conversations.from: system
conversations.value: **The World: **Thirty years ago, a shadow began creeping across the land. The evil sorcerer Barrodrin took one kingdom after another; no matter how strong, they fell before his sinister magics. From his fortress, the Tower of Stars, his grasping hands stretched ever outward.
  
  Rumors began to grow that the sorcerer king would work a ritual to wrap himself in power--enough to bring all the known world under his control.
  
  Then, in a neighboring kingdom, a young knight rose to strength and might, gathered an army, and with the backing of kings and queens rode against Barrodrin. A fearsome battle, on his very doorstep, and in the heat of fighting Bright Rian raised her sword and struck Barrodrin a terrible blow.
  
  Alas, he did not die. He cast a spell of desperation with his own blood and fled, plans in ruins. Some believe his wounds will be his end. Others believe he will rise again. In either case, Rian's forces were victorious.
  
  . . .
  
  
  You were not among the fallen, nor among the victors standing bright and proud.
  
  You were Barrodrin's household, in his service for years, even decades. You knew him as others did not. His victories were your victories. His success was yours as well. His fall may bring you down to death.
  
  Following the battle, you were captured and held for several days in the war camp. No one came to question you, no one spoke to you; meals were brought in silence, and then taken away. You saw none of your former colleagues, only stone-faced guards in the crimson uniform of Rian's army.
  
  Eventually, you were taken under guard to the attackers' city. In the dungeons, you were reunited with the other survivors, to await your sentencing.
  
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  
  
  **Barrodrin:** Publicly, he was acknowledged as simply evil. You know the truth is more complicated. He is intelligent, tasteful, articulate, and cultured. He loves art and luxury, and insists on propriety at all times. He is rarely to be found in the grasp of any strong emotion. He is ruthless in his quest for dominion, and had been working towards it for more years than you have been alive. He can be charming when it suits him, but treats his household with distant respect.
  
  **Magic:** Magic is known, but difficult and rare. Several religions frown on it or demonize it. Most big spells require extensive set-up and exhausting personal expenditure.
  
  
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  
  
  
  **Notes:** Please feel free to edit the Nature cards - I would prefer you stay within the household roles provided, but take them as a jumping off point for your character. Create your own Strength, Weakness, and Subplot cards as needed.
  
  Think about your relationship with Barrodrin: did you hate him? Love him? Was it just a job? Were you evil because you served him? What about the others? If it's appropriate to do so, put it in your character description. If it should be secret, let me know when you submit.
  
  
  The early part of the game will trade between the present (post-defeat) and flashbacks to the Tower before Barrodrin's fall. I expect flashbacks to become less common as the story moves away from the immediate consequences and as characters and relationships become more clear.
  
  
  **Play style:** I'm looking for lots of character interaction. We will need to figure out as a group how comfortable we are with people moving other Player Characters, but generally I am ok with you moving NPCs in small/medium ways (Yes: writing a conversation between yourself and the interrogator. No: Revealing that the evil Queen Bavmorda has stolen Barrodrin's power and will be conquering the world as soon as the doom comet plunges into the sun!!!).
  
  I write in present tense, and I don't care what tense you use. Follow your joy.
  
  Looking for 3-6 characters. Any of the roles may be female or male (or neither).
  
