The following is an expansion and more detailed look at the adventure: Rebellion: The Message
StoryGuide Synopsis
The heroes are interested in joining the Resistance, a loose-knit band of revolutionaries who are fighting for the freedom of Kowal. They have heard that Sundaiya is a good connection to some of the different factions and have agreed to do a job. Unknown to the heroes, this job is actually a long, elaborate test of the prospective rebels. And if found wanting, they are abandoned or even given over to Uthgard.
The Ruse:
Sundaiya recruits the heroes to find Arnexi, another resistance leader, and deliver an important message. She is vague about it, but says it will stop him from making a big mistake.
The Truth:
The new rebels will be tested on their resourcefulness, their loyalty, and their combat skills. If they pass, they will become new fighters for the Resistance.
Adventure outline
- After receiving a message in a sealed scrollcase, the players should roll skill checks to help aid their discussion with Delia.
- Meet Delia at the Friend and Foe Tavern and persuade her to disclose the location of Arnexi’s crew. (tests persuasion and resourcefulness)
- Intercepted by the Ministry and offered a small fortune to sell out Arnexi. (tests trustworthiness)
- Travel through the sewers, find Arnexi’s hideout, and defeat guardians. (tests problem-solving and ability to defend themselves)
- Confronted by Resistance fighters in the hideout. If they passed the tests, they are welcome to the rebellion. If not, it may turn ugly.
Characters of Note:
- Arnexi is the estranged son of the Duke. It is rumored that he was caught in the southern lands practicing banned magic and was subsequently silenced, stopped from using magic, by the wizards of Eredar. He is known as a charming man and is the charismatic face of the Resistance.
- Lina works with Sundaiya. She was an actress whose troupe was caught, punished, and imprisoned by the Uthgard Empire for using magic in their show. She escaped and, since then, has worked with the Resistance, spending her time testing recruits.
- Sundaiya is the person who gave them the mission and the scrollcase. She runs the Alleycat bar and is a trusted acquaintance of all in the group. She is also the one conducting their test.
Places of Note:
- The Alley Cat is an establishment owned by Sundaiya Kotas in the Squats Ward of Kowal.
- The Friend and Foe Tavern is a well-known tavern owned by the Companions, a mercantile company formed hundreds of years ago by a thieves’ guild.
- Kowal, known as the Grey City, is a well-known smithing and smelting center. It sits on the Weron River near the Swordspyne Mountains.
Organizations of Note:
- The Companions are a mercantile company.
- The Resistance is a newly formed and loose-knit coalition of people fighting for a better Kowal.
- Uthgard is an empire that recently absorbed Kowal into its control.
Stats for monsters and others:
Bestiary for all D100 Monsters
- Skeleton
- Arcane Horror (a new monster with stats only available in the adventure)
- Uthgard Soldiers (make at least one a boss, and maybe one a champion)
- Uthgard Ministry Mage
Scene Advice
The Sewers
Play up the tenseness of being in the sewers. Kowal sewers aren’t as bad a they could be. Sewage is transported in separate pipes along the walls of the sewer, and the off gas of that is used to light lanterns in certain districts. The Kowal Water Authority keeps the sewers in good working order, with the bulk of stuff in the larger tunnels being rain or grey water drainage.
The Crypt
The symbols on the crypt walls are symbolic of the sun god Tanthias, good crops, and Mooruuk, the god of death.