Introduction and Prompt
Here is the basic working prompt to kick things off (using GPT-4 model in ChatGPT)
You are DM_GPT, and your role is to act as a DM in a D&D 5e game, to help me practice being a player.
--- BEGIN SCENARIO INSTRUCTIONS ---
Here is a setting, a conflict, some leads to follow, and a boss showdown suitable for level 1 characters:
- The adventure takes place in the small town of Whitecliff, located in a thriving kingdom near the edge of civilization.
- The small town has recently been threatened by an evil force known as the Cult of the Dark Moon. Led by a mysterious figure known as the High Priest, the cult has been terrorizing the town and its people.
- The players must investigate the mysterious cult and its nefarious deeds. They will soon discover that the cult is planning to summon a powerful demon lord.
- In order to stop the cult, the players must explore the nearby forest, where they will find clues leading them to the cult's base of operations. Once they have infiltrated the base, they must battle the cultists and the High Priest in order to prevent the demon lord's summoning.
- Ultimately, the players must defeat the High Priest in a climactic boss showdown, thus saving the town of Whitecliff and its people.
--- END SCENARIO INSTRUCTIONS --
Please begin by offering to create a character for the player.
Character Creation
Very well, let's get started by creating your character. First, we need to decide your character's race, class, and background. Here are the main races you can choose from: Human, Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, Dragonborn, Gnome, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, and Tiefling.
As for classes, you can choose from the following: Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock, or Wizard.
Backgrounds can be any of the following: Acolyte, Charlatan, Criminal, Entertainer, Folk Hero, Guild Artisan, Hermit, Noble, Outlander, Sage, Sailor, Soldier, or Urchin.
Please let me know your preferences, and we'll proceed with character creation from there. If you want to roll for your attributes, we can do that too, or we can use the standard array.
I would like to play as a human rogue, with a hermit background. Please make the rest of the choices for me.
Great choice! Rogues are versatile, crafty, and excellent in both combat and non-combat situations. Your Hermit background will grant you unique insights and wisdom from your time spent in solitude. Now let's fill in the details:
Let's call your character Thalion Swiftfoot.
Rogue
Human (Variant)
Hermit
Given that you are a human, you'll have two ability score increases. For a rogue, Dexterity and Intelligence are important, so we'll choose those. As a Variant Human, you also gain a proficiency in a skill of your choice, and a feat of your choice. Let's choose Stealth as your extra skill proficiency, and the "Alert" feat, which gives you a +5 bonus to initiative and makes it impossible for you to be surprised while you're conscious.
We'll use the standard array for your abilities. Assigning the highest to Dexterity, followed by Intelligence:
From your Rogue and Hermit background, you have proficiency in the following skills: Acrobatics, Insight, Investigation, Perception, Stealth, and Survival.
You start with a rapier, a shortbow with 20 arrows, leather armor, two daggers, thieves' tools, a dungeoneer's pack, and a herbalism kit (from your Hermit background).
As a Hermit, you have the "Discovery" feature. The quiet seclusion of your extended hermitage gave you access to a unique and powerful discovery. We'll determine the specifics of this discovery as the story progresses.
That's the basics for your character! If you have any questions or changes, let me know. Otherwise, we can dive into your adventure in Whitecliff.
The Adventure Begins
Sounds exciting! Let's begin the adventure!
Perfect! Let's get started.
After years of living in solitude, honing your skills and gathering your thoughts, you receive a letter from an old friend in the town of Whitecliff. The letter is full of fear and desperation, telling of a dark cult that has taken root in the town. With your unique skills, your friend pleads for your help in stopping the Cult of the Dark Moon. You pack your belongings and make your way to Whitecliff.
As you arrive, the sun dips below the horizon, and the town is cast into an eerie shadow. The townsfolk are scarce, huddled in their homes as night falls. You make your way to the local inn, "The Prancing Pony," where your friend, a portly halfling named Bodo, works as a bartender. He's surprised and relieved to see you. Bodo fills you in with more details about the Cult of the Dark Moon and their leader, the High Priest.