  
  **Thanks:** This game owes a lot to Shifting Forest's *Argentin,* which I playtested many years ago, and to *Black Dogs* by Ursula Vernon. In particular, Barrodrin's character description is lifted nearly intact from the pages of *Argentin.* You don't need to have read either to be part of this story.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: name
conversations.prefix: Melor:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You can do a few small magics.
conversations.prefix: Small Magic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: name
conversations.prefix: Priest of the Benevolent Moon:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Steward of the Tower of Stars. He's run the house for years, always proper, always prepared.
conversations.prefix: Tallent:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Armain's fortress home. You lived and worked here for years. 
conversations.prefix: Tower of Stars (flashback):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Barrodrin's fortress home. You've lived and worked here for years.
conversations.prefix: Tower of Stars (flashback):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Barrodrin's fortress home. You lived and worked here for years. It's in ruins, now.
conversations.prefix: Tower of Stars:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: High Inquisitor. 
conversations.prefix: Lord Melor:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: One of the rota. 
conversations.prefix: Guard:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You can do a few small, household magics. 
conversations.prefix: Small Magic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: By playing this card, you give the Storyteller permission to kill off your character. 
conversations.prefix: Death:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Steward is no fighter. How did this happen? 
conversations.prefix: What Happened?:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're hurt. Please spend this asset like a weakness. Resolve challenges appropriately. Do not refresh your cards until you have used this up.
conversations.prefix: Weakness: Injury:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: At last, some friendly faces. How are they? 
conversations.prefix: Catch Up:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: He gave it to you several years ago... you've never been sure exactly what it's for, but it carries a scent of power. 
conversations.prefix: Barrodrin's Ring:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Codagh has a lot of questions, but it all boils down to two things: what is Barrodrin planning, and where is he now?
conversations.prefix: Adan:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Guerre has a lot of questions, but it all boils down to two things: what is Barrodrin planning, and where is he now?
conversations.prefix: Marcelina:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: She has a lot of questions, but it all boils down to two things: what is Barrodrin planning, and where is he now?
conversations.prefix: Vhaldrun:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Volna has a lot of questions, but it all boils down to two things: what is Barrodrin planning, and where is he now?
conversations.prefix: Marl:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Codagh's questions today got you thinking... what might Mero want to know about your master's work?
conversations.prefix: Adan:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: By playing this card, you agree to suffer some future setback, to be determined by the Narrator. 
conversations.prefix: Trouble:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You can do one small spell, but it will sap your strength for hours. It doesn't take much planning, but it will attract a lot of attention, if anyone is around to hear you. 
conversations.prefix: Small Magic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You can do one medium spell, but it will sap your strength for days. You need to do a little planning for it. It will also attract a lot of attention, if anyone is around to hear you chanting. 
  
  *Play the whole stack of cards to represent your planning and ritual. When the final one is played, you can complete the spell.*
conversations.prefix: Medium Magic:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's quite sharp.
conversations.prefix: Dagger:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It isn't worth much, but it's got sentimental value.
conversations.prefix: Necklace:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Blank pages torn from the back of your notebook. If only you still had your pencil... and someone to write to. 
conversations.prefix: Paper:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Vhaldrun's second in command
conversations.prefix: Guard Laressa:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Guard
conversations.prefix: Guard Morley:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Guard
conversations.prefix: Guard Teegan:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've got the advantage of surprise: the intruder probably thinks you're still asleep. 
conversations.prefix: Ask questions, or call for help?:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You can do one small spell, but it will sap your strength for hours. It doesn't take much planning, but it will attract a lot of attention, if anyone is around to hear you. 
conversations.prefix: Small Magic (copy):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You can do one large spell, but it will sap your strength for days. You'll need to do extensive ritual set-up, and it will attract a lot of attention, if anyone is around to hear your interminable chanting. 
  
  *Play the whole stack of cards to represent your planning and ritual. When the final one is played, you can complete the spell.*
conversations.prefix: Large Magic (copy):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You can do one medium spell, but it will sap your strength for days. You need to do a little planning for it. It will also attract a lot of attention, if anyone is around to hear you chanting. 
  
