This adventure is a fantasy themed RPG campaign using the rules from Descent the RPG book (which you can see on Scribd). Since FFG has started releasing Hero and Monster Collections for Descent 2nd Edition, which contain a lot of models but only two little adventures for the game, I thought this product would work great for expanding into a roleplaying adventure.
The two adventures it does come with sets up a nice story about an evil force attempting to raise 12 undead warriors using powerful magic. In the board game the heroes can stop this, but that's no fun! So instead our heroes arrive too late, cutting down the monsters who guard the temple where the remains are guarded only to see the 12 warriors come to life and escape on the backs of razorwings.
Who is responsible for this blasphemous crime, and what terrors might these 12 powerful beings bring once they have been restored to full power? Only brave and intrepid heroes can find out!
Let's start by filling out our Plot Sheet:
STORY PLOT
Adventure Type: Crime Solving
Opposition: Invaders/Outsiders
Motivation: Mastery
Theme: Old Age
Plot Device: Isn’t He Cute? - Someone gets a pet.
Plot Device: It’s All About Logistics
Action + Thing: Steal Murder
Action + Thing: Serve Honor
STORY BACKGROUND
Complication: Abrupt Change of Events
Complication: Unlucky
Plot Device: Eavesdropping - Someone is listening in.
Plot Device: Friendly Game of Tennis - A disguised murder attempt.
Action + Thing: Move Gruesome Scene
Action + Thing: Refuse Medicine
Action + Thing: Smuggle Advanced Engineering
Location: Ruins
Location: Outpost
Location: Noble’s Office
Notes: These 12
terrible undead warriors have been raised, our brave heroes were able to see
what happened, but it was too late to stop them!
Now they are called upon by the religious group that
protected the spot and the local population to seek out who is responsible and
stop them before things go any further than they already are. Being
professional heroes and champions they may be the only people around who can do
anything, and will be well supported in their endeavor.
Obviously the first things are to investigate the scene of
the crime, and then talk to locals who can help and provide more clues. The
different plot devices and action + things gave me a few ideas for future
directions the plot may go in the first act.
Oh and before we forget, let's meet our heroes:
HEROES
I used the descriptions provided by FFG to give each character some traits, but then I rolled up some additional ones to give them all a little more complexity.
Trenloe the Strong
"The heroes’ quest to keep the overlord from raising an undead army is aided by the overwhelming might of Trenloe the Strong, a Warrior of titanic strength. Many mistakenly attribute Trenloe’s title to his abilities: to march for days without rest or to cleave through iron plate with one blow. But it is Trenloe’s determination and undying loyalty to his friends, that has earned him his name. His comrades may joke that his greatest skill is stubbornness, but if asked to pick a man to guard their backs, it is always Trenloe the Strong."
Attitude : Stubborn (Combative)
Social : Laconic (Down-to-Earth)
Character : Loyal (Farsighted)
Laurel of Bloodwood
"As one of four heroes available to you in Oath of the Outcast, Laurel of Bloodwood is a dangerous elf, and her ancestral skills can serve a group of heroes to good effect. It was Laurel’s ancestors that soaked the barren plains of Di’zon with the blood of 10,000 barbaric invaders. Returning the following morning, the elven defenders found saplings as red as scarlet had sprung up, covering the entire expanse. Laurel is proud of her heritage: having fulfilled her years of service, she now travels the world, displaying the skill and cunning that belongs to a sister of Bloodwood."
Attitude : Cunning (Mischievous)
Social : (Intimidating)
Character : (Vindictive)
Elder Mok
"Gifted from birth by an unknown power, Mok has always been set apart. His impressive size and intellect gave him a distinct advantage on the battlefield and in the council tent, and he became an influential leader in his tribe early. He lost much of his favor, however, when he began to spread a message of peace and reconciliation. His message was despised and rejected, and Mok was cast out, but he still brings his words to any who will listen."
Attitude : Considered (Laid-Back)
Social : Paternal (Guarded)
Character : Wise (Trusting)
Shiver
"It is widely believed that Shiver’s origins are connected to the Shadow Tear and the fall of the Daewyl elves. However, even he cannot confirm this. His earliest memories are punishment and penance, with nothing prior. A desperate and sorrowful soul, Shiver exemplifies humble service among friends and reckless abandon in a fight, giving his all to earn the forgiveness and peace he desires more than anything else."
Attitude : Indefatigable (Inquisitive)
Social : (Phlegmatic)
Character : Humble (Righteous)
Next post we'll move on to the first act and get to adventuring!