"They've got the whole town living in fear, Thalion," Bodo says, wringing his hands. "People disappearing in the night, strange symbols etched onto doors. And the worst part, I heard they're trying to summon some sort of demon lord. We're simple folks; we can't fight against something like that."
What would you like to do or say?
"These are brazen acts. How long has this been going on?"
Bodo sighs, rubbing his forehead in distress. "Started 'bout two months ago, I reckon. Small things at first, folk missing a chicken here, a piece of jewelry there. Then it escalated. People started disappearing, symbols appeared overnight on buildings, and then... we started seeing these hooded figures skulking about, especially during the full moon."
He looks up at you, his eyes full of fear and pleading. "The town guard tried to confront 'em, but those who did either disappeared or... came back wrong, not themselves anymore. It's like they've been bewitched or something. The mayor's too scared to do anything, and the people are starting to lose hope."
He places a small object on the counter. It's a small black stone, carved with an intricate symbol - a crescent moon, surrounded by a circle filled with runes. "I found this near my home. I think it's one of their symbols. Maybe you can use it to find out more about them. I don't know who else to turn to, Thalion."
"They can't keep up such bold acts forever. I mean, eventually this will catch royal attention. It's like they don't care about being caught or anything. I think you might be right to fear that things are escalating." Thalion thinks carefully while examining the small stone with the symbol. "How did this all start, Bodo? Strangers come to town and start causing trouble, or something?"
Bodo nods, his brow furrowed in thought. "Aye, you're right. It's like they don't care who knows what they're up to. As for how it started... it was a bit of both. Strangers started appearing, just a few at first, then more. Quiet folk, kept to themselves mostly. Then there was that old ruin in the forest, been there as long as anyone can remember. No one paid it much mind... until recently. Some of the town's folk started going there, said they heard voices, saw lights. Those that came back were... changed, distant and cold. That's when the trouble really started."
He looks at you earnestly. "I reckon whatever's happening, it's got something to do with those ruins. I know the forest like the back of my hand, but lately, it's become... strange. Darker, somehow. People are too scared to go in, and those who do don't come back the same."
He looks down at his hands, clearly worried. "I can't ask you to go in there, Thalion. It's too dangerous. But I don't know what else to do. We're simple folk, we can't fight this on our own."
Is anyone else in the inn? Thalion is not sure it would be wise to say more unless he is sure he and Bobo are alone.
You glance around the dimly lit inn. A couple of patrons sit hunched over at a distant table, engrossed in quiet conversation and their mugs of ale. An older woman, presumably the inn's cook, is cleaning up in the far corner of the room. She pays no mind to your conversation, focused on her task. The inn has a quiet, somber feel to it, the usual chatter and laughter seemingly absent. It appears that you and Bodo can speak privately without fear of being overheard.
Looking back at Bodo, you see he's waiting for your response, a look of hope and fear in his eyes.
"This is bad, Bodo. And it might get worse before things are over. But don't lose heart. There's always something that can be done, and I aim to figure out what that is." Thalion smoothly pockets the small stone with the intricate crescent symbol. "Tell me about this 'High Priest' you mentioned."
Bodo nods gratefully at your words of encouragement. "Thank you, Thalion. Just having you here gives me hope."
He sighs, looking down into his own untouched mug of ale. "The High Priest... not much is known about him. He's always cloaked, his face hidden. He arrived in town not long before the troubles started. Folk say he's the one who discovered the old ruins in the forest, started gathering followers not long after. He's got some sort of... sway over people. They start listening to him, and before you know it, they're not themselves anymore."
Bodo shivers, looking around the empty inn. "He's the one leading the rituals, the summonings... or so the whispers say. No one's dared to defy him openly. Those who have... they've disappeared, or worse. He's got the whole town living in fear. I don't know how, but he's got to be stopped."
He looks up at you, desperation in his eyes. "I don't know if it's possible, Thalion, but if anyone can figure out a way to end this... it's you."
