Return of the House of Maralith

Suffering greatly from the losses accrued during the War of the Dukes, house Maralith has been allowed to stew in their festering rage. Having spent the better art of two decades consolidating their power, they have begun to move pieces around the board. What is their ultimate goal? Are they after vengeance? Or something more?

Themes

Vengeance, Resistance

Structure

Exposition

Explain the brief history of the War of the Dukes. Introduce the first threads about house Marilith. Establish the independence and irony of "The Kingwood."

Conflict

Vincent's parents are ostensibly murdered. The exact nature of their demise is unclear. A signet of house Maralith is found at the scene, along with an intricate dagger. Signs of demonic activity also permeate the scene.

Rising Action

Establish the connections in Northwain that permeate into Marasburgh. Intensify the action in Marasburgh, to encapsulate an underground war for survival.

Climax

Withhold entry into the Marasburgh library, until the tension peaks/character attains a reasonable level. Have the player confront the leadership of house Maralith, and discover that his father is possibly still alive, yet being held somewhere else--somewhere undisclosed. His mother will be murdered in front of his very eyes. Lord Marilith will appear to have died, but his body is unrecoverable.

Falling Action

House Maralith is defeated. The town is liberated. Questions of the town's future come to forefront.

Resolution

Having witnessed his mother's death, essentially for the second time, the player is jarred. The taste of vengeance rings hollow. He is going to need time to find himself.

Components

Goals

Player wants vengeance for the death of his family. Player may want to aid the factions he finds along the way, as he makes friends in the world. Player may see the greater villain that is the duke, but his immediate goals limit his ability to focus on such things.

Hooks

House Marilith signet ring. Monstrous creations. Underground war.

Stakes

Death Loss of self Suffering of friends and allies

Moral Quandaries

Is his quest for vengeance hypocritical? Is his quest for vengeance selfish? The people he fights against have no choice. Can blood wash away blood?

Plot type

Adventure Series

Parent Plot

Dark Days of Dartignon (plot)

Subplots

• Return of the House of Marilith: Episode 3: Ivory and Emeralds (part 1)