Arc 1.3 We Pray in the Shadows

Structure

Exposition

Elric and Cedric have rescued some villagers from the clutches of the rakashans. However, the dreaded mists have sprung up and they are lost. While wandering around, they hear a noise from up ahead, and see a naga patrolling. Luckily, the PCs are not yet spotted, though the naga appears to be alerted. 

They see a small opening in the side of a column that opens into a wider, single-room chamber with a sandy floor. Encourage them to hide there until the naga passes, or until the mist clears. In the room after searching, they will find a piece of softsteel in the shape of a flattened oval about two inches long and half an inch thick, highly polished, with an indentation on one face the size of one's thumbs.

There is a kind of inscription (in Bhaasa) scratches into the wall. If they decipher it, it reads: "We pray in the shadows that we may summon the light." This seems to be an ancient Passaggio Dei, a shrine.

In the appropriate time, the other portion of the group will be heard outside passing by with the Guiding Flame.

Conflict

Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d10, Spirit d10, Strength d12, Vigor d10 Skills: Fighting d8, Guts d10, Intimidate d12, Notice d10, Spellcasting d10, Stealth d4, Taunt d8 Pace: 7; Parry: 6; Toughness: 10 Treasure: Worthwhile. Weapons: “Gyro” Bow: +1 Shooting, 2d6+1 Damage, negates Unstable Platform penalties. Special Abilities: • Bite: Str+1. • Constrict: A naga may choose to constrict a foe in her coils and does so by making a Fighting attack. The round it entangles and each round thereafter it causes damage equal to Str+3. The prey may attempt to escape by getting a raise on an opposed Strength roll. Given its large size, a naga may constrict one foe and bite another, suffering the standard multi-action penalty. • Hypnotic Gaze: The naga can use the puppet power using its Smarts as their arcane skill. It can use and maintain the power indefinitely, but may only affect one target at a time. • Magic: Corrupt nagas practice arcane magic. They have 30 Power Points and know the following powers: armor, bolt, boost/lower trait, deflection, dispel, fear, obscure, and quickness. • Quick: A naga is frighteningly quick for its size, and redraws cards of 5 or less. • Size +3: A naga is 15' long and about a foot in diameter.

Parent Plot

Arc 1: The Crucible