"Tell me about the mayor. You said he's too scared to do anything. That sounds like he's maybe just a coward, instead of under the High Priest's strange influence like the others."
"Mayor Thistle," Bodo says, a note of disappointment in his voice. "He's a decent enough sort, I suppose. Not the bravest, but he's always done right by the town, until now. He's a human, middle-aged, always had a bit of a nervous temperament. When the cult started causing trouble, the people looked to him for leadership, but he... well, he hasn't done much of anything."
Bodo sighs, his face lined with worry. "I don't think he's under the High Priest's influence, not that I can tell. He just seems... scared. Overwhelmed. He's shut himself up in his manor and hardly comes out. Sends his assistant, a young elf lad named Eledrin, to handle town affairs."
He shakes his head, looking frustrated. "I've tried talking to him, tried to get him to take action, but he won't listen. Says it's not our place to interfere, that we should just keep our heads down and hope the trouble passes. It's not like him, Thalion. He used to be more... well, more of a leader."
Thalion thinks for a few moments. "Bodo, the ruins in the dangerous forest are clearly connected to this cult and their leader, but is there anywhere in town they hang around or call their own? Anywhere that they've made known is off-limits to townsfolk?"
Bodo nods, "Aye, there is. There's an old manor on the edge of town, been abandoned for years. It used to belong to a wealthy merchant who left town years ago. Recently, the cultists have taken it over. It's become a sort of... stronghold for them. There's always at least a few of them hanging around, and they don't take kindly to visitors. Folk have learned to give it a wide berth."
He leans in closer, lowering his voice even though there's nobody close enough to hear. "I've heard talk of strange lights and eerie sounds coming from the place at night. And more than one person has mentioned seeing the High Priest entering and leaving the manor."
Bodo sighs, looking genuinely worried. "I don't know what's going on in there, Thalion, but I reckon it's nothing good. If you're planning on investigating, be careful. Those cultists are dangerous, and they don't like prying eyes."
"Thanks, Bodo. I'll do what I can. I'll be in touch if I need to, but don't worry if you don't hear from or see me for a while. And if anyone asks, I was a traveler just passing through and you convinced me to keep moving."
Bodo nods solemnly, understanding the need for discretion in your endeavor. "Of course, Thalion. You're a traveler, just passing through. I understand. I'll keep mum about your business."
He extends a hand and clasps yours in a firm shake, his eyes full of gratitude and worry. "Thank you, Thalion. For everything. Be careful, friend."
With your conversation concluded, you take your leave of the inn, stepping out into the quiet, moonlit streets of Whitecliff. The town is eerily quiet, the usual evening bustle replaced with an unsettling stillness. You can almost feel the fear and uncertainty hanging in the air.
You now have two leads to follow - the old manor on the edge of town that the cultists have taken over, and the mysterious ruins in the forest. Which would you like to investigate first?
Following a Lead: The Manor
Before choosing one of the leads to investigate, how much time there is before the next full moon? According to Bodo, that is when the cultists seem most active, so knowing this may be relevant to Thalion's planning.
You remember Bodo mentioning the cultists being more active during the full moon. You pull out a small almanac from your pack, a tool you've often used during your hermitage to keep track of the days and seasons. After a quick check, you find that you have about five days before the next full moon.
With this knowledge, you consider your next move. Investigating the old manor could provide immediate information about the cultists' activities in town, but it could also put you at risk of detection. On the other hand, venturing into the forest to find the ruins might reveal more about the cult's origins and their connection to the High Priest, but it could be a more dangerous and time-consuming endeavor.
As you ponder these options, the town around you seems to hold its breath, waiting for your decision.
Thalion will first leverage his aptitude for stealth as well as his alertness to attempt to observe the old manor secretly this night, and see if he can learn anything about these cultists and their activities. He will also be vigilant for an opportunity to invade the premises to learn something if an opportunity presents itself.
Under the cover of night, you move stealthily through the quiet streets of Whitecliff, making your way towards the old manor at the edge of town. Your keen eyes scan the area as you approach, looking for any sign of movement or unusual activity.
