of ragged, forest-savvy youths. When they see you, they drop their brace of captured rabbits and scatter into the trees.
Available actions[]
1.
Let them go You've got more important quarry today.
Difficulty: Derring-Do*2
Success: A trail The poachers vanish into the woods, unable to believe their luck. It looks like the rabbits weren't enough for them: they were following your quarry. You find a set of clear tracks in the mud where they were standing. You're closing in.
-1 Hour Remaining, +2 Closing In, +2 Peril
Failure: No good deed The poachers were amateurs. Their noise scared your quarry to ground, and it takes hours to pick up the trail. You just hope your leniency won't embolden others to poach in your woods.
-1 Hour Remaining, +5 Freedom, +5 Rumors of Revolution
2.
Catch them and pass judgement If crime goes unpunished, it multiplies.
Difficulty: Rulership*2
Success: Forest justice They don't get far. You round them up and conduct an impromptu trial in a dappled grove, where you pass firm but measured judgement. The youths swear oaths never to poach again.
-1 Hour Remaining, -5 Freedom, -10 Rumors of Revolution
Success (alternate): Home truths They don't get far. You round them up and conduct an impromptu trial in a dappled grove, where you pass firm but measured judgement. The youths swear oaths never to poach again. In gratitude, they tell you what seen and heard while roving the woods. Things reach the rough ears of a peasant that are never allowed near the delicate ears of a lord.
-1 Hour Remaining, -5 Freedom, -10 Rumors of Revolution, +10 Clues
Failure: The letter of the law The law is clear. Poaching is to be punished, and hunger is no defence. Your judgement is harsh. When word of it spreads, your people pray for deliverance.
-1 Hour Remaining, -5 Freedom, -2 Peril
