Moga's Wish Part 5: Honor to Damoritosh
The red dirt had initially been a nice change from the gaseous scenery of Liavara they had become accustomed to, but down here in the pits the group felt differently. Mixed with the blood and sweat of 100 years of battle, there seemed to be an ever present dust cloud hovering over the surface of the planet. Dust kicked up with every twitch of the foot.
The contestants waiting in the dugouts, pits encircling the arena, could not be a more diverse group. All races, all sizes, all ages. Some with weapons, some prepared for a bare knuckle brawl. This pit hosted all kinds of fights.
Suddenly the crowd erupts, the deafening cheers an honor to the warriors who win and those who lose. Victory can only be achieved by the strong of mind. No warrior wins every battle.
Two Shohbad had just battled, beating each other mercilessly in sacrifice to their god. The victor stood over his opponent, laid out on his back in the red dirt. He offered his hand, helping him to his feet. The cheers rose to a fever pitch as the two left the ring.
Plot points/Scenes
With the reforged axe in hand, the party returns to Suska on Liavara. He is speaking with Moga. As they present the axe, Suska's eyes go wide as he admires his weapon. He gently touches the previously broken handle before grasping it firmly. In a flash he has the axe raised, and turns, giving it a powerful slash through the air. He smiles. "Great. That was the hard part." Suska comments to the group. "Now we go to Akiton." Moga nods his head.
The group all fly off to Akiton. Upon landing Moga tells the group he and Suska have some business to attend to. The group should go to the temple and gain the audience of Shazzag. The group departs the ship, stepping foot onto the dusty red planet.
Arriving at the temple the party finds a small building with an open door. Inside, sitting on a beautiful chair looking super bored, is Shazzag. As the party approaches she instantly recognizes them as outsiders. When they request a blessing she says they must first make an offering to her God.
The fighting pits. In the prep area they see Moga's daughter. Throughout the day they see her destroy one opponent after another. If they survive to the final round they have to fight her.
Respecting her agreement, Shazzag blesses the axe, restoring the true glory of Winter's Bite. As the pit champion, Moga's daughter is also here. She asks the group if they have somewhere to stay tonight, and offers to let them stay with her. She has never been off Akiton and is super excited to learn about everything they've done. The group arrives at her house to find her mother crying. If asked she only says that she is having some issues with an old lover who she hoped never to see again. She quickly cheers up, her daughters' excitement becoming an active contagion in the household.
The next morning Suska calls the party and asks if they were able to get the axe blessed. When the affirmative is given he tells them it will take a few days before they are ready to leave. He and Moga have already left the city, so he wants the group to hold onto his axe while he's out and about.
Themes
Gods of the Pact Worlds
Structure
Exposition
With the axe reforged, it must now be blessed by Damoritosh to return to its true power.
As the god of conquest and duty, Damoritosh demands victory at all costs. You must travel to The Shears on Akiton to gain an audience with Shazzag, a Mystic priest of Damoritosh who will bless the weapon. Suska and Moga will attend with you, as they have other business to handle while you speak with the priestess.
Conflict
Shazzag is a devout follower of Damoritosh. She will require proof that you will bring honor to her God through this weapon.
Rising Action
Shazzag is not one to give the blessing of her God freely. She requires the party prove their worth by participating in the fighting pits. The condition is that they fight as hard as they can until they lose consciousness. As long as they fulfill this requirement she will honor their request.
Shazzag does not know the true power of the weapon she has been asked to bless, this is kind of a normal thing she does for warriors.
Climax
The groups fights in increasingly difficult rounds until they lose
Falling Action
If the players last long enough they fight against Moga's daughter, who wrecks them.
Resolution
Pleased with the offering made by the party, Shazzag blesses the axe. Lemina befriends the party.
Components
Goals
Return Damoritosh blessing to Winter's Bite
Hooks
What are Moga and Suska doing on Akiton?
Who is this mysterious powerful warrior?
Stakes
If the players do not fight their hearts out, they will not receive the blessing
Cruel Tricks
Moga's daughter, Lemina, is the powerful warrior
Relations
Competitors
Lemina
Plot type
Chapter
Parent Plot
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