As the party stepped off the ship, their attention was diverted from the small port city they’d just arrived in to the sheer, black obsidian face of the mountain that formed the eastern and southern boundary of the city proper. The massive stone walls on the northern and western side of the city were nearly as intimidating, as were the huge stone gates that granted access to the city square.
The gates stood open as they entered, the hearty “Welcome to Moonhaven!” offered by the guards drowned by the sounds of festivity. The adventurers stepped through into a square filled with carts, ribbons, music and dancing. On the square proper were musicians, dancers, and performers of all ilk, seemingly rehearsing amidst the hubbub surrounding them, oblivious to the captivated faces of onlookers. The Moonhaven Challenge was in full swing, and townsfolk and traveler alike were looking to make a name for themselves.
“It seems the entire city has come out for this,” said the scoundrel, his eyes glinting. “There are pockets just ripe for the picking!”
“Please,” said the arcanist, “there are much greater prizes than a coin purse can offer.”
“Indeed,” said the mentalist, “and perhaps we can help ourselves to both coin and bauble!”
The party arrives in a port town called Moonhaven, seeking information on their current quest (or the metaquest, as the GM determines). They arrive in the midst of the Challenge, an annual Moonhaven event that brings travelers even across the sea to participate. It is a challenge of performance (a party containing a Bard or other performance-enabled character can even enter the contest, if he/she desires). The party are informed through their conversations that shops close during the performances, and that the entirety of the city populace takes a rest in order to enjoy the festivities. This leaves two major decisions/pathways the adventure can/should take:
- The party participates in the Challenge, with winning granting them material rewards and an audience with the city’s overseer. Losing the challenge means no material reward, but the overseer is so intrigued by the performance(s) that he or she asks to meet with the party, at which point they can attempt to gain information through interaction with the NPC.
- The party attempts to gain information/wealth through subterfuge. The shops and library within the city are unguarded (to the PCs knowledge), and stealthily-minded party members can (and probably will) help themselves.
The downside of option 2 is that the shops and library ARE guarded, by disembodied, invisible, arcane eyes. They are the product of the local alchemist/enchanter, and are placed up SPECIFICALLY due to the influx of outsiders who come to Moonhaven for the Challenge. If the PCs rob the city, they will be confronted by a horde of disgruntled townspeople the following morning, who will be waiting outside the PCs inn. Moonhaven’s overseer doesn’t take kindly to theft, so even if the PCs return the stolen property, other punishments will be set forth, at the discretion of the GM.
Will diplomacy rule the day, or will the PCs have to fight their way out of the walled city? Only you can decide.
Joe Patterson