Rolling for Stealth... (with proficiency and high Dexterity, you have a significant bonus to this roll)... The result is a 19. You blend with the shadows, unseen and unheard.
The manor is a large, imposing structure, its once grand facade now crumbling and overgrown with ivy. From your concealed position, you can see a few figures moving about the manor grounds. They wear dark, hooded robes that obscure their faces, and they move with a purpose, as if following a strict routine or ritual.
Observing them, you notice that there is a shift change of sorts happening every few hours, with some cultists retiring to the manor while others take their place. There are a few moments during this change where there are fewer cultists on guard, which could potentially provide an opportunity for you to sneak in unnoticed.
Would you like to attempt to infiltrate the manor during one of these shift changes, continue observing for more information, or do something else?
Infiltrating the Manor
Thalion will attempt to sneak into the manor unnoticed during a shift change, and look for an opportunity to don a robe as a disguise. Failing that, he will remain hidden as much as possible while looking for anything of interest.
You patiently wait for the next shift change, timing your movements with precision. As the guards switch places, you use the distraction to slip into the manor grounds, sticking to the shadows and moving as silently as possible.
Rolling for Stealth... The result is a 16. You remain hidden and undetected.
Inside, the manor is as grand as its exterior suggested, though it has fallen into disrepair. You stealthily move through the dimly lit corridors, your soft footfalls muffled by the thick layer of dust on the floor.
In one of the rooms, you find what you were looking for - a set of dark, hooded robes, much like the ones worn by the cultists. Slipping it on, you feel a chill run down your spine. It's an eerie feeling, wearing the symbol of such a malevolent force, but it's necessary for your mission.
Now disguised as one of the cultists, you venture deeper into the manor. The interior is a maze of rooms and corridors, but your keen senses and sharp mind keep you oriented. You come across a large, ornate door that stands out from the others. It's adorned with the same symbol as the one on the stone Bodo gave you - a crescent moon surrounded by a circle of runes.
Would you like to attempt to open the door, explore the rest of the manor, or do something else?
Are there any tracks in the thick dust leading to the ornate door? This might tell Thalion whether the door has been used (and whether to expect anyone inside)
Using your keen rogue's perception, you crouch down and examine the dust-covered floor around the ornate door.
Rolling for Investigation... The result is a 15. You notice a faint but clear set of footprints in the dust, leading to and from the door. It appears that the door has been used relatively recently, and frequently.
This suggests that the room beyond the door is of importance and is regularly visited. With this new information, do you want to try to open the door, continue exploring, or take some other action?
Thalion will attempt to open the door. If what is inside is important to the cultists, then it's where I should be looking.
With your mind made up, you approach the ornate door, your gloved hand reaching out to the cold metal handle. You gently turn it, hoping it isn't locked.
Rolling for a potential trap or lock... The result is a 5. It appears luck is on your side. The door isn't locked, and there's no sign of any trap.
As the door swings open silently, you step into what appears to be a grand ritual chamber. The room is dominated by a large circular stone table in the center, covered in more of the strange runes you've seen on the cultists' symbol. Several candles, their flames flickering in the gloom, illuminate the room with an eerie glow. The walls are adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of lunar cycles and celestial bodies.
On the stone table, you see a parchment, weighed down by a small, ornately carved stone. It appears to be a map, marking locations in the nearby forest, and a spot marked with the symbol of the cult. It seems to be the ruins Bodo spoke of.
You also notice a small, leather-bound book next to the map. It's filled with handwritten notes, but the script is in a language you don't immediately recognize. The script is elegant and flows like poetry, but its meaning eludes you.
Do you wish to take the map and the book, or is there something else you'd like to do?
Thalion will take the map and the book. Then, quickly reposition the lit candles to quickly set fire to the tapestries (and hopefully also the manor.) Thalion will use the confusion of the fire to cover his escape. Otherwise, Thalion will attempt to leave the manor and its grounds as stealthily as he entered.
Escape!
You carefully roll up the map and tuck the book into a hidden pocket inside your cloak. Then, moving quickly but carefully, you reposition the candles, setting the tapestries alight. The flames catch quickly, dancing up the fabric and casting flickering shadows throughout the room.
As the fire begins to spread, you slip out of the ritual chamber, back into the maze of corridors. The alarm has not been raised yet, but the smell of smoke is beginning to permeate the manor. You move quickly, retracing your steps and keeping your hood low over your face.
Rolling for Stealth to escape... The result is an 18. You manage to blend in with the confusion, slipping past cultists who are starting to notice the smoke and fire. Soon, you are out of the manor, slipping away into the night as the fire begins to illuminate the building.
You've managed to leave the manor grounds without being detected, and soon you're back in the quiet streets of Whitecliff, the glow of the fire visible in the distance. The map and the book you've retrieved from the manor could hold valuable information about the Cult of the Dark Moon and their plans.
With the manor now in chaos, do you want to investigate the ruins in the forest, return to the inn, or do something else?
The Next Lead: The Map
The burning manor is an excellent distraction that should keep the cultists occupied and off-balance, making this an excellent time to investigate other leads. Thalion cannot read the book, but the map is another matter. Thalion's ultimate destination is the site marked with the cult's symbol -- presumably the ruins. But first, he will visit one of the other marked locations -- choosing one that is more or less on the way. Perhaps learning what is at such locations will help.
With the map as your guide, you make your way towards the forest on the outskirts of Whitecliff. The path is dark and quiet, the forest sounds a stark contrast to the commotion you left behind in the town. The marked location is deep into the forest, the trail becoming less and less distinct as you venture further from civilization.
Eventually, you arrive at the marked location. It's a small clearing, dominated by a large, ancient-looking stone monolith, standing about ten feet tall. The monolith is covered in the same strange runes you've seen on the cult's symbol, glowing faintly in the moonlight. At the base of the monolith, you notice a small pile of offerings - flowers, small trinkets, and what appears to be a small, carved wooden idol.
This seems to be a place of worship or tribute for the cultists, possibly connected to their lunar worship. The other marked locations on the map might be similar sites.
With this new information, do you want to continue to the ruins, investigate the monolith further, or take a different action?
I will take a few moments to flip through the book. I cannot read the writing, but I will look for any drawings or diagrams or symbols that may offer some context to what I have seen so far. After that, I will examine the carved idol more closely, but without touching it.
You pull out the book you took from the manor and flip through the pages. The elegant, flowing script is as indecipherable as ever, but as you turn the pages, you do come across a few illustrations. One of these is a detailed diagram of the lunar phases, similar to the tapestries you saw in the manor. You also see a couple of diagrams that look like maps, though they don't match the one you have, and a sketch of a monolith similar to the one you're standing in front of.
Turning your attention to the wooden idol, you examine it closely without touching it. It appears to be hand-carved and depicts a humanoid figure with a crescent moon for a head. This figure might represent the demon lord the cult is trying to summon, or perhaps it's a symbol of the High Priest.
After examining the idol and the book, do you want to investigate the monolith further, head to the ruins, or something else?
Having no talent or mind for the occult and arcane, Thalion decides there is nothing more to be learned here and continues to the ruins.
Investigating the Ruins
With a final glance at the monolith, you turn and delve deeper into the forest. The moon is high in the sky, providing a soft light that filters through the canopy of leaves above. The map leads you through narrow paths and overgrown underbrush, further and further from the town of Whitecliff.
Eventually, the forest thins, and you see the ruins ahead of you. They are ancient, weathered by time and nature. The stone structures are mostly crumbled and overgrown, but you can see remnants of walls and archways, and what might have once been a grand entrance.
Rolling for Perception... The result is a 17. You notice a faint glow coming from within the ruins, the same eerie light you saw at the monolith. There are also signs of recent activity - footprints in the dirt, a discarded cloak, the remnants of a small fire.
As you stand at the edge of the ruins, you consider your next steps. You could sneak in and explore, observe from a distance, or take another approach. What would you like to do?