  *Play the whole stack of cards to represent your planning and ritual. When the final one is played, you can complete the spell.*
conversations.prefix: Medium Magic (copy):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Lord Barrodrin has requested Marcelina's playing. 
conversations.prefix: Sweet Music:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Jacks the guard's hometown
conversations.prefix: Ban Ratheim:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Seat of the Worship of the Benevolent Moon
conversations.prefix: Mallon:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: New guy, suspect
conversations.prefix: Guard Jacks:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Guard, Tower of Stars
conversations.prefix: Guard Baird:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Runs the prison guards. She's hard but fair.
conversations.prefix: Commander Beren:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You managed the Tower's gardens and open spaces. Though technically working under the Steward, you were given significant control over your budget and plans.
conversations.prefix: Groundskeeper:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Further Barrodrin's vision of a world united under him.
conversations.prefix: The Future is Bright:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You managed the kitchen, including ordering supplies and doing most of the cooking. You presented budgets to the Steward, but had free reign with the day-to-day.
conversations.prefix: Cook:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your odds are not looking great. Better work on that.
conversations.prefix: Survive:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You don't have much without service. Who will you care for now?
conversations.prefix: Service:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Play cards here to advance your personal goals, outside the main challenges of the scene. You don't need to complete this challenge.
conversations.prefix: Goings-on:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Assorted, unsorted
conversations.prefix: Equipment:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Barrodrin loves beauty, and your music certainly is that. You technically work under the Steward, but your only responsibility is to be available when Barrodrin calls. 
conversations.prefix: Musician:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The youngest of the staff, he ran errands for Barrodrin, Vahn, Vhaldrun, and Adan.
conversations.prefix: Trent:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: She's often away for weeks on end, spreading rumors and gathering information. 
conversations.prefix: Aimes:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A servant here for three years. He grew up in the village at the bottom of the valley. 
conversations.prefix: Kieran:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Brisk and sharp tempered, but a very good cook. 
conversations.prefix: Odelle:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Dry, chilly, bare; the only light comes down through a long grated lightwell or the barred door of the cell. There's no privacy here. 
conversations.prefix: Dungeon:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Many have received their sentence here. The inquisitors make their rulings, and crowds gather below as clerks shout them from the high balcony. 
conversations.prefix: Hall of Justice:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You were the head of Barrodrin's household; you managed his servants and accounts. You served him longer than any of the others.
conversations.prefix: Steward:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You don't want them getting out.
conversations.prefix: Secrets:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Now that the hated Barrodrin is defeated, you're free. Well. In a sense. 
conversations.prefix: Free:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You were to be Barrodrin's heir, but you don't yet have his power or knowledge. Socially, you were outside the hierarchy of the servants, but closer to them than to Barrodrin. 
conversations.prefix: Sorcerer's Apprentice:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You recognize someone - one of Aimes's former network. Will they help you?
conversations.prefix: One Last Loyalist:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Now that Barrodrin is gone, what's the point of anything?
conversations.prefix: Why Go On?:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's nice to be useful. 
conversations.prefix: Service:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You can do one large spell, but it will sap your strength for days. You'll need to do extensive ritual set-up, and it will attract a lot of attention, if anyone is around to hear your interminable chanting. 
  
  *Play the whole stack of cards to represent your planning and ritual. When the final one is played, you can complete the spell.*
conversations.prefix: Large Magic:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You dressed Barrodrin or his apprentice, tended their needs, and cared for their private rooms. When not at those duties, you ran errands for the other servants.
conversations.prefix: Body Servant:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You ran Barrodrin's network of spies and informants. You worked for him almost as long as the Steward. 
conversations.prefix: Spymaster:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have very good recall, an organized mind. 
conversations.prefix: Memory:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You commanded a small force of armsmen (4-6) and managed the tower's immediate security. When Barrodrin traveled, you were often his only bodyguard.
conversations.prefix: Guard Captain:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Master of the house. Articulate, intelligent; a lover of art and luxury. Distant and reserved.
conversations.prefix: Barrodrin:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You swept, dusted, washed, carried - whatever needed doing. You took orders from the Steward and the Cook, and rarely interacted directly with Barrodrin. 
conversations.prefix: House Servant:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Maro Queen. She has stood firm against Barrodrin's expansionist politics for several years. 
conversations.prefix: Queen Ninoa:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: An untested knight of Mero only a few years ago, she's now lauded as a hero for bringing Barrodrin down. 
conversations.prefix: Bright Rian:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The seat of the Mero Queen and her Council. The city is rich with the taxes from its deep river port. Right now it's bursting at the seams with dignitaries, here to divvy up the remains of Barrodrin's empire. 
conversations.prefix: Merrogamut:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Playful, but very good at her job. 
conversations.prefix: Niven:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: She returned last night. You need to talk to her about the new guard, Jacks. You're worried he might be a spy. 
conversations.prefix: Aimes, the Spymaster:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Barrodrin likes things tidied and neat when he's able to move around again. Your gardens are never *untidy*, of course. Still, it can't hurt to have a short stroll. 
conversations.prefix: The Gardens:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: They have a lot of questions, but it all boils down to two things: what is Barrodrin planning, and where is he now?
conversations.prefix: Interrogation:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Someone has recognized you. You are questioned about Barrodrin's holdings; his wealth; his conquered territories. 
conversations.prefix: Vahn:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Uncomfortable and bare; there are two chairs and a small table. A guard stands by the door. 
conversations.prefix: Interrogator's Offices:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Vhaldrun worked with her for a few years, a long way back. A very long way, now. She was good, sturdy, the kind of soldier you like to have at your side. No nonsense. 
conversations.prefix: Dekker Krieg:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Questions Marcelina. 
  
