101 Intrigues... [Archive] - Wizards Community

101 Intrigues... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Quoriil
12-21-04, 11:29 AM In the spirit of 101 mysterious corpses.
I'm hoping to generate a heap of mysterious lead-ins to political intrigue that could be dropped into any Eberron campaign. I don't want to add in the details or the "secrets" that make the intrigue tick, just the bare bones.
- for some ideas take a look at the Dragonshard:
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebds/20040809a

1) The sounds of the celibration fade as you move off, the whirling forms of the House Phiarlan dancers obscured by the vine trellis. The cool breezes coming off the mountains make the candles on the railing gutter and for a moment you think you're alone, then you hear the voices...
"Lord, I have done as you asked, the heir will never be recognized now. The way is clear for your neice, how else may I serve?"
jonthegm
12-21-04, 11:55 AM 2) A cloaked figure steps out of the early morning fog. "Do you know the quickest way to..." The strangers voice gurgles as he trails off and slumps over, a dagger in his back.

3) As you walk through the marketplace, a youngish human is running pell mell through the throng, ignoring the ugly looks from shoppers and watchmen alike. You barely have time to notice him, though, before he bowls into (INSERT PC HERE). As you both go down to the street, you swear he reached into your pocket, an empty pocket... that isn't empty anymore. He is apologetic to a fault, and quickly runs off. You reach into your pocket and find... a note... "Karlen! You're in great danger! You must leave now!" Your name most certainly isn't now, nor never has been Karlen.
motorfirebox
12-21-04, 12:12 PM 4) ...that you know of!
jonthegm
12-21-04, 12:54 PM Heh, motorfirebox, well played!

5) The adventurers are attending a fancy ball. "You might want to fire your girl," a noblewoman mutters to one of the female PCs. "She made you a dress that looks like you bought it in a store." As consternation sets in at the implied slight, a voice cuts in, "My, Gladys Whitestone, you look ravishing and are as charming as ever, but if you'll excuse us?" The newcomer, obviously a very rich old man, waits until she is out of range. "You look like solid fellows... What do you think about Boranel's new scheme?"
Khopesh122
12-21-04, 01:36 PM 6) The music has become quieter, as have the conversations within the hall as the masquerade ball moves towards its close. The casual insults, probing questions, and fractions of overheard conversations hinting at deciet and treachery have all begun to run together in your mind, as fatigue and drink have conspired to dull your senses. Just as you come to realize that perhaps it is time for you take your leave, A servant approaches, looking none the worse for wear after the long evening. He presents a silver platter to you, bearing a rolled parchment held closed by a gold signet ring, with a mark unrecognizable to you. As you take the scroll, you hear a voice next to your ear, as if someone were whispering to you.

"Well played, and congratulations. Next time, I shall select the terms of our wager more carefully. Until then, to the victor go the spoils."
Golbez57
12-21-04, 02:52 PM 7) You have been granted the audience you sought with (key NPC contact), but it has come at the price of some coin and your patience. As might be expected for such a delicate matter, you are ushered into a secure, mostly featureless room and take your places around a simple but sturdy table.

As (key NPC contact) leans back into her/his/its seat, a low hum emanates from somewhere above as your (precious magic item of unknown origin) glows with an inner crimson light. (Key NPC contact)'s chair tumbles to the floor as she/he/it dashes back towards the door, already being opened by one of a pair of well-equipped warriors.

Flanked by these guardians, (key NPC contact) demands, "You open wide a window for others to casually observe our business? Be assured your scrying has not gone undetected!" Your minds race for answers as the warriors level their weapons towards you.
jonthegm
12-21-04, 02:59 PM 8) You knew talking to this crazy magician was going to be strange, but when he suddenly waved his arms and cursed loudly in a foreign tongue, you knew things were about to get stranger. The room you were in shifted somehow, and the old man was no longer there. In fact, you and your comrades seemed to be stuffed in like sardines into a very small room (Is that the fighter's sword, or is that a broom? Why is my foot in a bucket?). Conversation wafts in from somewhere. "That's a right mess the Lord Talrenee left us. Why'd he have to do in Mr. Sorenn out here on the good marble? I guess I'll fetch the mop..."
Rinna
12-21-04, 04:11 PM Let me just say I am dying to find out where all these little mysteries go to, sitting on the edge of my seat. I'm not as good at planning mystery and intrigue myself, so I'll just bask in the glow of yours. Might have to swipe one some time...

Keep 'em coming, guys.

Rinna
JabBond
12-21-04, 07:47 PM 9) The warden unlocks the door to your cell. "You must have friends in high places, scum. The captain says you're to be off, and quick. Clean out your room at the Halfling's Pack Inn, and I don't want to see you in my ward until well after the next Race of the Winds!"

You know you aren't innocent, don't know the captain, and you have no room at the Halfling's Pack Inn...
Khopesh122
12-22-04, 02:24 AM 10) 'Rogues, brigands, and unsavory ne'er-do-wells, the lot of 'em are!' Each sentence of the letter to the editor of the local newspaper makes your blood boil even more. Certainly vocal opinion against adventurers was nothing new, scarecely a week would go by without one uptight old noble or another making his opinion known. But the writer of this letter, he was your patron and staunch supporter. In a way, he was your friend too. But now he's all but calling for public lynchings of adventurers, and he names you and your companions in particular.
Karlindel
12-22-04, 11:58 AM 11) The adventurers are walking down the street. A man rushes through the crowd, chased by another, wearing town guard uniform/dragonmarked house crest/something more subtle. As he crashes past you, you notice an extra weight in your backpack/money pouch/pocket.

12) Travelling down the road to/from your destination, you notice a merchant on his wagon. It seems odd to see such a rotund/thin/sickly man travelling alone, but he has no guards.
jonthegm
12-22-04, 12:16 PM 13) "Oh, but do you have to leave so soon?" The count's daughter implores, walking in from the opposite door that the count left from, batting her eyelashes coquettishly at you. "I'm sure you have time to stay for dinner. You can tell me one of your exciting stories about your adventure in Darguun." She drops her eyes demurely, "Or we could make up a few interesting stories on our..."

As she trails off, you hear someone walking down the hallway, "I don't care what he said, it's just not true," A voice says, obviously the count. "Someone is going to have to deal with Duke Rogettas tonight, and I'm afraid, my son, my only child, that you are the one who has to do it."
kisama
12-22-04, 02:42 PM 14) As the players dine in a local restaurant a stranger approaches. "<insert pc name here>" he says, "I have something for you." and hands the pc a single gauntlet. The stranger then says "There is business in Lakeside which needs your immediate attention." and then turns and walks away toward the exit. Before leaving the room he turns and adds "Oh, when you see Drônam tell him, Ulnth has payed his debt." A million questions race through your mind as you turn the gauntlet over in your hands. Drônam who the stranger spoke of is your uncle, and as far as you know he is dead. More disturbing, you discover the gauntlet contains something: a severed hand, still intact, with a single ring on one of the fingers!
polt
12-23-04, 03:38 PM 15) ... and the ring has strange markings all over it, but somehow you understand it: "One ring to rule them all, one ring to...."
LewisLlynn
12-23-04, 04:31 PM :lol:

Love it! ;)
Lapson
12-23-04, 04:43 PM 16) You have and seen and heard of changelings impersonating elfs... but why would the wizard of house Thuranni have being impersonating a changeling through disguise self??
JabBond
12-26-04, 09:47 PM 17) A warforged with a holy symbol of the Sovereign Host on his chest collapses through the door of your tavern. He's so battered he can barely speak, but he keeps repeating "Little brother, gotta find little brother..."

:bump: (This thread's worth some more ideas, guys!)
Quoriil
12-28-04, 01:43 PM 18) Kicking his grease marked boots up onto your table the rough looking human man who introduced himself as "a friend" takes a drink of his watery ale. "I've got a question for you lot. If one was to know a certain Sivis errand-boy and know his goings here and there, and know that this errand boy has been carrying the same book back and forth between the 'embassy'..." At this he sneers. "Of New Cyre and the offices of one important Thurrani gentlewoman, what could one think?" Drinking his swill again he wipes his mouth of and grins at all of you. "Not lost then? Good enough, hows this then. Says I happen to know where this errand-boy fell down of the Barmin tower, say he landed in the back room of this very house of spirits. Landed hard too, gruesome thing that, all legs in arm-holes you know."
"Now say the lad was still carrying that book, I wonder what could come of that?" So saying he gestures over towards an empty corner, only it's not empty any more. An elf and a half-elf stand there, each has a small, black-bladed knife in their right hand. On the table between them a small, red leather-bound book gleams in the lamp light. "This should be interesting."
jonthegm
12-28-04, 02:18 PM 19) "Surely you didn't actually set foot in the sewers," the Lady Yarnon inquires hesitantly. "You sent a servant, or a trusted squire, of course."

Upon seeing your expression, she quails. "Well, ah... erm... won't you please have one of the servants bring you some food?" She bows, exusing herself. "My husband will be around shortly."

As the quartet of elves play beautifully away, Lady Yarnon moves off to speak in hushed tones with a group of other noblewomen. Some of the more decorated noblemen nod appreciatively and raise glasses in salutes, but all in all, it seems that everyone is avoiding you. Perhaps you should have used the Teaberry soaps instead of the Sandalwood.

Suddenly, out of the corner of your eye, you notice a short, thin, red-headed woman in a severe corset and blue ribbons staring at you. Her green eyes smoulder with hate so firey that her hair seems tame by comparison...

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Quoriil 12-21-04, 11:29 AM	In the spirit of 101 mysterious corpses. I'm hoping to generate a heap of mysterious lead-ins to political intrigue that could be dropped into any Eberron campaign. I don't want to add in the details or the "secrets" that make the intrigue tick, just the bare bones. - for some ideas take a look at the Dragonshard: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebds/20040809a 1) The sounds of the celibration fade as you move off, the whirling forms of the House Phiarlan dancers obscured by the vine trellis. The cool breezes coming off the mountains make the candles on the railing gutter and for a moment you think you're alone, then you hear the voices... "Lord, I have done as you asked, the heir will never be recognized now. The way is clear for your neice, how else may I serve?"
jonthegm 12-21-04, 11:55 AM	2) A cloaked figure steps out of the early morning fog. "Do you know the quickest way to..." The strangers voice gurgles as he trails off and slumps over, a dagger in his back. 3) As you walk through the marketplace, a youngish human is running pell mell through the throng, ignoring the ugly looks from shoppers and watchmen alike. You barely have time to notice him, though, before he bowls into (INSERT PC HERE). As you both go down to the street, you swear he reached into your pocket, an empty pocket... that isn't empty anymore. He is apologetic to a fault, and quickly runs off. You reach into your pocket and find... a note... "Karlen! You're in great danger! You must leave now!" Your name most certainly isn't now, nor never has been Karlen.
motorfirebox 12-21-04, 12:12 PM	4) ...that you know of!
jonthegm 12-21-04, 12:54 PM	Heh, motorfirebox, well played! 5) The adventurers are attending a fancy ball. "You might want to fire your girl," a noblewoman mutters to one of the female PCs. "She made you a dress that looks like you bought it in a store." As consternation sets in at the implied slight, a voice cuts in, "My, Gladys Whitestone, you look ravishing and are as charming as ever, but if you'll excuse us?" The newcomer, obviously a very rich old man, waits until she is out of range. "You look like solid fellows... What do you think about Boranel's new scheme?"
Khopesh122 12-21-04, 01:36 PM	6) The music has become quieter, as have the conversations within the hall as the masquerade ball moves towards its close. The casual insults, probing questions, and fractions of overheard conversations hinting at deciet and treachery have all begun to run together in your mind, as fatigue and drink have conspired to dull your senses. Just as you come to realize that perhaps it is time for you take your leave, A servant approaches, looking none the worse for wear after the long evening. He presents a silver platter to you, bearing a rolled parchment held closed by a gold signet ring, with a mark unrecognizable to you. As you take the scroll, you hear a voice next to your ear, as if someone were whispering to you. "Well played, and congratulations. Next time, I shall select the terms of our wager more carefully. Until then, to the victor go the spoils."
Golbez57 12-21-04, 02:52 PM	7) You have been granted the audience you sought with (key NPC contact), but it has come at the price of some coin and your patience. As might be expected for such a delicate matter, you are ushered into a secure, mostly featureless room and take your places around a simple but sturdy table. As (key NPC contact) leans back into her/his/its seat, a low hum emanates from somewhere above as your (precious magic item of unknown origin) glows with an inner crimson light. (Key NPC contact)'s chair tumbles to the floor as she/he/it dashes back towards the door, already being opened by one of a pair of well-equipped warriors. Flanked by these guardians, (key NPC contact) demands, "You open wide a window for others to casually observe our business? Be assured your scrying has not gone undetected!" Your minds race for answers as the warriors level their weapons towards you.
jonthegm 12-21-04, 02:59 PM	8) You knew talking to this crazy magician was going to be strange, but when he suddenly waved his arms and cursed loudly in a foreign tongue, you knew things were about to get stranger. The room you were in shifted somehow, and the old man was no longer there. In fact, you and your comrades seemed to be stuffed in like sardines into a very small room (Is that the fighter's sword, or is that a broom? Why is my foot in a bucket?). Conversation wafts in from somewhere. "That's a right mess the Lord Talrenee left us. Why'd he have to do in Mr. Sorenn out here on the good marble? I guess I'll fetch the mop..."
Rinna 12-21-04, 04:11 PM	Let me just say I am dying to find out where all these little mysteries go to, sitting on the edge of my seat. I'm not as good at planning mystery and intrigue myself, so I'll just bask in the glow of yours. Might have to swipe one some time... Keep 'em coming, guys. Rinna
JabBond 12-21-04, 07:47 PM	9) The warden unlocks the door to your cell. "You must have friends in high places, scum. The captain says you're to be off, and quick. Clean out your room at the Halfling's Pack Inn, and I don't want to see you in my ward until well after the next Race of the Winds!" You know you aren't innocent, don't know the captain, and you have no room at the Halfling's Pack Inn...
Khopesh122 12-22-04, 02:24 AM	10) 'Rogues, brigands, and unsavory ne'er-do-wells, the lot of 'em are!' Each sentence of the letter to the editor of the local newspaper makes your blood boil even more. Certainly vocal opinion against adventurers was nothing new, scarecely a week would go by without one uptight old noble or another making his opinion known. But the writer of this letter, he was your patron and staunch supporter. In a way, he was your friend too. But now he's all but calling for public lynchings of adventurers, and he names you and your companions in particular.
Karlindel 12-22-04, 11:58 AM	11) The adventurers are walking down the street. A man rushes through the crowd, chased by another, wearing town guard uniform/dragonmarked house crest/something more subtle. As he crashes past you, you notice an extra weight in your backpack/money pouch/pocket. 12) Travelling down the road to/from your destination, you notice a merchant on his wagon. It seems odd to see such a rotund/thin/sickly man travelling alone, but he has no guards.
jonthegm 12-22-04, 12:16 PM	13) "Oh, but do you have to leave so soon?" The count's daughter implores, walking in from the opposite door that the count left from, batting her eyelashes coquettishly at you. "I'm sure you have time to stay for dinner. You can tell me one of your exciting stories about your adventure in Darguun." She drops her eyes demurely, "Or we could make up a few interesting stories on our..." As she trails off, you hear someone walking down the hallway, "I don't care what he said, it's just not true," A voice says, obviously the count. "Someone is going to have to deal with Duke Rogettas tonight, and I'm afraid, my son, my only child, that you are the one who has to do it."
kisama 12-22-04, 02:42 PM	14) As the players dine in a local restaurant a stranger approaches. "<insert pc name here>" he says, "I have something for you." and hands the pc a single gauntlet. The stranger then says "There is business in Lakeside which needs your immediate attention." and then turns and walks away toward the exit. Before leaving the room he turns and adds "Oh, when you see Drônam tell him, Ulnth has payed his debt." A million questions race through your mind as you turn the gauntlet over in your hands. Drônam who the stranger spoke of is your uncle, and as far as you know he is dead. More disturbing, you discover the gauntlet contains something: a severed hand, still intact, with a single ring on one of the fingers!
polt 12-23-04, 03:38 PM	15) ... and the ring has strange markings all over it, but somehow you understand it: "One ring to rule them all, one ring to...."
LewisLlynn 12-23-04, 04:31 PM	:lol: Love it! ;)
Lapson 12-23-04, 04:43 PM	16) You have and seen and heard of changelings impersonating elfs... but why would the wizard of house Thuranni have being impersonating a changeling through disguise self??
JabBond 12-26-04, 09:47 PM	17) A warforged with a holy symbol of the Sovereign Host on his chest collapses through the door of your tavern. He's so battered he can barely speak, but he keeps repeating "Little brother, gotta find little brother..." :bump: (This thread's worth some more ideas, guys!)
Quoriil 12-28-04, 01:43 PM	18) Kicking his grease marked boots up onto your table the rough looking human man who introduced himself as "a friend" takes a drink of his watery ale. "I've got a question for you lot. If one was to know a certain Sivis errand-boy and know his goings here and there, and know that this errand boy has been carrying the same book back and forth between the 'embassy'..." At this he sneers. "Of New Cyre and the offices of one important Thurrani gentlewoman, what could one think?" Drinking his swill again he wipes his mouth of and grins at all of you. "Not lost then? Good enough, hows this then. Says I happen to know where this errand-boy fell down of the Barmin tower, say he landed in the back room of this very house of spirits. Landed hard too, gruesome thing that, all legs in arm-holes you know." "Now say the lad was still carrying that book, I wonder what could come of that?" So saying he gestures over towards an empty corner, only it's not empty any more. An elf and a half-elf stand there, each has a small, black-bladed knife in their right hand. On the table between them a small, red leather-bound book gleams in the lamp light. "This should be interesting."
jonthegm 12-28-04, 02:18 PM	19) "Surely you didn't actually set foot in the sewers," the Lady Yarnon inquires hesitantly. "You sent a servant, or a trusted squire, of course." Upon seeing your expression, she quails. "Well, ah... erm... won't you please have one of the servants bring you some food?" She bows, exusing herself. "My husband will be around shortly." As the quartet of elves play beautifully away, Lady Yarnon moves off to speak in hushed tones with a group of other noblewomen. Some of the more decorated noblemen nod appreciatively and raise glasses in salutes, but all in all, it seems that everyone is avoiding you. Perhaps you should have used the Teaberry soaps instead of the Sandalwood. Suddenly, out of the corner of your eye, you notice a short, thin, red-headed woman in a severe corset and blue ribbons staring at you. Her green eyes smoulder with hate so firey that her hair seems tame by comparison...