conversations.from: system
conversations.value: *"If our friends ever return, will they return the chaos, or complete the order?"*
  
  *- Book of Light, Chapter One*
  
  
  For decades the remote village of Solis has seen peace, but it has not always been that way. Long time ago, longer than anyone in the village can remember, the village suffered through a dark time as the forces of evil moved to overtake it. A small band of heroes, known only as "The Circle of the Five" (or simply "The Five") fought back the darkness and saved the village... only to never be seen again.
  
  Now the village's oracle sees visions of the evil's return, images of the darkness sweeping across the land and overtaking the living with such intensity that there is no doubt that it will soon be reality. The village, having lived at peace for so long, lacks the resources to battle such evil.
  
  Reluctantly, the leadership in Solis has decided that it was time to seek the support of outsiders, mercenaries if you will, and be ready for the possibility of defending the village. No one is to say when, or even if, the evil will appear - or even what form it will take - but one can never be too safe...
  
  ===
  
  OOC: This adventure is inspired by a campaign written several years ago for D&D 4th Edition, and is currently being rewritten for 13th Age. At least at first, the path this story will take ay reflect that inspiration... but who knows where the framework that is Storium will allow this story to evolve into.
  
  Character Creation: You're free to make any character you like with one sort of restriction... it is the intent that all the characters are not actually from Solis or the immediate area. You could be from nearby regions or come from areas far and wide, but one way or another you are outsiders coming to an unknown village and a strange land. Everyone's a mercenary, if you will.
  
  Solis is a port village, on the southern tip of a relatively unexplored continent. You will all be arriving by boat.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You’re small but earnest, brave in a pinch, cunning and sly.
  
  ...
  
  Suggested Strength: Witty
  
  Suggested Weakness: Naïve
conversations.prefix: Halfling:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your ancient people are few, these days, but by your will and grace the world shall be bettered.
  
  ...
  
  Suggested Strength: Wise
  
  Suggested Weakness: Proud
conversations.prefix: Elf:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your folk are fortifying themselves beneath the ground, yet you seek adventure on the surface.
  
  ...
  
  Suggested Strength: Resilient
  
  Suggested Weakness: Obsessed
conversations.prefix: Dwarf:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Long have you trained for, and dreamt of, battle and adventure. No longer shall you wait for it.
  
  ...
  
  Suggested Strength: Strong
  
  Suggested Weakness: Dull-witted
conversations.prefix: Warrior:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You’re a rare sort: a genuine wizard. The fate of the land falls to folk as versed and wise as you.
  
  ...
  
  Suggested Strength: Wizardly
  
  Suggested Weakness: Frail
conversations.prefix: Wizard:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: That you’re a thief is not in dispute but your motives may be good and true.
  
  ...
  
  Suggested Strength: Stealthy
  
  Suggested Weakness: Conniving
conversations.prefix: Thief:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have dedicated yourself to the ways of faith so as to help and heal.
  
  ...
  
  Suggested Strength: Wise
  
  Suggested Weakness: Contemplative
conversations.prefix: Cleric:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: As the landed lords and ladies have their knights of the realm, so does the temple have you.
  
  ...
  
  Suggested Strength: Strong
  
  Suggested Weakness: Proud
conversations.prefix: Paladin:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You practice and protect the old ways, minding the beasts and the land with wisdom and care.
  
  ...
  
  Suggested Strength: Cunning
  
  Suggested Weakness: Oafish
conversations.prefix: Druid:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: No shining knight are you. You protect the common folk from the evils treading in from the wild.
  
  ...
  