  An older gentleman in tidy garments... He introduces himself in a pleasant voice.
conversations.prefix: Guerre:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Questions Adan. To the point, willing to bargain. 
conversations.prefix: Codagh:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Questions Vahn. Confident, presents herself as high social status. 
conversations.prefix: Cassis:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Questions Marl. Young  woman. 
conversations.prefix: Volna:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Guard
conversations.prefix: Guard Kairie:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Gardens take constant effort.
conversations.prefix: Winterize:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Lyra Delcol has been commanding soldiers for thirty years, sometimes in the service of a government, sometimes at the head of mercenary forces.
conversations.prefix: General Delcol:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Several of the rarer magical components Barrodrin prefers to use came from Alendish merchants. With the onset of war, trade has dried up. 
conversations.prefix: Resupply:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Master has you taking notes from antique texts. You're pretty sure Flaneret's *Lawes and Historie of Magyk* was obsolete a century ago. 
conversations.prefix: Research:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Barrodrin plans to travel with just you and Trent. He wants to move fast, but it's careless to go so undefended. 
conversations.prefix: One guard?:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Marcelina is summoned to the garden to play.
conversations.prefix: Sweet Music:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You commanded a small force of armsmen (4-6) and managed the tower's immediate security. When Barrodrin traveled, you were often his only bodyguard.
conversations.prefix: Guard Captain:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Deadly with a weapon, and skilled with small unit tactics.
conversations.prefix: Armsman:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Loyal to a fault.
conversations.prefix: Obedience:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's all you have left.
conversations.prefix: Keep Your Honor:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You managed the Tower's gardens and open spaces. Though technically working under the Steward, you were given significant control over your budget and plans.
conversations.prefix: Groundskeeper:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A lot of what passes for genius is really just good planning and organization. You have a finely honed skill for figuring out what needs to be done, plotting a course of action, and carrying out that plan.
conversations.prefix: Strategist:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have a proud, haughty spirit, and you think you're better than most people. 
conversations.prefix: Hubris:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The grounds will die or run wild without your care. You have to find a way to survive and get back to them. 
conversations.prefix: Save the Grounds:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Barrodrin loves beauty, and your music certainly is that. You technically work under the Steward, but your only responsibility is to be available when Barrodrin calls. 
conversations.prefix: Musician:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You don’t have to say anything. It’s in that smile, in the way you move. It’s almost hypnotic.
conversations.prefix: Alluring:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You love someone so deeply that your heart aches when you can't protect them.
conversations.prefix: Love:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Further Barrodrin's vision of a world united under him.
conversations.prefix: The Future is Bright:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You were the head of Barrodrin's household; you managed his servants and accounts. You served him longer than any of the others.
conversations.prefix: Steward:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Unwilling to sit idle,  you've mastered the instinct to always be in motion. Finish the thing before it needs finishing, and everyone benefits.
conversations.prefix: Initiative:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You gave up everything you had for Barrodrin, including your noble line. His loss has taken everything from you. 
conversations.prefix: Disenfranchised:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You don't have much without service. Who will you care for now?
conversations.prefix: Service:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You were to be Barrodrin's heir, but you don't yet have his power or knowledge. Socially, you were outside the hierarchy of the servants, but closer to them than to Barrodrin. 
conversations.prefix: Sorcerer's Apprentice:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Master did teach you a few things, though you wish he taught you more. But understanding even a fraction of his vision is insight beyond the ken of those who oppose him.
conversations.prefix: Forbidden Knowledge:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are not an innocent.  As your master's shadow,  you were complicit in his plots and schemes and your moral compass has been forever altered. Your secrets are darker than most.
conversations.prefix: Sins of the Master:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Further Barrodrin's vision of a world united under him.
conversations.prefix: The Future is Bright:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: When you commit to something, whether that's a person or a cause, you stand by it to the end.
conversations.prefix: Devoted:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have the magic touch and a silvery voice to produce music so sweet and enchanting that your melodies bring inspiration to those who hear it.
conversations.prefix: Enchanting Melody:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're different from those around you. You dont trust others and you hold them at arm's length. The resulting loneliness makes you desperate for any type of connection. 
conversations.prefix: Isolated:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It is not your custom to let an enemy's offenses go unpunished.
conversations.prefix: Vengeful:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: When the sun is shining, one can never make too much hay.
conversations.prefix: Opportunistic:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Years of obsession and a need for absolute control of your environment have left you with a keen eye for detail. Sometimes this even works out for you. 
conversations.prefix: Observant:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Further Barrodrin's vision of a world united under him.
conversations.prefix: The Future is Bright:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: If by living or by dying you can spare them from harm, it shall be so, no matter the cost.
conversations.prefix: Protect Your Charges: