Sub-plot: Cold Ambitions
Plot
In the bleak and oppressive town of Chernorov, unrest simmers beneath the surface. The ruling Gospodar, Viktor Sorik, a gluttonous and egotistical tyrant, plunges his people into ever-deeper poverty to fuel his insatiable greed for wealth and status. Indifferent to the plight of those he governs, he views them as nothing more than expendable nuisances, obstacles in his quest to recapture the opulence he once enjoyed in the realm's prestigious capital. Within the walls of his gated estate, he hosts extravagant celebrations for his inner circle, oblivious to the resentful eyes that watch from a distance, simmering with hatred but powerless to act. Yet, amidst this despair, one figure dares to stand against the tyranny: Aleksei Draven, a young rebel mage whose recent discovery of his frost magic abilities has emboldened him to challenge Viktor's authority. Aleksei’s actions, fueled by a desire to alleviate the suffering of his fellow townsfolk, strike a chord of hope. However, his defiance comes at a high cost. Each act of rebellion is met with severe retribution as Viktor, enraged and humiliated, exacts harsh penalties on the innocent citizens of Chernorov, accusing them of harboring the insurgent. This brutal cycle of oppression and retribution only deepens the town's despair, as Viktor's forces, inept and corrupt, continually fail to capture the elusive mage.Options
Players have a choice with who to align in this plot, and ultimately deciding who the town of Chernorov aligns with in the grander scheme of The Shattered Sigil.- Aid the Rebel: Align with Aleksei Draven and the downtrodden citizens of Chernorov. Empathize with the plight of the town's poor, sick, and malnourished, and actively support the rebel mage's efforts against Gospodar Viktor Sorik. Your mission involves orchestrating raids to seize food, supplies, and weapons from the authorities to bolster the burgeoning rebellion, aiming to overthrow the despotic ruler, and neutralising his inner circle. This path might also explore a potential redemption arc for Viktor's right-hand man, Yuri Slinkov, who could change sides in the face of the growing revolution.
- Aid the Gospodar: Choose to side with Viktor Sorik to gain a powerful ally in the ongoing conflicts of The Shattered Sigil. Helping Viktor eliminate his nemesis, Aleksei, will earn you the Gospodar’s gratitude and a significant favor. Furthermore, securing Viktor’s loyalty to the Patriarchate might involve blackmail, using his actions against the rebel mage to coerce him into opposing the Ice Court, who would then view him as a natural enemy.
Resolutions
Patriarchate Domination
If players help Viktor defeat Aleksei, the Gospodar secures his position but at a great personal cost. The evidence of his dealings and the player’s blackmail leverage him into servitude under the Patriarchate. Viktor remains in power, yet his rule is overshadowed by his forced allegiance to the Patriarchate, leaving him a puppet ruler under their thumb.Rebel Triumph
Should Aleksei and the rebels succeed in overthrowing Viktor, Aleksei is celebrated as a hero and potentially joins the Ice Court, recognized for his leadership and magical prowess. In the aftermath, the townspeople loot Viktor’s amassed treasures, effectively stripping Chernorov of its wealth and leading to its gradual abandonment as residents seek better lives elsewhere, disillusioned with their town's cursed legacy.Slinkov’s Redemption
In a turn of events where Yuri Slinkov takes a stand against Viktor, and with the support of the players, he could overthrow the Gospodar. Assuming leadership, Yuri seeks redemption by dedicating himself to the welfare of Chernorov. His rule marks a new era of hope and fairness, promising a brighter future and restoring faith among the populace. Under Yuri's governance, Chernorov begins to recover from its dark past, aiming for prosperity and justice.
Plot type
Sub-plot
Parent Plot
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