The Riot Act
Bard’s Gate is the heart of the Stoneheart Valley, and the Bridge district is the heart of Bard’s Gate. It is here that the city’s culture is at its zenith. The gleaming Auditorium of the Silver Harp shines down on smaller businesses and homes.
Through the King’s Bridge, the lifeblood of Bard’s Gate flows ceaselessly, day and night. But tonight, her heart is racing.
The Maiden’s Kiss is being hailed as the greatest stage show ever put on in the history of the city. Despite added showings in the last week, tickets are sold out in minutes. It is on the lips and minds of every citizen of the city. They want to see the show. They need to see the show. Nothing will stop them from seeing the show. Nothing. The city is at a fever pitch.
As you step into the middle of Central Island, you see that this desire has turned violent. You hear angry shouts and see that hundreds of city-goers have gathered out The Motely theatre, the home of the Maiden's Kiss play, screaming and yelling. They demanded tickets. They demanded more shows. Now it seems that they demand blood. Rocks and bottles, fists and elbows, screams and outrage. Here, in the middle of a riot, you and your companions must find a way to acquire tickets to the most exclusive show in town — all while avoiding being trampled to death by a raging mob.
Components
Hooks
The next show of the Maiden's Kiss is at 7th hour after midday and the party have tickets!
Relations
Neutrals/Bystanders
Angry Mob/Theatre fans
Any attempts to calm the mob will be difficult due to their frenzy and the cacophony. Adventurers will need to plead with the crowds to calm down. Particularly clever party members might make use of enchantment spells or other methods to convince the crowd to cease their rioting. If these attempts fail, the crowd grows more violent.
Ol' Tom
“Psst. Psst!” you hear a hiss cutting through the roar of the crowd and turn to see a hunched and cloaked figure hiding in the shadows of an alley on the edge of the square, unseen by the rioters. His sharp nose and sly grin combine with greasy dark hair and gleaming eyes to mark him as one of the many grifters who thrive in Bard’s Gate. “You seem a better lot than this rabble, with your fine armor
and polished weapons. Undoubtedly, y’ve got a coin or two to spare for a working bloke? Ol’ Tom’s got what e’ryone
wants tonight.”
A quick hand flashes a handful of parchment slips. “A few coins will get ye a glimpse at The Maiden’s Kiss.”
Braldo
Adventurers may attempt to make their way to the raised plinth in front of The Motley where they find Braldo, the beleaguered ticket salesman, who is being protected by four other members of The Fool’s Entourage desperately holding back the crowd. Characters who manage to reach Braldo find him frazzled and fearful. Attempts can be made to calm the crowd, but this is not easy.
Braldo begs the characters to protect him along with his guards as they fall back into The Motley, where the doors are barred.
If the characters manage to calm the crowds or protect Braldo during his escape, he offers them profuse and sincere thanks in addition to a reward of one ticket each to tonight’s showing of The Maiden’s Kiss.
Backdrops
Locations
The Motley Theatre, Bridge District, Bard's Gate
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