Category: Agora Core

DM Note #6

Story Paths

This refers to Series 2, Episode 1 of Agora Core: Gifts of Pelor.

After the party was formed, their initial actions caused the original side-stories to be cut because they were never going to be able to walk around the town of Mid-Nis as free men.

And so the possible stories and adventures had to start anew.  I really like the moment in the episode when the well does seem to have run dry.  They are sitting in a tavern having a quiet drink and wondering where to go from here.

From here, their world is both limitless and directionless.  They have no burdens apart from staying clear of Mid-Nis.
Storylines were in place but needed them to make the first move.  It was interesting to see what happened next.  Orix even mentioned becoming pirates!

By talking to Dais in the tavern they heard the local gossip that they could profit from; a new ‘grave’ site discovered in the desert landscape known as the Da and the Mid-Nis mines requiring a Kobold elimination squad.

Their visionary dreams, brought about by the mysterious ‘Summit’, gave the players personal missions.  The visions also gave them insight into other sordid activities going on.

They decided to pursue the treasures in the desert, but they may yet return to the other options.  The Kobolds may yet grow stronger and Orix showed an interest in looking in on his friend Vian who left home to go to the mysterious Mara Society.  But first, let’s see what the Da has in store…

Non-Player Character Profile

Name: Belstogley
Race: Human
Location: Guardhouse prison in Mid-Nis
Episodes: 2 (Series 1, episodes 4 & 5)
Appearance:  Wild, hairy, wrinkly and muscular.

Personality: Enthusiastic and of-the-moment.

Background: An experienced fighter, Belstogley veered from his clan on the Dudron basin after he fell out with the clan elders.  After his expulsion from the clan, he continued his nomadic existence alone wondering between towns and taverns.

Strengths:  In the spur of the moment, he is exceptionally loyal, determined and friendly.

Weaknesses: Short-term memory resulting in total lack of planning.  Also a dependence on alcohol.

What Happened during the Roleplay:  In the cells of the Mid-Nis guardhouse, Belstogley is persuaded to help the party when they convince him they are friends with ‘Lou’.  He tells them about the armoury and helps them attempt to free their friend, Long Vernal.  In the ensuing attempt to escape from the guardhouse he raged, set fire to the guardhouse and attacked a line of charging guards.

Chance of recurring in future episodes:  Low. He was outnumbered by the guards 5/1 and was caught setting fire to the guardhouse.

Character Portraits used:  60 Terrible Character Portraits for Creative Commons Release by ‘A Terrible Idea’

Non-Player Character Profile

Name: Chief Vance Kooltar
Race: Human
Location: Mid-Nis
Episodes: 2 (Series 1, episodes 4)
Appearance:  With
rugged good looks and a strong build, there is no doubt that he can lead by
example in tough times.  He also appears
stern and earnest; a person you wouldn’t think of crossing.

Background: Vance is a famous son of Mid-Nis having grown
up there.  He is trusted and respected by
the citizens and only left to earn his credentials as a guard.  The times he spend in the Da with the tribes
changed him.  He became a tougher,
stronger leader but also lost some of his innocence and light-heartedness.

Strengths:  Righteous
and charismatic.
Weaknesses:  Small-town
pride could result in short-sighted decision-making.

What Happened:  Vance
received the information from Elstan about murderers in his midst.  He prepared his guards to intercept them at
the gates and chased down Long Vernal when he tried to escape.

Chance of recurring in future episodes:  Medium.
He is aware of the parties crimes and is keen to bring justice down on
them.  Whilst friends of Leigheas the
Cleric have turned a blind eye to the party’s movements, he would not be so
lenient.

Character Portraits used:
City Guard Captain by Windmaker (DeviantArt.com)