Chapter 3: The Underbridge Cult: Difference between revisions

Whether they came from [[the Bridgemoor Mines]], the [[Nalatheshi Merchants|Nalatheshi Caravan]], or the [[Kendarian Diplomats]] prologue, all of the heroes should now be in Bridgemoor and should be level 2.

Bridgemoor has several temples to different deities and religious orders. The [[Order]] of the Darkscourge, the Fixers, and Vigil each have facilities in the city.

'''''Read Aloud:''''' ''The City-State of Bridgemoor holds a vital geographical and diplomatic position. As the whole city-state is an enormous bridge that straddles the Great Chasm, Bridgemoor serves as an easy trade route between the nations east and west of the Chasm, most immediately between Kendaria and Nalathesh. Bridgemoor’s trade economy has a mighty reputation. As it takes a full day of [[travel]] to cross the bridge, journeymen and merchants will often give business to at least a couple inns when passing through town, and many will spend their coin in the markets and bazaars for which Bridgemoor is famous. Its university also draws established scholars and prospective academics alike.''

If a hero possesses a cult medallion and shows it to someone who is not in the cult, there could be trouble. Rumor that the cult uses medallions has circulated throughout the city. Showing the medallion to an innocent merchant, pawnbroker, bartender, or the like will result in the NPC turning fearful and ending the conversation with the hero as quickly as possible. The NPC will then call for the Bridge Knights when they feel they can do so without being threatened by the adventurer in question.

Showing the medallion to Magellus Black without first warning him or explaining how they found it will result in Magellus treating the hero with suspicion. Similarly, showing the medallion to Lauby without prepping them will cause them to panic and flee.

Begin as you would with the Individual Lives option. As players narrate their heroes’ lives, interject with two to three NPCs that the hero interacts with. Make note of the one that your player seems to respond to most enthusiastically.

Magellus likes to keep a low profile despite being in multiple high positions of power. Heroes that live in Bridgemoor might have heard of him, and might know a little about him if they can succeed a DC 17 INT/Politics of Bridgemoor or a CHA/Gossipping check. If a hero succeeds on this roll, they have heard of Magellus in one of the two following capacities.

Potions take 1 AP to drink and 2 AP to feed to a willing creature within 5ft of you.

Two of the cultists each have 1 flask of Alchemist’s Fire, which they use their DEX to attack with vs a creature’s REF. On a hit, a creature gains Burning 1d6. The cultists intend to use the fire on Lauby’s home. The fire spreads 5ft in a random direction once every 20 seconds. Putting out a 5ft area of fire requires dirt or a soaked cloth and takes 3 AP.

The Underbridge Cultists and Underbridge Initiates each have 3 flasks of Alchemist’s Fire, which they use their DEX to attack with vs a creature’s REF. On a hit, a creature gains Burning 1d6. The cultists intend the fire to be used on the building, but will throw one or two vials at the adventurers if they feel it will help scare them off. If they throw the fire onto the ground, it spreads 5ft in a random direction every 20 seconds if there is flammable fuel (such as wood or cloth). It takes 3 AP to snuff out a 5ft area of fire, and efforts to put out the fire with water fail; a hero must use dirt or a soaked cloth to smother the flames.

Based on your party’s size, the Underbridge Cult shows up in the following numbers. Stats for '''[[Underbridge Cultist|Underbridge Cultists]]''' and '''[[Underbridge Initiate|Underbridge Initiates]]''' can be found in TCL p. ##. Stats for '''[[Knight|Knights]]''' are in CC p. 277, and stats for '''[[Thug (NPC)|Thugs]]''' are in CC p. 235.

Lastly, if the heroes manipulate the iron torch and sconce, they can find that it is actually a lever. If they pull on it, a small panel opens in the floor directly below the desk’s chair. Inside the panel, there is a smaller treasure chest. Unlocking it takes a DC 18 INT check. Once unlocked, the heroes find an Amulet of Thirst (MCG p. ##) and Crane Paper (MCG p. ##).

|If the heroes did not already confront the cultist in Dustdale, Elarion sends a contingent of mercenaries (or the heroes themselves, preior to Elarion’s death in Part Two) to find and arrest or kill the cultist.

Having completed the Underbridge Cult adventure, proceed to Part Two of the campaign. Your heroes should all be level 4 and have connections with at least a couple influential people who are currently Bridgemoor, regardless of whether they are from another nation (like the Luxxors or Lord Elarion).