cool hand luke
First Post
3rd place contest: wulf vs. cool hand luke
Primary ingredients:
Zealot
Stormy seas
Sibling rivalry
Thistles
Dusty road
City state
Secondary ingredients utilized:
Long hallway
Non-combatant monks
Disclaimer:
I know in a previous Iron DM there was an issue with plagiarism. I'm coming right out and saying that the basis for this setting is from the roots of one of the ingredients. THe zealots were a jewish sect, that opposed first greek rule during the time of the Maccabbees, and then later the Roman occupation. These were offset by another branch at the other end of the extreme, the Essenes. These were a group of ascetic monk-like people that thought that by exemplerary living, and self denial, they could return God's favor to Israel. They were the ones at the Qumran community that wrote the dead sea scrolls. Many of the ideas and ideals contained here are rooted deeply in the judeo-christian beliefs. Whether this is not original enough, or to plagiaristic, is up to rune, and the other readers discretion.
For more on these groups, see
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/society/A0853309.html for zealots, and
http://www.essenespirit.com/ for the essenes
NOTE: I created a new god here to give him the flexibility to exactly fill the role I needed. With minor tweaking, you could put in just about any good aligned diety, and the adventure would probably be much more enjoyable.
BACKGROUND:
The city of Jezreel has long been blessed. Ever since the Hamanites walked out of the great desert, and there small, but divinely guided army took over Jezreel. For centuries, the wealth, power, and mystique of the city-state grew. There crops rarely failed, drought never seemed to strike there country. Vastly superior armies were rebutted time and time again from their walls. Jezreel was soon the center of culture and learning for much of the world, extending it’s power not by the might of arms, but by economic and political might. The city state held their autonomy for over 500 incredibly prosperous years. Besides there incredibly fortune, the people of jezreel were noted for there total devotion to there god, Eloweh. He had chosen the people of Jezreel as his own, and it was his blessings that insured there prosperity.
During this time, many non-believers were attracted by the wealth and prosperity enjoyed by the people of Jezreel. Over time, they brought there own religious ideas with them. At first, worship of any other god was strictly prohibited, upon pain of death, for Elowey was a jealous god, and tolerated no rivals. Over time, this strict ban on God’s was lessened, gradually at first, until 2 generations ago, Elowey was one of dozens of gods worshipped in the town.
As this tolerance of other deities spread through the city, there prosperity began to decline. First was a small drought. This was followed a few years later by a swarm of insects that devoured much of there crops. These early warning signs were shrugged off as mere coincidence. After centuries of bumper crops, the grain reserves were more than enough to make up for a bad year. However, these droughts, famines, and plagues continued, as did there tolerance and open worship of other gods.
This gradual decline continued until the city state of Jezreel was no longer the shining jewel of prosperity it had once been, in fact, it didn’t stop when Jezreel had been reduced to the status of any other city. The plaques, famines, raids, and riots all continued, until Jezreel was seen as cursed among all cities. By this time, the theocracy had long since been overthrown, and the state was “ruled” by a coalition of powerful businessmen, none of whom worshipped Eloweh.
RECENT HISTORY:
In the last ten years, the city has fallen into great decay. The poverty is reaching near epidemic proportions. Two very public groups have started preaching in the streets that the cause of this misery is the peoples unfaithfulness, and that the only way to return to glory is to return to the true worship of Elowey. The two groups could not be more different in there ideals, or there methods of promoting this return to piety.
These two groups are founded by twin brothers, Ishacar and Isan. They were the grandsons of the last reigning high priest, the only person still truly worshipping Eloweh by that time. He was overthrown and murdered, but not before he could convince the twins that the only way to restore glory was to return the city to worshipping Eloweh. Unfortunately, they were young when he died, and they had no one to school them in true doctorine, which had long since been lost. The brothers devoted themselves to studying the ancient teachings of there god. They rooted through the ancient holy texts, and historical accounts of their forefathers, trying to gain insight on what needed to be done. They both agreed that they must return the people to worshipping eloweh, but not the means to do that.
Ishacar noted that throughout the history of Eloweh, the god had shown incredible wrath at the worship of other gods. He was a truly jealous god, and would freely strike down those that opposed him, or his people. This was exhibited time and again in there army’s victory over vastly superior forces, and the holy wrath with which he struck down other gods. Ishacar concluded that it was only by relying on the strength and vengeance with which Eloweh had struck down former adversaries could true worship return. He felt that if he could rally the people around him, and drive out the infidels, they could regain there former glory.
Isan, studying the same texts, focused on a different aspect of the god. He noted that throughout the history, Eloweh had shown extreme mercy upon his people, showering them with untold blessings. He believed that they must return to this philosophy of mercy. He founded an order of ascetic monks. They worked exceedingly hard in the fields, growing what grain they could, and giving it to the poor. They devoted themselves to the elimination of suffering for the people of the city. They take in orphans, give out food, try to treat those afflicted with disease. Isan is convinced that if the public sees the good works done by his group, they will realize what a loving god Eloweh is, and return to worship him.
