Saving Cyrdak

[Starfox]

In Rise of the Runelords I, Cyrdak Drokkus is a homosexual theater owner exiled to the small town of Sandpoint from the nearby city of Magnimaar. I am now running the 5th part of the adventure path, and my players have asked for an interulde where they stage a play one of them has written.

I thought it would be a nice part of this interlude to have the players redeem Cyrdak Drokkus and restore him to the good graces of the good people of Magnimaar. But I must admit I am bereft of ideas. The players will be lvl 21 (4E, equivalent to around lvl 14 in 3E), and even if the task is not really expected to be a challenge for them, I want it to be meaningful. And the fact that they are not fighting an evil mastermind, but rather public opinion, makes it doubly hard.

I've been thinking of adding some kind of sinister shadow presence for them to cross, but I really don't have much of a lead for it, so I decided to ask here.

 

[Piratecat]

I like the idea. Why was he exiled? Not for his sexuality, surely?

If you want a traditional bad guy, an evil bard is a superb one. Having a foe that can ruin your reputation on a whim makes for some real hatred.

 

[Stormonu]

I'm not familiar with the character or events, but there is a good chance that the public opinion that drove him out would have spearheaded by one or more people. It could be those people are somewhat keeping tab on him (should he ever decide to return) and the individual(s) get wind that the characters have "befriended" him, and may put up some sort or resistance, or out of spite may attempt to stir up some trouble.

This could take many forms - possibly even a slur campaign the characters may have to counter if they intent to draw an audience to the play. This doesn't have to be direct combat but could be a series of skill challenges. If you really want to, it could even involve thugs sent to annoy PCs or the acting troupe, or possibly even an assassination attempt against the NPC who won't "keep his head down", if you want it to go that far.

Things to consider - acquiring props and scenery for the play, stagehands and actors, printing of playbills, criers to publicize the play, public appearances to promote the play, bureaucratic hurdles (from possible pre-screenings by an official to ensure it isn't "subversive" or paints the local monarchy in a bad light to permits for public assembly, inspection of the play house, etc.).

Also, there could be "rivals" - other theatrical troupes who might not want to see the PCs draw local crowds from their plays to outright wanting to plagiarize and profit from the PCs efforts - think of all the ways modern companies try to make a buck off of other "popular" movies and forms of entertainment.

On the flip side, you may want to consider what happens if a local VIP hears of the play and decides to drop by - say a king whose curious to see a play written by the "heroes of the land" - both what hoops the PCs may be called on to ensure the VIP enjoys the play, as well as potential plots that may arise to strike the VIP (or to simply embarress the PCs) during the visit. It may even be that the VIP's visit is a front to "make nice" before asking the PCs to undertake a quest - perhaps hoping a show of hero worship will make it more likely for the PCs to accept his/her offer...

 

[Starfox]

On the flip side, you may want to consider what happens if a local VIP hears of the play and decides to drop by - say a king whose curious to see a play written by the "heroes of the land" - both what hoops the PCs may be called on to ensure the VIP enjoys the play, as well as potential plots that may arise to strike the VIP (or to simply embarress the PCs) during the visit. It may even be that the VIP's visit is a front to "make nice" before asking the PCs to undertake a quest - perhaps hoping a show of hero worship will make it more likely for the PCs to accept his/her offer...

Considering they just made Epic level, this might actually be a good idea... Make it some real big shot. That way, it becomes a gala play, and the theatre in Sandpoint might just be too small... This is a good angle. thanks!

 

[WayneLigon]

Cyrdak's exact reason for exile is apparently left up to the GM, but it certainly seems to center on his sexuality. He's in a relationship with a paladin (Jasper) and that man's family is one of the most prominant in Sandspoint. His family dislikes the relationship, but the other three main families couldn't care less. The Magnamar writeup mentions nothing about it, save to mention the paladin's family name as a prominant one. The Sandspoint book also implicates the Scarnetti's in several criminal activities past and present. They probably dislike Jasper more because he's a paladin than any other reason.

So, you're not facing public opinion, but a rich, powerful, old family that will do anything to get ahead and probably has ties to the Chelaxian demon worshippers. They're one of these fading wealthy families that did a lot in the past but now they've sort of ... backslid. They thrive on their reputation, which is a staunchly old value one. They probably had Cyrdak run out of town simply to demonstrate they still could bring some influence to bear and force some of their lesser business owners and rent holders to think again about crossing them.

Showing them up to be criminals and murderers would do a lot to undermine their power, and allow Cyrdak back into Magnemar once their influence dissipates. Or it could be a simple and mundane thing: find the guy in the Magnemar court that they bribed and have him put away.