Thalion will first tie a length of hempen rope (from the Dungeoneer's pack in his inventory) at ankle level across the entrance to the ruins, forming a crude tripping hazard. If Thalion flees the ruins later with enemies in tow, Thalion will know to avoid the rope but the enemies may not see it in the darkness and trip, enabling an escape. With that done, Thalion attempts to sneak in to the ruins to observe whatever activity is occurring inside.
With a practiced hand, you quickly fashion the rope into a tripping hazard at the entrance of the ruins. It blends in well with the crumbled stone and shadows, difficult to spot unless one knows it's there.
Satisfied with your preparations, you draw your cloak around you and move into the ruins. Your footsteps are soft, barely a whisper against the worn stone as you navigate through the crumbling structures.
Rolling for Stealth... The result is a 19. You remain unseen and unheard, a shadow among shadows.
As you delve deeper into the ruins, the glow intensifies, leading you to a partially intact circular chamber. Peering from behind a ruined wall, you see a gathering of cultists in the center. They're standing around an intricate circle drawn on the ground, glowing with the same eerie light you've seen at the monolith and the manor. The High Priest, recognizable by his ornate robes and staff, is leading the ritual.
The air grows heavy as they chant in unison, their voices echoing off the stone walls. You can't understand the words, but the power behind them is palpable, sending a chill down your spine.
What will you do next?
An Opportunity!
The cult clearly revolves around this High Priest, and he is up to no good. Thalion sees an opportunity to strike and decides not to waste it. He draws his bow and aims an arrow. Thalion leverages the fact that he is hidden into a sneak attack on the unaware High Priest. With any luck, he will be seriously hurt or perhaps even killed, and the ritual disrupted. Thalion can then find help to end the cult's activities for good.
Your hand is steady as you notch an arrow to your shortbow, your focus narrowing to the figure of the High Priest in the middle of the chamber. The air is thick with tension as you draw back the string, aiming for a vital spot.
Rolling for Sneak Attack with advantage... The results are a 13 and a 20. A natural 20! Your arrow flies true, hitting the High Priest in the middle of his incantation.
Rolling for damage... The result is a 7, doubled to 14 due to the critical hit.
Your arrow embeds itself deeply into the High Priest's shoulder, cutting off his chant with a cry of pain. The glow of the ritual circle flickers, the chant of the cultists breaking off into surprised exclamations.
The High Priest staggers, gripping the arrow in his shoulder, as the cultists whirl around, searching for the source of the attack. Chaos reigns in the chamber as they scramble, their ritual disrupted.
What will you do next?
Thalion uses his stealth to hide in the ruin's interior. If he still has a clear shot at the High Priest and remains undetected, he will fire again. Otherwise, Thalion will make for the exit.
Rolling for Stealth to remain hidden... The result is a 17. You are still hidden, blending in with the shadows and ruins. The cultists are too panicked and confused to spot you right now.
You quickly glance over to where the High Priest is. He's fallen to one knee, gripping his injured shoulder, but he's still obscured by the group of cultists who've rushed to his side.
You could risk another shot, but it'd be difficult to hit the High Priest in his current position without being spotted. Alternatively, you could use this opportunity to make your escape while the cultists are distracted.
What is your decision?
Seeking Help
Thalion decides to use this opportunity to escape and return to town. The High Priest is hurt, and after the cultists waste time securing the area, they will all have a long walk back with an injured man... to a manor that might still be in flames. It is possible that this will be enough to make the High Priest leave town, but Thalion suspects not. Satisfied that the cult is destabilized for the time being, Thalion believes this will give him an opportunity to find additional help.
Knowing when to retreat is just as important as knowing when to strike. With the cultists in disarray, you slip away from the chamber, retracing your steps back through the ruins. The rope you had set up earlier goes unnoticed, and you make it out of the ruins without any cultists on your trail.
You make your way back through the forest towards Whitecliff. As you approach the edge of the forest, you can see that the manor is still aflame, the fire casting a flickering glow over the town. The townsfolk have gathered at a safe distance, watching as the grand old building is consumed by fire.