Each group has gained a small, but devoted following. Some say they can see a slight turn in there masters faover, a lessening of the drought, etc, but this might just be a coincidence. Both groups have found a great secret, a way to possibly contact there god directly, in his own plane. Neither groups knows the other have this knowledge.
Needless to say, the groups don’t get along. They don’t have open hostilities, yet, but they aren’t exactly inviting each other over for tea and scones either.
SCENE ONE: Flagelatting fanatics.
The party approaches Jezreel, the country-side looks worn down. They pass many abandoned farm sites, and miserable looking withered crops stand in the fields. As they crest the hill, they look down upon the city, and a strange site unfolds before them. From the top of the hill the party can see three groups of people milling about a barred city gate. On the right side of the road, a group of about 100 people are walking, and some crawling, in a large circle. They are all dressed in robes, identical except for there color. A faint hint of chanting can be heard drifting up over the hill towards them, coming from this group. The second group is opposite them, on the left side of the road. It appears a rag-tag group of people, violently protesting. Some of them are throwing rocks in a futile gesture at the city walls. Angry shouts can be heard from them. The third group is a collection of wagons, farmers, traders, and etc, that are gathered a few hundred yards up the hill from the other two groups, milling around aimlessly, and looking with great disdain at the other 2 groups.
As they approach the groups close enough to see clearly, they will find that the group on the right of the road, marching, or crawling in a large circle, are stripped to the waist. Each of the holds a large bundle of thistles in his hand, and is beating themselves on the back with them. Thousands of dots of blood have welled up on each back, mixing strangely with the purple from the crushed thistle flowers. A few of them seem to have passed out cold. They are chanting, “Forgive us our sins, oh most high, forgive us our transgression, most holy one, look once again with mercy and love on your people. Allow us to be your loving hand to our neighbors”
This is contrasted by the group across from them. They are on the edge of a riot. They are all yelling screaming at the top of there lungs, obscenity laced threats against the infidels now ruling the city. The city guards standing atop of the walls seem remarkably unplussed about all this, as if this is nothing new to them. As they approach, they will notice that both groups bear prominent displays of the same holy symbol, a triangle embedded in a square. They same outline is presented in both groups, but the make up is as varied as the groups. The self flagellating groups symbols has a square made up of branches of wheat, with an inner triangle composed of a spoon, a hand reaching out in help, and a thistle branch. The more violent group’s symbols are made of an outer square of swords, and an inner triangle of a smashed idol, a lightning bolt, and a rope tied into a noose.
PLAYER INTRODUCTIONS/HOOKS
The hooks presented depend greatly on whether or not the party has a cleric or paladin of Eloweh in the group.
If the party DOES have a cleric or paladin of Eloweh:
When they approach the 3 groups, the collection of annoyed farmers, and traders seeking entrance into the city will treat them very brusquely. If asked about the two groups, the nod toward the party member, and say, “ask him, he’s one of those quacks”
The guards at the gate, if they can recognize him from his deities symbol, will refuse to let him in.
Both of the two groups will approach the character as soon as they see recognize him, he will be treated with respect, and a hint of suspicion. Any show of divine power totally erases this skepticism and turns it into enthusiastic support. It has been a long time since anyone with true faith and divine abilities came into town. Both groups will explain how they are fervently working to restore the true worship of Eloweh, and how the others is a hopeful misguided attempt, that is bordering on blasphemy, and will ask the cleric to help them restore Eloweh to his correct status. The groups there will ask them to come with them to talk to their leader.
If there is not a holy man of Eloweh in the group, all three groups will react much differently. The farmers will be fairly conversational, since they are bored and tired of waiting, explaining how the two groups want to convert everyone to there crazy old god, and that the gates will be closed until the zealots, which usually happens after an hour or so, and the drunks they dragged out of bars sober up. Most of the people in that group are not actual members of the Ishacars, but some of the destitute they have whipped into a frenzy. Sizing up the party, the will inform them casually that the ruling council has been putting out feelers for adventurers such as them, but they don’t know why. If they approach either one of the groups, they will immediately be evangelized too. Depending on the group, either with an good old fashioned fire and brimstone, screaming at the top of their lungs, and pious outreachings, attempting to convince them that there god of mercy wanted nothing more than to improve there lives. I don’t envision either approach being very effective to your standard adventurers. If they do seem open to these ministrations, they will be asked to come with them, back to meet the heads of there order, so they can receive further instructions.
If the party does not follow either the zealots or the pacifist monks, in a few hours, the crowd will disperse, and the guards will open the gates to the cities. The guard will stop them on the way in, eyeing them carefully, and saying, “we don’t see many like you here, now that we have fallen on hard times. Our leaders have been searching for some such as you, for possible gainful employment, would you meet with them?”
When the party meets with the leader (an old rich trader, who has gotten wealthy despite the hard times) he explains how that the groups are getting a little out of control, both pose a danger to the town by there over-zealousness. There are rumors floating that one or both has found something that could fundamentally shift the power structure. He doesn’t know what it is, but asks them to investigate. He says that either group will be willing to take them in if they show interest in becoming believers. He says he will pay them if they can thwart both of the groups plans, and keep it a secret from the public. He makes it clear he has no problem with religion, just that the fanaticism is leading to more hardship in these already difficult times.
SCENE 2: Meeting the fanatics
If the party winds up with the flagellating monks, they are brought to a compound a few miles outside of town. There are no walls, and the buildings there are simple in the extreme. They few poor huts are surrounded by fields, most of which grow wheat, corn, and other food grains, but one large one is planted with nothing but thistle. Only the thistle seems to be growing well. They are introduced to a man wearing a red robe, the only one in that color they have seen. He introduces himself as Isan, founder and leader of the group, which sought only to return the gracious blessings of Eloweh to the people, by showing them acts of love as much as they were able. He will point out to the fields, and explain how what little food they can grow is sent to feed the poor, to the largest building on the grounds, which is a crude hospital for those with disease, and to a group of orphaned children they have adopted. He further explains how Eloweh is all merciful, and they hope that his favor will return to them by showing mercy. He quotes large amount of scripture to support his standings, He goes onto say how his brother, Ishacar has a following that focus’s quite incorrectly on the judgment and righteous anger of god, but that this will surely not bring the blessings of there god back.
Ishan then explains that he thinks they have a way of returning God’s grace to the people. Through the study of ancient texts, they came across an artifact of great power, called misericordia. ( a knowledge religion check will let the party members know that this means ‘mercy” make it harder for a non eloweh worshipper) The artifact is an open hand, held out in a helping gesture. This artifact opens a direct pathway to the god’s home plane. They hoped to contact there god, and find out what penance must be paid to restore them to his graces. “two of my most devout followers have gone through, and not returned, but that they were simple farmers, not a devout holy warrior such as yourself. He then asks them to face there god, and bring news of what is needed. (any cleric or paladin worth his salt should jump at this chance!) If this is the case, skip to scene 3.
If they are trying to steal the object, it is kept in a room underneath the altar in there makeshift temple. The room is heavily guarded with traps designed to hold prisoners, but not to hurt them.
If they go to the zealots first, the scene will be much the same. They will be introduced to Ishacar, who is sitting in a hastily built log cabin in the forest. The walls are covered with writings screaming out god’s wrath from various religious texts. They will be brought to ishacar, who will do the same song and dance number about how they must use righteous wrath to restore Eloweh, and how his brother is so incredibly misguided.
He too will tell how they found an artifact, this one called Ira (a hand closed in a fist dc to know meaning is wrath) and say that he needs them to find out who must be laid low as vengeance for Eloweh..
If there is a cleric of Eloweh in the group, they will be continued to be treated with the utmost respect, and even looked upon as living saints.
At any time during either of these speeches, a follower of Eloweh can make an easy knowledge religion check to realize that neither side is aware of the whole truth, that Eloweh is not either or, but both.
If the parties also try to steal this piece, it of course will be guarded quite, well, zealously.
If the parties manage to get both of the pieces, as soon as they are brought within 10’ of each other, they are drawn slowly together by an unstoppable force. The two hands fuse together, and, in a brilliant flash, all of those within 30’ are transported to scene 3: (could be a lot of fun if they are stealing one of them, and bring a whole group of others along with them!
Scene 3: Contrado Fidelis
When the party arrives, either by allowing Issan or issacar to transport them there, they arrive at the edge of a huge ocean, they are standing on top of the first row of sea dunes. The sky is a vivid purple color, filled with red, roiling clouds. The sea is tossed and turned by waves of incredible proportions. The dune is cut by a road that they are standing on. The road reaches down to the beach, where a small pier is stationed, the only visible thing in any direction on the beach. A small boat sail boat is tethered there, with the words Contrado Fidelis written across her bow (knowledge religion check, faithful deliverer) it is inconceivable how the huge waves and howling wind haven’t torn both the boat and the ship apart yet.
In the other direction the road stretches seemingly endlessly across a flat plain. No building are in site. A few hundred yards down the road, the dunes end, and fields take over, the fields go on forever in both directions, they are filled with huge versions of the thistles seen previously, these thistles are easily 9 feet high.
From where they are, they can see in the dusty road many sets of footprints, of every known, and some unknown race. As to why they are not blown away by the howling wind, who knows. Half of the footprints lead to the dock, the other half up the road.
The pc’s have 2 choices, the boat or the road. If they choose the road, they start walking along the road, it appears to be a small, dusty road, when they reach the thistle patches, they notice a number of prints wandering off to either side, and disappearing into the thistles. The futher they walk the fewer prints are on the main road, as occasionally they head off into the thistles. If they stay on the road, the scene is monotonous, they simply don’t seem to get anywhere, If it wasn’t for the beach fading behind them, and the lessening of the winds, it would seem they aren’t moving at all.
If they walk into the thistles, they will first be hampered in there movement, as the thistles are incredibly thick. Maximum speed is 20, each 20’ causes 2 points subdual damage from the numerous scratches received. After moving 80’ into the thistles, they abruptly stop (even though there was no break visible from the road) Ahead of them is a huge temple, emblazoned with the true symbol of Ehoweh over 2 massive doors. (next scene)
Should they choose to go towards the boat, they notice, that, despite the savage wind blowing into land, the sail is full, going the opposite direction, and, that while it moves with the wave action, it’s not near as violent as it should be in the huge waves. If they cast off, the boat takes off like a locomotive, slow at first, simply plowing straight through the large waves, something no boat it’s size should do. It continues, building speed, till it is nearly flying, only skimming the top of the water. As it goes out, the storm dies down, and soon they come to a craggy island. All that is visible is a small pier like the one they left, and a steep staircase cut in the rock. At the top of the stair case is a massive temple.
SCENE 4:
Uproaching the temple, they see 2 massive doors, one black door with “my wrath” written over it, one white door with “my mercy”. A large on the floor in front of the door is an inscription, saying “Know ME truly and thou shalt choose wisely”
Hopefully this will provide a great quandary for the party.
However, upon opening the door, they will find it doesn’t matter. Inside the door is an eternally long hallway, 20 feet across, both doors open up to the same place. The floor is a swirl of black and white, there are no visible doors on either side. Shortly after the party walks through, they will feel the temperature beginning to drop. Regardless of whether they walk, or stay still, it gets cool, then cold. Soon it is raining, then sleeting, then snowing. When the snow starts, they can hear a faint voice ahead of them, but can’t make out the words. The snow intensifies, soon they can here not only a voice, but shuffling footsteps. Soon they can here the voice is crying for help, it’s so cold, so very cold. An old woman, incredibly bent with age approaches, dressed in thin rags, and shivering uncontrollably, she approaches them, barely able to walk. She begs them for a piece of clothing to warm her. If the party gives her anything to warm herself, she immediately thanks them, then turns, and, with alarming speed, disappears into the snow. The snow then lightens, and the temperature starts to clime. As the snow stops, they come across a large lump in the snow, the first break in the monotony of the hallway. Under it is the body of one of the Ishacar followers, frozen to death. He is wrapped in a cloak, and holding a sword.
As they progress down the hallway, there is suddenly a noise of many approaching feet running at them. Soon a group (scale size and level to meet your pc’s need, should be a decent challenge) of people can be seen running at them. They are carrying some thieves tools, and large golden symbols of Eloweh They have the symbol of olidamara. Upon seeing the pc’s, the immediately attack. ( make them tomb raiders of olidamara, just for effect)
Shortly after dispatching the thieves, they come across another body, this time of one of the non-combatant monks, he is kneeling as if in prayer, and has a single dagger stuck in the base of his skull.
As the pc proceed, they can just make out the end of the hall, and something standing against an other wise blank wall.
As they approach they can see that it is a person, standing as if at attention. He wears the armor of a paladin, and has a terrible wound that has ripped his skull open, his shield bears the faded image of Eloweh’s symbol, over this has been written the following
By HIS grace, I rose to power
By my pride, I fell to HIS wrath,
By HIS Judgement, I am here condemned
By HIS grace, I can be restored.
(a knowledge History, or religion check will let the character realize that the person before them is Mobram, the founder of the worship of Eloweh, who the god first promised his blessing too, but that, in his pride claimed it was him who was bringing the blessings to the people, and was struck dead for his blasphemy.)
As soon as they a get within 40 feet, Mobram starts towards them, drawing his sword. Mindlessly he attacks them.
When the PC’s “kill” Mobram, he falls down, his eyes for the first time move in there sockets, He looks at them, and a smile crosses his lips,
“Please, don’t let this latest death of mine be in vain, I have know paid my debt in full, and his Judgement is passed, by His mercy, I may be restored. Remove this curse from me, so I may be redeemed. If the party does anything to bless him, from a bless spell, remove curse, dousing with holy water, he is exhonerated, if not, the wound they inflicted start closing up, and he slowly looses sentience, until he rises to attack them again. Repeating his pleadings if they kill him.
CONCLUSION
If they succeed in redeeming Mobram, he rises, and questions them as to why they seek Eloweh. Upon hearing them, he explains that both wrath and mercy are of the essence of the god, a juxtaposition that cannot be explained, and only by restoring worship to the true Eloweh, not the half aspect each had worshipped can they return his favor to them.
He will escort them back to the doors of the castle, where they will be taken back to the original position they started in.
If at anytime, they figure this out on there own, they can return to there world by exiting the castle.
And now the real fun, and real RP begins!!
Now the PC’s have the task of convincing both groups that the true elohim is what they worshipped, and what they thought blasphemous. No easy task.
Of course, if they went to work for the leader of the city they have a choice to make,
Either use the knowledge to let the council know that nothing needs to be done, as long as the groups keep worshipping there half gods, they will remain powerless, or, try to unite the two factions.
There, now I will get down of my allegorical e-soap box.
Primary ingredients:
Zealot
Stormy seas
Sibling rivalry
Thistles
Dusty road
City state
Secondary ingredients utilized:
Long hallway
Non-combatant monks
Disclaimer:
I know in a previous Iron DM there was an issue with plagiarism. I'm coming right out and saying that the basis for this setting is from the roots of one of the ingredients. THe zealots were a jewish sect, that opposed first greek rule during the time of the Maccabbees, and then later the Roman occupation. These were offset by another branch at the other end of the extreme, the Essenes. These were a group of ascetic monk-like people that thought that by exemplerary living, and self denial, they could return God's favor to Israel. They were the ones at the Qumran community that wrote the dead sea scrolls. Many of the ideas and ideals contained here are rooted deeply in the judeo-christian beliefs. Whether this is not original enough, or to plagiaristic, is up to rune, and the other readers discretion.
For more on these groups, see
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/society/A0853309.html for zealots, and
http://www.essenespirit.com/ for the essenes
NOTE: I created a new god here to give him the flexibility to exactly fill the role I needed. With minor tweaking, you could put in just about any good aligned diety, and the adventure would probably be much more enjoyable.
BACKGROUND:
The city of Jezreel has long been blessed. Ever since the Hamanites walked out of the great desert, and there small, but divinely guided army took over Jezreel. For centuries, the wealth, power, and mystique of the city-state grew. There crops rarely failed, drought never seemed to strike there country. Vastly superior armies were rebutted time and time again from their walls. Jezreel was soon the center of culture and learning for much of the world, extending it’s power not by the might of arms, but by economic and political might. The city state held their autonomy for over 500 incredibly prosperous years. Besides there incredibly fortune, the people of jezreel were noted for there total devotion to there god, Eloweh. He had chosen the people of Jezreel as his own, and it was his blessings that insured there prosperity.
During this time, many non-believers were attracted by the wealth and prosperity enjoyed by the people of Jezreel. Over time, they brought there own religious ideas with them. At first, worship of any other god was strictly prohibited, upon pain of death, for Elowey was a jealous god, and tolerated no rivals. Over time, this strict ban on God’s was lessened, gradually at first, until 2 generations ago, Elowey was one of dozens of gods worshipped in the town.
As this tolerance of other deities spread through the city, there prosperity began to decline. First was a small drought. This was followed a few years later by a swarm of insects that devoured much of there crops. These early warning signs were shrugged off as mere coincidence. After centuries of bumper crops, the grain reserves were more than enough to make up for a bad year. However, these droughts, famines, and plagues continued, as did there tolerance and open worship of other gods.
This gradual decline continued until the city state of Jezreel was no longer the shining jewel of prosperity it had once been, in fact, it didn’t stop when Jezreel had been reduced to the status of any other city. The plaques, famines, raids, and riots all continued, until Jezreel was seen as cursed among all cities. By this time, the theocracy had long since been overthrown, and the state was “ruled” by a coalition of powerful businessmen, none of whom worshipped Eloweh.
RECENT HISTORY:
In the last ten years, the city has fallen into great decay. The poverty is reaching near epidemic proportions. Two very public groups have started preaching in the streets that the cause of this misery is the peoples unfaithfulness, and that the only way to return to glory is to return to the true worship of Elowey. The two groups could not be more different in there ideals, or there methods of promoting this return to piety.
These two groups are founded by twin brothers, Ishacar and Isan. They were the grandsons of the last reigning high priest, the only person still truly worshipping Eloweh by that time. He was overthrown and murdered, but not before he could convince the twins that the only way to restore glory was to return the city to worshipping Eloweh. Unfortunately, they were young when he died, and they had no one to school them in true doctorine, which had long since been lost. The brothers devoted themselves to studying the ancient teachings of there god. They rooted through the ancient holy texts, and historical accounts of their forefathers, trying to gain insight on what needed to be done. They both agreed that they must return the people to worshipping eloweh, but not the means to do that.
Ishacar noted that throughout the history of Eloweh, the god had shown incredible wrath at the worship of other gods. He was a truly jealous god, and would freely strike down those that opposed him, or his people. This was exhibited time and again in there army’s victory over vastly superior forces, and the holy wrath with which he struck down other gods. Ishacar concluded that it was only by relying on the strength and vengeance with which Eloweh had struck down former adversaries could true worship return. He felt that if he could rally the people around him, and drive out the infidels, they could regain there former glory.
Isan, studying the same texts, focused on a different aspect of the god. He noted that throughout the history, Eloweh had shown extreme mercy upon his people, showering them with untold blessings. He believed that they must return to this philosophy of mercy. He founded an order of ascetic monks. They worked exceedingly hard in the fields, growing what grain they could, and giving it to the poor. They devoted themselves to the elimination of suffering for the people of the city. They take in orphans, give out food, try to treat those afflicted with disease. Isan is convinced that if the public sees the good works done by his group, they will realize what a loving god Eloweh is, and return to worship him.
Each group has gained a small, but devoted following. Some say they can see a slight turn in there masters faover, a lessening of the drought, etc, but this might just be a coincidence. Both groups have found a great secret, a way to possibly contact there god directly, in his own plane. Neither groups knows the other have this knowledge.
Needless to say, the groups don’t get along. They don’t have open hostilities, yet, but they aren’t exactly inviting each other over for tea and scones either.
SCENE ONE: Flagelatting fanatics.
The party approaches Jezreel, the country-side looks worn down. They pass many abandoned farm sites, and miserable looking withered crops stand in the fields. As they crest the hill, they look down upon the city, and a strange site unfolds before them. From the top of the hill the party can see three groups of people milling about a barred city gate. On the right side of the road, a group of about 100 people are walking, and some crawling, in a large circle. They are all dressed in robes, identical except for there color. A faint hint of chanting can be heard drifting up over the hill towards them, coming from this group. The second group is opposite them, on the left side of the road. It appears a rag-tag group of people, violently protesting. Some of them are throwing rocks in a futile gesture at the city walls. Angry shouts can be heard from them. The third group is a collection of wagons, farmers, traders, and etc, that are gathered a few hundred yards up the hill from the other two groups, milling around aimlessly, and looking with great disdain at the other 2 groups.
As they approach the groups close enough to see clearly, they will find that the group on the right of the road, marching, or crawling in a large circle, are stripped to the waist. Each of the holds a large bundle of thistles in his hand, and is beating themselves on the back with them. Thousands of dots of blood have welled up on each back, mixing strangely with the purple from the crushed thistle flowers. A few of them seem to have passed out cold. They are chanting, “Forgive us our sins, oh most high, forgive us our transgression, most holy one, look once again with mercy and love on your people. Allow us to be your loving hand to our neighbors”
This is contrasted by the group across from them. They are on the edge of a riot. They are all yelling screaming at the top of there lungs, obscenity laced threats against the infidels now ruling the city. The city guards standing atop of the walls seem remarkably unplussed about all this, as if this is nothing new to them. As they approach, they will notice that both groups bear prominent displays of the same holy symbol, a triangle embedded in a square. They same outline is presented in both groups, but the make up is as varied as the groups. The self flagellating groups symbols has a square made up of branches of wheat, with an inner triangle composed of a spoon, a hand reaching out in help, and a thistle branch. The more violent group’s symbols are made of an outer square of swords, and an inner triangle of a smashed idol, a lightning bolt, and a rope tied into a noose.
PLAYER INTRODUCTIONS/HOOKS
The hooks presented depend greatly on whether or not the party has a cleric or paladin of Eloweh in the group.
If the party DOES have a cleric or paladin of Eloweh:
When they approach the 3 groups, the collection of annoyed farmers, and traders seeking entrance into the city will treat them very brusquely. If asked about the two groups, the nod toward the party member, and say, “ask him, he’s one of those quacks”
The guards at the gate, if they can recognize him from his deities symbol, will refuse to let him in.
Both of the two groups will approach the character as soon as they see recognize him, he will be treated with respect, and a hint of suspicion. Any show of divine power totally erases this skepticism and turns it into enthusiastic support. It has been a long time since anyone with true faith and divine abilities came into town. Both groups will explain how they are fervently working to restore the true worship of Eloweh, and how the others is a hopeful misguided attempt, that is bordering on blasphemy, and will ask the cleric to help them restore Eloweh to his correct status. The groups there will ask them to come with them to talk to their leader.
If there is not a holy man of Eloweh in the group, all three groups will react much differently. The farmers will be fairly conversational, since they are bored and tired of waiting, explaining how the two groups want to convert everyone to there crazy old god, and that the gates will be closed until the zealots, which usually happens after an hour or so, and the drunks they dragged out of bars sober up. Most of the people in that group are not actual members of the Ishacars, but some of the destitute they have whipped into a frenzy. Sizing up the party, the will inform them casually that the ruling council has been putting out feelers for adventurers such as them, but they don’t know why. If they approach either one of the groups, they will immediately be evangelized too. Depending on the group, either with an good old fashioned fire and brimstone, screaming at the top of their lungs, and pious outreachings, attempting to convince them that there god of mercy wanted nothing more than to improve there lives. I don’t envision either approach being very effective to your standard adventurers. If they do seem open to these ministrations, they will be asked to come with them, back to meet the heads of there order, so they can receive further instructions.
If the party does not follow either the zealots or the pacifist monks, in a few hours, the crowd will disperse, and the guards will open the gates to the cities. The guard will stop them on the way in, eyeing them carefully, and saying, “we don’t see many like you here, now that we have fallen on hard times. Our leaders have been searching for some such as you, for possible gainful employment, would you meet with them?”
When the party meets with the leader (an old rich trader, who has gotten wealthy despite the hard times) he explains how that the groups are getting a little out of control, both pose a danger to the town by there over-zealousness. There are rumors floating that one or both has found something that could fundamentally shift the power structure. He doesn’t know what it is, but asks them to investigate. He says that either group will be willing to take them in if they show interest in becoming believers. He says he will pay them if they can thwart both of the groups plans, and keep it a secret from the public. He makes it clear he has no problem with religion, just that the fanaticism is leading to more hardship in these already difficult times.
SCENE 2: Meeting the fanatics
If the party winds up with the flagellating monks, they are brought to a compound a few miles outside of town. There are no walls, and the buildings there are simple in the extreme. They few poor huts are surrounded by fields, most of which grow wheat, corn, and other food grains, but one large one is planted with nothing but thistle. Only the thistle seems to be growing well. They are introduced to a man wearing a red robe, the only one in that color they have seen. He introduces himself as Isan, founder and leader of the group, which sought only to return the gracious blessings of Eloweh to the people, by showing them acts of love as much as they were able. He will point out to the fields, and explain how what little food they can grow is sent to feed the poor, to the largest building on the grounds, which is a crude hospital for those with disease, and to a group of orphaned children they have adopted. He further explains how Eloweh is all merciful, and they hope that his favor will return to them by showing mercy. He quotes large amount of scripture to support his standings, He goes onto say how his brother, Ishacar has a following that focus’s quite incorrectly on the judgment and righteous anger of god, but that this will surely not bring the blessings of there god back.
Ishan then explains that he thinks they have a way of returning God’s grace to the people. Through the study of ancient texts, they came across an artifact of great power, called misericordia. ( a knowledge religion check will let the party members know that this means ‘mercy” make it harder for a non eloweh worshipper) The artifact is an open hand, held out in a helping gesture. This artifact opens a direct pathway to the god’s home plane. They hoped to contact there god, and find out what penance must be paid to restore them to his graces. “two of my most devout followers have gone through, and not returned, but that they were simple farmers, not a devout holy warrior such as yourself. He then asks them to face there god, and bring news of what is needed. (any cleric or paladin worth his salt should jump at this chance!) If this is the case, skip to scene 3.
If they are trying to steal the object, it is kept in a room underneath the altar in there makeshift temple. The room is heavily guarded with traps designed to hold prisoners, but not to hurt them.
If they go to the zealots first, the scene will be much the same. They will be introduced to Ishacar, who is sitting in a hastily built log cabin in the forest. The walls are covered with writings screaming out god’s wrath from various religious texts. They will be brought to ishacar, who will do the same song and dance number about how they must use righteous wrath to restore Eloweh, and how his brother is so incredibly misguided.
He too will tell how they found an artifact, this one called Ira (a hand closed in a fist dc to know meaning is wrath) and say that he needs them to find out who must be laid low as vengeance for Eloweh..
If there is a cleric of Eloweh in the group, they will be continued to be treated with the utmost respect, and even looked upon as living saints.
At any time during either of these speeches, a follower of Eloweh can make an easy knowledge religion check to realize that neither side is aware of the whole truth, that Eloweh is not either or, but both.
If the parties also try to steal this piece, it of course will be guarded quite, well, zealously.
If the parties manage to get both of the pieces, as soon as they are brought within 10’ of each other, they are drawn slowly together by an unstoppable force. The two hands fuse together, and, in a brilliant flash, all of those within 30’ are transported to scene 3: (could be a lot of fun if they are stealing one of them, and bring a whole group of others along with them!
Scene 3: Contrado Fidelis
When the party arrives, either by allowing Issan or issacar to transport them there, they arrive at the edge of a huge ocean, they are standing on top of the first row of sea dunes. The sky is a vivid purple color, filled with red, roiling clouds. The sea is tossed and turned by waves of incredible proportions. The dune is cut by a road that they are standing on. The road reaches down to the beach, where a small pier is stationed, the only visible thing in any direction on the beach. A small boat sail boat is tethered there, with the words Contrado Fidelis written across her bow (knowledge religion check, faithful deliverer) it is inconceivable how the huge waves and howling wind haven’t torn both the boat and the ship apart yet.
In the other direction the road stretches seemingly endlessly across a flat plain. No building are in site. A few hundred yards down the road, the dunes end, and fields take over, the fields go on forever in both directions, they are filled with huge versions of the thistles seen previously, these thistles are easily 9 feet high.
From where they are, they can see in the dusty road many sets of footprints, of every known, and some unknown race. As to why they are not blown away by the howling wind, who knows. Half of the footprints lead to the dock, the other half up the road.
The pc’s have 2 choices, the boat or the road. If they choose the road, they start walking along the road, it appears to be a small, dusty road, when they reach the thistle patches, they notice a number of prints wandering off to either side, and disappearing into the thistles. The futher they walk the fewer prints are on the main road, as occasionally they head off into the thistles. If they stay on the road, the scene is monotonous, they simply don’t seem to get anywhere, If it wasn’t for the beach fading behind them, and the lessening of the winds, it would seem they aren’t moving at all.
If they walk into the thistles, they will first be hampered in there movement, as the thistles are incredibly thick. Maximum speed is 20, each 20’ causes 2 points subdual damage from the numerous scratches received. After moving 80’ into the thistles, they abruptly stop (even though there was no break visible from the road) Ahead of them is a huge temple, emblazoned with the true symbol of Ehoweh over 2 massive doors. (next scene)
Should they choose to go towards the boat, they notice, that, despite the savage wind blowing into land, the sail is full, going the opposite direction, and, that while it moves with the wave action, it’s not near as violent as it should be in the huge waves. If they cast off, the boat takes off like a locomotive, slow at first, simply plowing straight through the large waves, something no boat it’s size should do. It continues, building speed, till it is nearly flying, only skimming the top of the water. As it goes out, the storm dies down, and soon they come to a craggy island. All that is visible is a small pier like the one they left, and a steep staircase cut in the rock. At the top of the stair case is a massive temple.
SCENE 4:
Uproaching the temple, they see 2 massive doors, one black door with “my wrath” written over it, one white door with “my mercy”. A large on the floor in front of the door is an inscription, saying “Know ME truly and thou shalt choose wisely”
Hopefully this will provide a great quandary for the party.
However, upon opening the door, they will find it doesn’t matter. Inside the door is an eternally long hallway, 20 feet across, both doors open up to the same place. The floor is a swirl of black and white, there are no visible doors on either side. Shortly after the party walks through, they will feel the temperature beginning to drop. Regardless of whether they walk, or stay still, it gets cool, then cold. Soon it is raining, then sleeting, then snowing. When the snow starts, they can hear a faint voice ahead of them, but can’t make out the words. The snow intensifies, soon they can here not only a voice, but shuffling footsteps. Soon they can here the voice is crying for help, it’s so cold, so very cold. An old woman, incredibly bent with age approaches, dressed in thin rags, and shivering uncontrollably, she approaches them, barely able to walk. She begs them for a piece of clothing to warm her. If the party gives her anything to warm herself, she immediately thanks them, then turns, and, with alarming speed, disappears into the snow. The snow then lightens, and the temperature starts to clime. As the snow stops, they come across a large lump in the snow, the first break in the monotony of the hallway. Under it is the body of one of the Ishacar followers, frozen to death. He is wrapped in a cloak, and holding a sword.
As they progress down the hallway, there is suddenly a noise of many approaching feet running at them. Soon a group (scale size and level to meet your pc’s need, should be a decent challenge) of people can be seen running at them. They are carrying some thieves tools, and large golden symbols of Eloweh They have the symbol of olidamara. Upon seeing the pc’s, the immediately attack. ( make them tomb raiders of olidamara, just for effect)
Shortly after dispatching the thieves, they come across another body, this time of one of the non-combatant monks, he is kneeling as if in prayer, and has a single dagger stuck in the base of his skull.
As the pc proceed, they can just make out the end of the hall, and something standing against an other wise blank wall.
As they approach they can see that it is a person, standing as if at attention. He wears the armor of a paladin, and has a terrible wound that has ripped his skull open, his shield bears the faded image of Eloweh’s symbol, over this has been written the following
By HIS grace, I rose to power
By my pride, I fell to HIS wrath,
By HIS Judgement, I am here condemned
By HIS grace, I can be restored.
(a knowledge History, or religion check will let the character realize that the person before them is Mobram, the founder of the worship of Eloweh, who the god first promised his blessing too, but that, in his pride claimed it was him who was bringing the blessings to the people, and was struck dead for his blasphemy.)
As soon as they a get within 40 feet, Mobram starts towards them, drawing his sword. Mindlessly he attacks them.
When the PC’s “kill” Mobram, he falls down, his eyes for the first time move in there sockets, He looks at them, and a smile crosses his lips,
“Please, don’t let this latest death of mine be in vain, I have know paid my debt in full, and his Judgement is passed, by His mercy, I may be restored. Remove this curse from me, so I may be redeemed. If the party does anything to bless him, from a bless spell, remove curse, dousing with holy water, he is exhonerated, if not, the wound they inflicted start closing up, and he slowly looses sentience, until he rises to attack them again. Repeating his pleadings if they kill him.
CONCLUSION
If they succeed in redeeming Mobram, he rises, and questions them as to why they seek Eloweh. Upon hearing them, he explains that both wrath and mercy are of the essence of the god, a juxtaposition that cannot be explained, and only by restoring worship to the true Eloweh, not the half aspect each had worshipped can they return his favor to them.
He will escort them back to the doors of the castle, where they will be taken back to the original position they started in.
If at anytime, they figure this out on there own, they can return to there world by exiting the castle.
And now the real fun, and real RP begins!!
Now the PC’s have the task of convincing both groups that the true elohim is what they worshipped, and what they thought blasphemous. No easy task.
Of course, if they went to work for the leader of the city they have a choice to make,
Either use the knowledge to let the council know that nothing needs to be done, as long as the groups keep worshipping there half gods, they will remain powerless, or, try to unite the two factions.
There, now I will get down of my allegorical e-soap box.
