The Abandoned Festival

As the expedition stops for the night on its journey northward, the heroes notice that they have camped next to what appears to be a parade ground set up for a local festival. But if that's the case, where are all the people?

Themes

See Adventure I: The Last Place on Unorrea for information regarding the themes of the Adventure

Structure

Exposition

When They Explore the Festival Grounds

A derelict arch stands before you, in the middle of the open plains. Though the canvas draped over its metal frame is singed, it is clearly legible, and reads: “Festum Annua.” Beyond the arch is a festival square surrounded by tents and stalls, but all have been blackened by what could only be a rampant wildfire. The entire scene reeks of sulfur. In the middle of the square are the remains of a tall statue. Its features are too charred to make out from a distance.

When they investigate the statue

The statue looks like it was made of tightly-woven strips of paper, made in the shape of a tall woman wearing a flowing robe. The paper is little more than gray, crumbling ashes, but it somehow retains its shape, and even its delicate facial features are visible. As you examine the statue, however, you hear a quiet crackling noise.

When the Statue explodes

The statue explodes into a column of flame, and from within can be seen the faint silhouette of a woman. A booming, female voice shouts: “You are in danger! Flee! Flee for your lives!” As her voice echoes about you, three devils with burning eyes and sneering faces appear in the festival square in a burst of sulfurous smoke. Each is branded with a unique symbol on its stomach.
The first devil bears the symbol of a double-barred cross atop a horizontal figure-eight. The second bears the icon of a circle with a horizontal bar through its middle. The third is emblazoned with a double-hourglass symbol with a horizontal bar through its middle.

At Initiative Count 20 on the second round of kombat

The booming feminine voice rings out from the column of flame again. She says, “If you will not run, then aid me! Set these spirits to rest! First is—!” Her voice is suddenly muffled, as if a hand has been placed over her mouth. Then, a jet of flame shoots from the column, directly at you!

On initiative account 20 of the 3rd round of kombat

The voice again booms from the statue. It says, “My actions are not my own! The devils… The Nine Hells… Everything is burning. Hear me! To create a firework, you need black powder. First, 75% saltpeter, followed by 15% charcoal, and then 10% sulfur!”

Upon Completing the Encounter

The flames around the statue flicker and dim, revealing the gray and withered statue beneath. The face of the woman seems to smile a wan smile. Then, the statue shoots into the air with massive tail of smoke and crimson flame trailing behind it. It explodes in the sky above, showing the entire festival ground in gold and crimson sparks. The sparks coalesce into the image of a woman with short hair and smiling eyes, with a look of genuine surprise and happiness upon her face. She turns to you, inclines her head in a quick bow, and beams at you as the twinkling fireworks fade into nothingness.
The festival grounds are quiet and peaceful.

Components

Goals

The goal for this encounter is to free Song-Li's soul from the statue by solving the puzzle for the firework show and defeating the Imps/Devils.

Hooks

What's Over There?

Being an optional encounter intended to be resolved upon the exploration of the area there is very little room for a story hook to inject the players other than the Adventure Hook Missing Pyrotechnist, but no one chose that. Indeed the only draw the characters might have to this encounter is simple curiosity.

Stakes

Once again, given that this is an optional encounter, there are no stakes to be lost here. Of course if the characters don't investigate the soul of Song-Li will remain trapped, ostensibly forever, in the statue. But they wont know that, so its hardly a stake.

Moral Quandaries

See above

Relations

Protagonists

The Thirteen

Adversaries

Spined Devils - These devils, when reduced to 0 hit points, instead of dying are petrified and turn into stone for 1d4 rounds, after which they return to life with all they health points.

Plot type

Encounter

Parent Plot

The Journey to Kaer-Duval