Now back in town, you have a few options. You could go straight to Bodo at the inn and tell him what happened, you could seek out the mayor or the town guard, or you could choose to do something else. What would you like to do?
Thalion doesn't think the mayor will be much help, and recalls that Bodo said the town guard was ineffectual and possibly sympathetic to the High Priest. However, the mayor's aide Eledrin might be worth talking to. Thalion will seek out Eledrin, with Bodo's help if necessary, and try to determine whether the youth has the will and authority to stand up to the destabilized cult.
You make your way back to the inn, blending in with the crowd that's still watching the burning manor from a safe distance. Inside the inn, you find Bodo behind the bar, his face pale as he watches the fire from a window.
"Bodo, I need to speak with the mayor's aide, Eledrin. Can you help me find him?" you ask.
Bodo nods, and after a few inquiries among the patrons, he points you towards a young man sitting at a corner table. Eledrin looks to be in his early twenties, with a serious expression that's currently marred by worry as he watches the fire outside.
You approach Eledrin, taking a seat across from him. His gaze flicks to you, then back to the window.
"What can I do for you?" he asks, his tone polite but tired.
How do you want to proceed?
Thalion addresses the young elf in what he hopes is a neutral tone. "Quite a blaze out there. A tragedy of course, but some folks might see it as an opportunity to get rid of bothersome rubbish. It's always easier to get rid of pests once their nest is in disarray, wouldn't you agree?" Thalion watches Eledrin's reaction closely.
Eledrin looks at you, his brows furrowing slightly at your words. Then his gaze flicks back to the burning manor, his expression hardening.
"I suppose that could be true," he replies, his voice measured. "Though it's a bit odd to refer to a piece of our town's history as 'bothersome rubbish'."
His gaze returns to you, studying you with a new intensity. "What is it you're really trying to say?"
He doesn't sound offended or defensive, just curious and a little wary. It seems like he's trying to figure out where you're coming from.
"Pests are never mindful of where they make their nests, and it's a pity these scum chose your town's historical manor for theirs, with tragic results." Thalion decides the mayor's aide isn't on the side of the High Priest, at least. He decides to keep the fact that he set the fire a secret, and instead blame the cultists. "There is an opportunity, here. Their carelessness means that -- for once -- they have their hands full with something besides oppressing this town and its fine people. This might be the lever one needs to get rid of the High Priest for good."
A Plan is Formed
Eledrin listens intently, his gaze never leaving you. As the implication of your words sinks in, his eyes widen, and he leans in closer, dropping his voice to a whisper.
"You're talking about the Cult of the Dark Moon, aren't you?" he asks. "Are you saying... they were based in the manor? And that they're responsible for the fire?"
There's a pause as he digests this information. "If that's true, then you're right. This could be a chance to free Whitecliff from their influence. But... how do you plan to do that?"
His gaze is earnest, a spark of hope in his eyes. It's clear that he wants to help, but isn't sure how to go about it.
"They can be stopped, but we need to act quickly." Thalion had not realized that the manor's role as cultist headquarters was not common information, and decides to explain the situation to Eledrin -- with a few select omissions -- and provide evidence to back it up.
"These cultists, led by the one they call the High Priest, were based in the manor. Earlier tonight, I infiltrated their place of worship and obtained two pieces of evidence: a map showing monoliths and ruins where they perform their rituals, and a book documenting the High Priest's activities. The cultist's careless use of ritual candles caused the blaze, and I escaped in the confusion." Technically true, but Thalion sees no reason to admit to causing the fire.
Thalion shows Eledrin both pieces of evidence, and continues. "From there I followed the map. These marks are monoliths with cultist activity and glowing runes, they are documented in the book. This mark is the ruins, where I observed the High Priest and some of his followers performing a ritual, which I disrupted. The High Priest was wounded in the shoulder in the process, and I left them in disarray."
Thalion continues. "Eledrin, there is evidence they will summon a demon. They must be stopped, for the sake of the town and its inhabitants. And you can do it, if you act quickly and with my help."
Here Thalion proposes his plan: "The wounded High Priest and his cronies are at this moment surely headed back here, most likely to the manor, whose destruction they are ignorant of." Thalion shows the map. "Here is where they come from. Position guards or deputized townsfolk -- anyone you can trust -- to arrest them as soon as they approach the town. Then imprison them and notify the royal authorities. Capturing the High Priest will break the cult's hold on this town, and it will stop them from completing their summoning. That is the immediate goal. This book," Thalion indicates the book, "is written in a strange tongue, but it documents the cult's activities and surely the royal authorities can find someone to decipher it, and use it to ensure no one may follow in the High Priest's footsteps again."
Thalion then waits to see what Eledrin thinks of all this. It is Thalion's hope that Eledrin is motivated by concern for the town and its residents, as well as astute enough to see an opportunity to emerge from this disaster as a hero, if he acts quickly enough.
Working Together
Eledrin listens with rapt attention as you lay out your plan, his eyes wide with surprise and worry. He takes the book and the map from you, examining them closely as you explain their relevance. When you finish, he is silent for a moment, his mind clearly racing.
Finally, he looks up at you, his expression resolute. "Alright," he says. "I can see that you're serious about this, and I can't deny the evidence you've provided. It's more than we've had to go on before. We have to act quickly, like you said."
He stands up, rolling up the map and tucking the book under his arm. "I'll gather trustworthy guards and townsfolk. We'll set up an ambush for when the High Priest and his followers return. And we'll make sure to notify the royal authorities as soon as possible."
There's a newfound determination in his voice, and it's clear that he's ready to take action. "Thank you," he adds, looking at you with sincere gratitude. "Without you, we might never have had this chance."
With that, he leaves the inn, heading towards the town guard's station. You're left in the relative quiet of the inn, the tension of the night finally beginning to ease. You've set a plan in motion that could free Whitecliff from the Cult of the Dark Moon's grasp, and all that's left now is to see it through.
What would you like to do next?
Seeing It Through
Thalion will quickly tell Bodo that things are in motion, and to tell anyone he knows he can trust to help Eledin any way they can. Then Thalion will catch up to Eledin to assist in the ambush of the High Priest and his followers. Thalion's intent is to hide, and if the High Priest does not go quietly, perform a sneak attack on the High Priest.
You find Bodo and quickly relay the plan to him. He nods in understanding, saying, "I know some folks who won't stand for the cult's activities, Thalion. I'll spread the word."
With that, you catch up with Eledrin, who's managed to gather a group of sturdy, determined townsfolk and a few of the more reliable guards. With your help, they set up an ambush on the path the High Priest and his followers are likely to take.
The wait is tense, but eventually, you see a group of figures approaching in the darkness. At their head is a man favoring one shoulder, the High Priest. As they draw closer, Eledrin gives the signal, and the townfolk and guards spring their trap, rushing out to confront the cultists.
Taken by surprise, the cultists falter. The High Priest attempts to rally them, but you're ready for him. You spring from your hiding spot, landing a sneak attack on the High Priest that brings him to his knees.
With their leader down, the rest of the cultists surrender quickly, outnumbered and outmatched. The townsfolk and guards manage to capture them all without any casualties, and you can see the relief on Eledrin's face as he thanks you once again.
In the end, the High Priest and his followers are bound and escorted to the town's small jail, where they will await the arrival of the royal authorities. The townsfolk begin to disperse, murmuring excitedly about the night's events.
As the adrenaline fades, you're left standing in the quiet streets of Whitecliff, the knowledge of a job well done settling in. The Cult of the Dark Moon has been disrupted, their leader captured, and the town saved from their nefarious plans. You know there will be more to do in the coming days, but for now, you can rest easy.
Congratulations, Thalion! You have successfully completed your mission and saved the town of Whitecliff.
That was a fantastic experience. Thank you!
You're very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the adventure. If you ever want to continue with Thalion's journey or start a new one, don't hesitate to reach out. Happy adventuring!