  Suggested Strength: Dextrous
  
  Suggested Weakness: Brutish
conversations.prefix: Ranger:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strong of body.
conversations.prefix: Strong:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Quick and precise of hand and eye.
conversations.prefix: Dextrous:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Intelligent, even ingenious.
conversations.prefix: Cunning:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Able to withstand or recover from difficulty and pain.
conversations.prefix: Resilient:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Experienced and informed about the ways of the world.
conversations.prefix: Wise:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Attractive, persuasive, and likable.
conversations.prefix: Charming:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Quick on your feet, funny, and likable.
conversations.prefix: Witty:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Well schooled and informed about the facts of the land.
conversations.prefix: Educated:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: In command of some measure of magical power.
conversations.prefix: Wizardly:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Quiet and surreptitious in nature or demeanor.
conversations.prefix: Stealthy:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your fear holds you back sometimes.
conversations.prefix: Cowardly:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Uncultured and indelicate, perhaps even clumsy.
conversations.prefix: Oafish:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You tend toward thought over action to the point that is can cause you trouble.
conversations.prefix: Contemplative:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Physically weak, perhaps due to age or injury.
conversations.prefix: Frail:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Inexperienced and perhaps too trusting.
conversations.prefix: Naïve:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Insensitive, unsubtle, and forceful.
conversations.prefix: Brutish:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your mind is like a blunted blade: effective but imprecise.
conversations.prefix: Dull-witted:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Sometimes your confidence sours into arrogance.
conversations.prefix: Proud:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You’re preoccupied with your interests to the point of causing you trouble.
conversations.prefix: Obsessed:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You scheme, you conspire, and you are sometimes careless about lawbreaking.
conversations.prefix: Conniving:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Go where you’ve never been before and share your experiences through song and story.
conversations.prefix: Explore!:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Avoid the draw and distraction of the mundane in favor of headier, more spiritual affairs.
conversations.prefix: Resist Mundanity:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You’re building something greater than yourself, something that will better this land.
conversations.prefix: Through Right Crafting:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It’s not enough to withstand the darkness or to survive. You must push it back.
conversations.prefix: Defeat Evil:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Protect your secrets and maintain the façade that makes you seem wiser and more capable than maybe you are.
conversations.prefix: Keep Your Secrets:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Not everything is where it belongs in this world. You take things ... and put them where you say they belong.
conversations.prefix: Retrieve What’s Lost:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: People are suffering and it is your duty to heal them, bodily and spiritually.
conversations.prefix: Heal the Sick:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The unsettled dead are a danger and an affront. They cannot be allowed to persist. Slay them.
conversations.prefix: Put the Dead to Rest:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Heal the wounds caused by wicked monsters and human machinations even if you cannot prevent them.
conversations.prefix: Heal the Land:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Take it upon yourself to defend the innocent people of the land from the perils within and without.
conversations.prefix: Protect the Meek:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Poor Wat Greenfoot’s mission has turned to misadventure. Rescue him from the Mad Caves before it’s too late!
conversations.prefix: Rescue the Lost Adventurer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Unless the monstrous creature lairing in the Mad Caves is dealt with for good, it shall linger and hurt more folk.
conversations.prefix: Slay the Monster of the Mad Caves:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The Mad Caves were once carved like a rune into the mountain. Explore them fully to decipher that rune.
conversations.prefix: Chart the Mad Caves:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The old catacombs are full of precious grave goods and treasures going to waste down there.
conversations.prefix: Plunder the Catacombs:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The Mad Caves once teemed with Dwarf miners. Bring back some token of their handiwork.
conversations.prefix: Recover A Dwarf-made Treasure:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Those buried in the ancient catacombs deserve peace. Give those graves some semblance of honorable rest.
conversations.prefix: Restore Peace in the Catacombs:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The king’s daughter, a knight called Sir Gwyndolyn, may task you with grand quests if you prove your mettle to her.
conversations.prefix: Impress Sir Gwyndolyn:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Brother Conway knows the land and its people and can teach you much if he finds you worthy of the lore.
conversations.prefix: Impress Brother Conway:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The fabled Gilded Skull has been lost for a generation — and coveted by the royal family. Riches if you find it.
conversations.prefix: Find the Gilded Skull:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Wild boars roam the countryside in alarming numbers these days. Cull their ranks for the good of all.
conversations.prefix: Slay One Dozen Boars:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This sketchy, paper map of the Mad Caves was started by an adventurer hoping for riches, but it’s incomplete.
conversations.prefix: Map of the Mad Caves:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Fine swords such as these were once common across the land, combining Dwarf steel with Elf magic.
conversations.prefix: Enchanted Sword:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It’s no great treasure, but perhaps it’s a start.
conversations.prefix: A Few Loose Coins:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A sturdy iron key with a metal skull for a grip, this supposedly unlocks the ancient catacombs.
conversations.prefix: Skull Key:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A human skull, dipped in gold, with three gems for each eye. A ghastly gift buried by the ancients.
conversations.prefix: Gilded Skull:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A simple-looking torch that burns bright until commanded, in Elvish, to stop.
conversations.prefix: Ever-bright Torch:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This shiny black garment makes on hard to see and slows a fall — at least for a few feet.
conversations.prefix: Cloak of the Raven:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Ancient rings mades by the Elves like this once held great power, but most have lost their might.
conversations.prefix: Elven-make Ring:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Cruel-looking, heavy, and chipped... but sharp!
conversations.prefix: A Bloody Big Axe:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A simple glass vial, corked. Runes meaning “vital” are etched into the glass.
conversations.prefix: Potion of Hope:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This cozy place’s sign depicts a heraldic dragon with three paws raised to strike. The folk here couldn’t be nicer.
conversations.prefix: Dragon Rampant Inn:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: This half-crumbling old tower by the lake is where wizards meet, when wizards meet, which is rare these days.
conversations.prefix: Old Wizard’s Tower:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The only proper temple for miles, this modest building is mostly a nave and an altar for common worship.
conversations.prefix: Temple of the Wise:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Built in a grander time, this walled-in keep stands on a rock in the lake, reachable by a bridge of old stones.
conversations.prefix: Castle in the Lake:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Little more than a deep, dry well now, the so-called Bonepit leads to the ancient catacombs beneath the village.
conversations.prefix: The Bonepit:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Supposedly an ancient Dwarf-mine, the Mad Caves are a maze of rumored treasures and certain danger.
conversations.prefix: Tunnels of the Mad Caves:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The heart of the Mad Caves is Küzarn Curune, “Cavern of Anguish,” where many Dwarven miners perished in accidents.
conversations.prefix: Cavern of Anguish:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Dank and rank, this bone-strewn cave is surely the lair of something large, ravenous, and smelly.
conversations.prefix: The Lair:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The ancients buried their dead in catacombs at the lake’s edge, but the place half-flooded and was forgotten.
conversations.prefix: Ancient Catacombs:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A long-forgotten cavern that once glittered with silver and diamonds ... and might not be exhausted yet.
conversations.prefix: Treasure Vault:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The bridge across the Old River has washed out and the fjord here has always been dangerous.
conversations.prefix: Ruined Bridge:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The priests who sealed these doors etched a riddle into them, warning visitors and rebuking grave-robbers.
conversations.prefix: Riddle at the Gate:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This long passage of checkered slate is lined with little holes and recesses—perfect for hiding lethal traps.
conversations.prefix: Checkerboard Corridor:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A pressure plate on the floor triggers a trap meant to squash grave-robbers!
conversations.prefix: Crushing Walls Chamber:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The walls of this passage are lined with ancient bones. Even now they gather and form reaching, clawing hands!
conversations.prefix: Clawing Hands:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A crack in the wall betrays the existence of a secret door still held secure by an ingenious, complex locking mechanism.
conversations.prefix: Dwarf-make Door:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The crystals in this chamber sing and thrum out notes that threaten to enchant any who listen to them.
conversations.prefix: Crystal Song:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A narrow bridge of finely cut stones leads ahead ... if it holds.
conversations.prefix: Dwarf-make Bridge:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Is this swirling mass of molten fire some kind of trap? Or some kind of spirit?
conversations.prefix: Orb of Fire:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A dreadful squall pours down rain, making every movement into an ordeal.
conversations.prefix: The Storm:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The quiet, rotund keeper of the local inn hears all the tales and knows how to ply a patron to get a story told.
conversations.prefix: Burrick the Innkeeper:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Born in the capital but raised in the Castle in the Lake, this knightly princess sees the local people as hers to protect.
conversations.prefix: Sir Gwyndolyn of the Lake:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Raving and wild-eyed, this poor panicked soul claims to be the only escapee of a misadventure in the Mad Caves.
conversations.prefix: Mad Adventurer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Hungry, nasty, pointy-toothed goblins dwell in the wilderness and the caves, striking out to steal sheep and pies.
conversations.prefix: Pointy-toothed Goblins:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A brutish hulk, shaped roughly like a man but thrice as tall, with a tree limb for a club. It reeks something fierce.
conversations.prefix: Hulking Ogre:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: What might at first seem to be a slick of mold can turn out to be a vile, dissolving patch of malicious ooze.
conversations.prefix: Creeping Ooze:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Wild boar roam the countryside, eating pets and crops and scaring the common folk.
conversations.prefix: Razor-tusked Boar:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Yellowed bones striding and striking on their own, driven by will or ire or anguish alone.
conversations.prefix: Stalking Skeletons:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Poor Wat Greenfoot was part of a misadventure in the Mad Caves and soon he’ll be made into porridge for an ogre.
conversations.prefix: Wat Greenfoot:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Wise and kind, this monkish fellow travels about the land, healing and teaching. They say he has elf blood in him.
conversations.prefix: Brother Conway:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You've arrived in Solis. Time to get your room at the inn and patiently wait to be called before the court.
conversations.prefix: Settle In:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A heavy, menacing weapon marred by countless battles.
conversations.prefix: Gorem's Axe:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: An elegant rapier, meant to pierce the most troublesome of foes.
conversations.prefix: Orin's Sword:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Who knows what powers, arcane or not, it may wield?
conversations.prefix: Kallindra's Card:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The darkness threatens to taint and corrupt the land. It must be protected by those willing to come to its defense.
conversations.prefix: Protect the Land:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It is rumored that the darkness that came before killed most of the people in the village. Whatever form it takes, the people must be protected from it.
conversations.prefix: Protect the People:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A token given to you by the old man upon registration, it is to be presented at The Silver Bow Inn for free room and board during your stay.
conversations.prefix: Solis Coin:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A magical scroll that permits you to communicate in short sentences with Laris and Skye.
conversations.prefix: Scroll of Sending:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Lord Laris' wife, an elegant and noble elf that is far better at diplomacy than her impulsive husband.
conversations.prefix: Lady Lia:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A tough, battle-hardened dwarf. Sergeant at Arms of the village of Solis, he stands at Laris' side and would gladly give his life for his lord.
conversations.prefix: Brell Stonemount:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A mysterious eladrin, he serves as the spiritual and arcane advisor to the court.
conversations.prefix: Arenthia Skye:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Laris' son, long thought to have died in battle against Laris and his father, Erwyn.
conversations.prefix: Arlen:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The village of Solis is under attack for unknown reasons by hordes of undead breaching the outer walls.
conversations.prefix: Defend Solis:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Book of Light is an ancient artifact that, as far as anyone knows, is within the tower of Light.
conversations.prefix: Recover The Book of Light:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Lord Laris doesn't seem to care about the reasons for Arlen's appearance and his attack; he only knows that Arlen must be stopped and brought to him, alive if possible.
conversations.prefix: Stop Arlen:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: An unexplored world beyond the walls of Solis awaits discovery.
conversations.prefix: Explore!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The innkeepers of The Wayside Inn, Titus is a former professional gladiator and Irene is a former courtesan.
conversations.prefix: Titus and Irene:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The streets of Solis are in chaos as the invading undead slaughter everything in their path.
conversations.prefix: Village Streets - Assault:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Several skeletons have forced their way in to the throne room and are slowly moving towards Laris and Lia.
conversations.prefix: Assault on the Throne Room:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: An aged and battle-tested elf that has seen his fair share of conflict in the past, and does not look forward to the return of the darkness.
conversations.prefix: Lord Laris:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A loyal, long standing member of the Solis guard, he serves as the commanding officer to the squad responsible for the security of the main gate and the road out of Solis.
conversations.prefix: Lieutenant Marr:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: If you want to become the village's saviors, you first have to convince Lord Laris and Lady Lia that you are worthy of the task.
conversations.prefix: Impress The Court:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The center of government in Solis, this large vaulted chamber is where Lord Laris and Lady Lia preside over their subjects.
conversations.prefix: The Throne Room:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: An imposing centaur, Gorin is the Captain of the Guard and responsible for the security of the village. Best not to get him angry.
conversations.prefix: Gorin:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Lord Laris isn't about to hire anyone that walks in. He needs to be convinced that you are worthy of his time and capable of being the village's protector.
conversations.prefix: The Interview:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have arrived at the village. Best make yourself at home, because who knows how long it will be before you're called forth.
conversations.prefix: Arrival in Solis:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The village lacks the resources and the manpower to defend itself from such overwhelming odds.
conversations.prefix: Protect the Meek:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The weapon of choice of the guards in the village of Solis.
conversations.prefix: Village Guard Halberd:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Now that you've made the journey to Solis, let's hope you get the job and can hang around for a while.
conversations.prefix: Get Hired:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The dock on the southern bank of Solis is more active than usual, but it's not merchandise. Mercenaries are everywhere, looking for employment.
conversations.prefix: The Dock:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: An old man sits behind a desk near the door leading out. If you intend to enter Solis, you have to go through him.
conversations.prefix: Old Man:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: That you’re a thief is not in dispute but your motives may be good and true. You have deep pockets and many magical trinkets that allow you to cast minor spells meant to confuse and confound.
  
  ...
  
  Suggested Strength: Stealthy
  
  Suggested Weakness: Conniving
conversations.prefix: Arcane Trickster:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Quiet and surreptitious in nature or demeanor.
conversations.prefix: Stealthy:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You scheme, you conspire, and you are sometimes careless about lawbreaking.
conversations.prefix: Conniving:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Protect your secrets and maintain the façade that makes you seem wiser and more capable than maybe you are.
conversations.prefix: Keep Your Secrets:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You’re a rare sort: a genuine wizard. The fate of the land falls to folk as versed and wise as you.
  
  ...
  
  Suggested Strength: Wizardly
  
  Suggested Weakness: Frail
conversations.prefix: Wizardress:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: In command of some measure of magical power.
conversations.prefix: Wizardly:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Sometimes your confidence sours into arrogance.
conversations.prefix: Proud:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: An unexplored world beyond the walls of Solis awaits discovery.
conversations.prefix: Explore!: