```metadata title: Reap what you Sow description: '' tags: [] systems: [] renderer: V3 theme: 5ePHB ``` {{frontCover}} {{position:relative,top:-30px # Reap what you Sow ## Ariadne's Codex of Strings ___ }} {{banner The Last Bastion}} {{footnote Part 2 of Custodians at the Spire! }} ![background image](https://cdn.midjourney.com/b1a3bf0e-654b-4e90-a6e5-5a87f4bb36bf/0_2.webp){position:absolute,top:0,left:-20px,height:120%} \page {{imageMaskCorner36,--offsetX:-50%,--offsetY:50%,--rotation:0 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/56584aa2-88af-41e1-8e6a-f15f9a2ac0b8/0_2.webp){height:100%,transform:scalex(-1),top:-0px,right:-00px} }} {{imageMaskCorner36,--offsetX:59%,--offsetY:4%,--rotation:0 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/56584aa2-88af-41e1-8e6a-f15f9a2ac0b8/0_2.webp){height:100%,transform:scalex(-1),top:-0px,right:-00px} }} ![Commander Julius](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105539299815989330/1205265360459403294/Julius-Photoroom.png-Photoroom.png?ex=6605e256&is=65f36d56&hm=410e10ea9eb4076b49e2e215d5fb9a9f1870fbb1e3f9c83f28968aebbf789b20&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3087&height=4081) {position:absolute,top:40px,right:370px,width:440px,transform:scalex(} {{monster,frame,text-align:center,position:relative,right:-370px,top:-20px : ## What have you brought for me today, Vatha? : Have these strangers been accused of some insignificant crime and sentenced to death by the reds? Wouldn't be the first time. They are getting bolder by the day. You give them an inch, they take a mile. They know the Senate is trying to curtail their power. Don't fret: they won't be able to act without consequences for much longer. : I haven't met you all before, foreigners. Are you enjoying our beautiful city? I am Commander Julius Cassius, in charge of the noble Amaranth Legion. A pleasure to meet you. : Do not fret, I will not charge you with any crimes for your altercation with the red cloaks. Their gall should bring them shame, yet the words of that damned Zephrahim are making reasonable men into zealous fanatics. : Do tell me what happened, in detail. I will do what I can to compensate you. We might save this city from tyranny yet, if we work together. : }} {{position:relative,top:250px,left:-34px,text-align:center ## Commander Julius : Senator Vatha navigates the city with you in toe, until she stops in front of a beautiful glass building. At the front, waiting for her, is a handsome blonde elf, his silver armor glistening in the sun of the afternoon. : He smiles at you, reassuringly. You get the sense that he has already been briefed of your situation. He and Vatha exchange a knowing glance as your group approaches. : The Commander's regal bearing exudes an air of both confidence and authority few can match but the Senator herself. His sword, stuck to the ground, seems to shine in golden light every so often, as if catching the rays of the sun upon the blade. Before he speaks, he takes the time to look each and every one of you in the eye. An acknowledgement. That is more than you've been given since you entered the city. }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} \page {{imageMaskEdge5,--offset:6%,--rotation:260 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/56584aa2-88af-41e1-8e6a-f15f9a2ac0b8/0_2.webp){height:100%,transform:scalex(-),top:-0px,right:-00px} }} {{imageMaskCorner33,--offsetX:-23%,--offsetY:59%,--rotation:60 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/56584aa2-88af-41e1-8e6a-f15f9a2ac0b8/0_2.webp){height:100%,transform:scalex(-),top:-0px,right:-00px} }} {{position:relative,top:320px ### Motives Senator Vatha and Commander Julius are eager to have the party stay in the Inner Ring, both for different reasons. : ***Insight DC 15.*** Vatha is probably using you as a publicity stunt. Walking around the city with you in toe, she is showing off her goodwill towards strangers, which is probably aligned with her political cause. Still, she is very hospitable to you even when no one is watching. There seems to be more behind her actions. : ***Insight DC 20.*** Behind the Senator's actions, there is guilt. She is overcompensating for her sister's action. She probably has been doing this her entire life. The weight of responsibility seems to be engrained in her so deeply, she feels like you are her charge. : You can see it in the looks she gives Julius, in her offer to stay at her apartment while she is away. She feels responsible for you. ### A Job Opportunity Julius is much more straight forward with his ask. As soon as the Senator leaves, he turns to you with a charismatic smile and a piercing look. {{descriptive,width: *"Since you are going to stay in the city for a few days... would you mind helping me out with something? I mean no offense when I say this: I have a job only a group of rugged strangers such as yourselves can do.* : *Don't worry, I won't force you into anything. Vatha and I fight for freedom, after all. The legion can pay you well, and with more than just riches. Plus, you would be helping the city in more ways than one. Imagine what perks that would bring, eh?* : *If you are interested... stop by one of these days.*" }} }} ![senator](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105539299815989330/1205275155182653472/vatha_smile_2-Photoroom.png-Photoroom.png?ex=6605eb75&is=65f37675&hm=7321ce94333dd668fe59a195cfa79a504f43952e96a411bc8b811261f12f141e&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3087&height=4081) {position:absolute,top:20px,right:2px,width:400px} {{monster,frame,background-color:,position:relative,right:-30px,top:530px,text-align:center : ## Just a Favor to Repay : Thank you, Commander. You good will towards our cause in the Senate is always a blessing. I will be going now, I have to prepare for the extraordinary session called by the chancellor. It's still a few days away but... I fear Zephrahim is closing in on this city. : As for you, strangers, I must thank you for giving your statement. I will present this to the Senate; the Red Custodians must be reeled back. In the meantime, Julius will make sure no one harrasses you while you stay in our city. : Lodging? Oh, no, no tavern would rent you a room in this part of town, you'd have to go back to the Trading Spire. Thought... if you really want to stay, you can always have my appartment. : It's spacious, and... well, I don't use it anymore. I spend most of my nights in the Senate, these days. The bills proposed by Zephrahim's party are getting harder and harder to oppose. Plus, I'll have someone to take care of my plants! : Oh, don't worry about payment! It doesn't bother me at all. Quite the contrary; it's just a favor to repay. The attack... I'm sorry. I truly am. I'll see if I can drop by, one of these days, and we'll all have dinner. Sound good? : }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} \page {{imageMaskEdge1,--offset:25%,--rotation:180 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/e32c6540-bc94-4ac6-b3b4-52b6d6f95e52/0_1.webp){height:60%,top:0,left:-60px} }} {{imageMaskEdge1,--offset:25%,--rotation:0 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/5d130b74-3e30-4a3a-82f3-b6d33c279fdd/0_3.webp){height:52%,bottom:-10px,left:-0px} }} ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: {{text-align:center,wide ## Vatha's Apartment }} : ### A Safe Place to Stay The Veral family's apartment can be used by the party as a base of operations while staying in the Inner Ring. It's as big as it is empty. It seems several people once lived here, as it has eight separate bedrooms. Now, the mighty senatorial apartment is completely empty. : There are pictures. A numerous family, by the looks of it. Vatha's parents, several aunts and uncles, their grandparents. A very tight-knit family, all working together in the Senate. Where have they all gone? ##### About the Apartment Several complex spells seem to have been put in place to clean and reorder the apartment every time something is even slightly out of place. Most objects are animated and rearrange themselves after being used. Vatha is extremely orderly, it seems. : One of the bedrooms is locked with an arcane binding. The rest are open to be used. The main hall of the apartment complex is an enormous common room, probably destined for great parties or extra-official senate meetings. The top floor is an observatory and an office, by the looks of it, and is locked with the same binding as the mysterious bedroom. \column :: {{note ##### Sandbox Storytelling The apartment is yours to play with! Giving your players a place to stay within the city is great for them to feel safe in such a hostile environment. Remember that foreigners are constantly harassed when not in the company of an authority figure. This safe haven is very useful to have them roleplay and deliberate about what to do in the city. : It's at this point that you should allow them to explore and pursue their own personal quests. Whatever brought them to the city in the first place. Arriving at the apartment should is the middle point of the story. They can call Commander Julius via a sending stone in the common room to escort them wherever they please -- he has been instructed to protect them, after all -- or they can take their chances and go out alone. : If the party chooses to have Julius accompany them in the city, have him remind them about the main quest. Whenever they are ready to continue, they can talk to him about the job. : Try to keep the main story beats vague around your players, to give them the most freedom possible: Julius has "a lead", and the Senate session is "to be scheduled in the coming days", nothing urgent. Keep in mind the rest of the story is an out of the frying pan, into the fire kind of sequence, so let your players fool around to their hearts content! }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} \page {{position:relative,top:-10px,left:-10px #### The Secrets of the Veral Family This once lively apartment hides many pieces of key information that can change the course of the story. : ***Investigation DC 10.*** There is a fairly large book in the living room table, untitled, but with several pages marked. It seems to be a personal account of Galavos Veral, Vatha's father, of his years as a senator. You still don't quite grasp the Teng language, that strange variant of primeval. : If Galavos' journal is read by magical means, they discover long pages concerning the difficult diplomatic relationship Uldann maintained with Imrath before the city fell. Galavos was an ambassador, and often traveled to Imrath in an attempt to mend the century-old rivalries between the two great cities. : Trade deals gone wrong, industrial espionage, political discontent, just to name a few. Galavos account states that no one is truly at fault for the many issues both cities have with each other. "It's just the nature of civilizations," he states. : Vatha's father never finished the book. His last account tells of himself leaving Vatha in charge of Andromeda, as they were "too young", and traveling with the rest of his family to try and help with a terrorist insurrection that threatened to destroy Imrath. It seems they were calling for Uldann's help, before falling. : ***Perception DC 15.*** The locked room appears to be Andromeda's, judging from the faint scent of bloody iron lingering at its entrance. : ##### Andromeda's Room If the party casts *Knock* at 4th level or higher on the door, it opens. The door can also be broken down. The room is in total disarray -- it probably hasn't been cleaned since the Bloody Praetor left the house, likely some years ago. Vatha could not bring herself to enter. : ***Investigation DC 15.*** A gold locket can be found beneath Andromeda's bed. It hides a single photograph of Galavos, his wife, and their two girls. Andromeda can't be more than five years old in the picture. She has black hair and brown eyes, just like her dad, while Vatha, age ten, hugs her from behind, an enormous smile on all their faces. : This item is personal, but it seems it has been abandoned here for some time. Perhaps it is wise to keep it. You will most likely encounter Andromeda again before this is all over. : A simple engraving is written on the locket, in the Teng language. It reads: }} {{quote,text-align:center,position:relative,top:15px Fortitudine Vincimus }} {{imageMaskCorner34,--offsetX:57%,--offsetY:-30%,--rotation:50 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/d7eb8a97-76ae-4555-a871-d594422d1416/0_0.webp){height:100%,left:250px} }} {{imageMaskCorner34,--offsetX:55%,--offsetY:30%,--rotation:30 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/d7eb8a97-76ae-4555-a871-d594422d1416/0_0.webp){height:100%,left:250px} }} {{imageMaskCorner34,--offsetX:57%,--offsetY:-5%,--rotation:60 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/d7eb8a97-76ae-4555-a871-d594422d1416/0_0.webp){height:100%,left:250px} }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} \page {{classTable,frame,decoration,text-align:center,width:260px,position:relative,left:-25px,top:-25px ## The Fallen : Commander Julius smiles as you approach, he is eager to brief you on the task at hand. : *So you've finally come around, huh? I was starting to believe you weren't interested. Well, here's what I need you to do. You may not know this, but there are another race of elves within the inner circle. Perhaps you've seen them before.* : *They are the Fallen. At least that's how Uldann has come to call them. You can recognize them easily, they have blue or violet skin, and tend to stick to the shadows. That, however, is because this city has not been kind to them. Not kind at all.* : *They are the survivors of Imrath, those that managed to escape before the teleportation circles shut down. They came as refugees after the fall of their city, and we took them in without complaint. Their heritage is as Tengish as our own.* : *Then came the... complications. Long story short, they started going mad. Their entire race was somehow tainted, after their city's downfall. Even the children, those that were born here in Uldann, can present the affliction.* : }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} {{imageMaskEdge,--offset:-10%,--rotation:90 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/9cee7ceb-6699-405a-a7e9-12eff001ee17/0_1.webp){height:117%,top:-100px,left:-5px} }} \page {{imageMaskEdge,--offset:-10%,--rotation:90 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/d2fd3cf9-abdb-4142-8885-921d23919a62/0_0.webp){height:111%,top:-00px,left:-60px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} \column {{classTable,frame,,text-align:center,width:260px,position:relative,left:75px,top:200px ## Betrayer's Rage : *They call it the Betrayer's Rage. When they are taken by it, they become rabid, attempting to kill anyone they come into contact with.* : *Of course, it doesn't help that many of them are powerful mages or very skilled fighters. A few restrictions were put in place for the safety of everyone in the city.* : *The segregation laws have only become harsher since then, and started to include all foreigners, not only the Fallen. Still, this affliction is a big part of why Uldann is in this state.* : *I've been trying to control the outbreaks without involving the reds. They will take any chance to sow fear into those they deem inferior.* : *Unfortunately, the Fallen don't really trust the legion, either. They put all of us in the same box. Well, we do the same thing, in the spirit of fairness.* : *That's where you come in. As outsiders, you can go unnoticed pretty easily. Your task is simple; there is a rumor that an especially powerful young Fallen has been taken by the rage, and hasn't been caught. Worse yet, he seems to be in partial control of his affliction, and is using it for less than benevolent purposes. I need you to find him from me. He has already killed several people, mind you, so you will have to be careful.* : *Do try not to kill him, though. His special talent of controlling the rage might hide the key to understanding this disease, and perhaps even cure it.* }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} \page \column {{POSITION:RELATIVE,LEFT:30PX,top:-20px {{text-align:center ## Reap what you Sow : *An encounter to confront the party with Uldann's discrimination laws and harsh injustice, and reveal a secret some politicians would kill to hide.* }} : This encounter starts off as simple, ordinary detective work, and ends up revealing a secret that could change the course of Uldann's politics. It takes place in a region called Highbridge, cut off from the rest of the city by gigantic stone bridges that threaten to give under the violent winds. : It was given to the Fallen when they arrived in Uldann, and became a hub for the forsaken and the desperate. As most Fallen are confined to this secondary floating island, most who fall to the Betrayer's Rage end up killing mostly immigrants. Several initiatives have been issued to better manage the condition, yet none in the Senate seem to care much for them, barring Vatha and her allies. : Quite on the contrary; the Fallen have been increasingly antagonized in the years that passed since Imrath's doom. Slowly, the apartheid laws are getting harsher, with no sign of stopping. Every incident is blown out of proportion for political purposes. : It is no wonder the Nameless Assassin despises the city so much. : This young man has managed to somewhat control the Betrayer's Rage, and has taken to killing Custodians and Legionnaires with his newfound power. Finding him is not difficult; he doesn't want to hide. The party can follow several leads to his position, high up in the clouds. : He will attack, eager to use his grim power. Be prepared for a battle! :: {{descriptive,text-align:center ##### Premise *Commander Julius leads you to the edges of the Inner Ring, a place called Highbridge. It's one of the furthest points from the Senate, but also from the Trading Spire. Julius explains, in no uncertain terms, that this region is almost entirely populated by the Fallen.* : *He leaves you alone the moment you cross the main bridge. "You'll attract less attention this way. Don't worry, I won't be far. I'll be patrolling the east side, so he hopefully moves to you. That, or he tries to kill me" Commander Julius flashes a spotless grin "I'm fine with either."* : *His confidence is only tempered by his calm demeanor. You trust him to hold his own. Now, it's your turn to impress. You have a killer to find.* }} }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} {{imageMaskEdge1,--offset:-0%,--rotation:90 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/4d6a6e52-6b02-4b94-b93f-86a5ac954f84/0_0.webp){height:126%,top:-60px,right:160px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} {{imageMaskCenter11,--offsetX:-79%,--offsetY:2%,--rotation:10 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/4d6a6e52-6b02-4b94-b93f-86a5ac954f84/0_0.webp){height:126%,top:200px,right:160px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} \page {{imageMaskCorner36,--offsetX:-50%,--offsetY:-50%,--rotation:0 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/1a04d5ba-d6fb-43ff-a070-844c1ef63326/0_0.webp){height:120%,top:00px,left:-100px} }} {{imageMaskCorner36,--offsetX:50%,--offsetY:70%,--rotation:0 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/1a04d5ba-d6fb-43ff-a070-844c1ef63326/0_0.webp){height:120%,top:00px,left:-00px} }} ![Nameless Assassin](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105918269992480819/1206706512454615100/The_Assassin-Photoroom.png-Photoroom.png?ex=6601e604&is=65ef7104&hm=9c3ca1fdebdb5c7fabf496c881a54dede650144289ca55ddc5b2880fb10dd880&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=4037&height=4081) {position:absolute,top:10px,right:-15px,width:380px} {{monster,frame,top:-20px,left:-5px ## Nameless Assassin *Medium humanoid (Dark Elf), chaotic evil* ___ **Armor Class** :: 17 (studded leather) **Hit Points** :: 98 (15d8 + 30) **Speed** :: 30 ft. ___ | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA | |:-----:|:-----:|:-----:|:-----:|:-----:|:-----:| |11 (-)|20 (+5)|14 (+2)|16 (+3)|11 (-)|13 (+1)| ___ **Saving Throws** :: Dex +9, Int +7 **Skills** :: acrobatics +13, perception +8, stealth +13 **Damage Resistances** :: poison **Condition Immunities** :: charmed **Senses** :: darkvision 120 ft, passive Perception 18 **Languages** :: common, undercommon, teng, elvish **Challenge** :: 9 (5,000 XP) ___ ***Dark Elf Ancestry.*** The Nameless Assassin has darkvision out to a range of 120 feet, resistance to poison damage, and advantage on saving throws made to resist being poisoned. : ***Assassinate.*** During its first turn, the assassin has advantage on attack rolls against any creature that hasn't taken a turn. Any hit the assassin scores against a surprised creature is a critical hit. : ***Evasion*** If the assassin is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the assassin instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. : ***Betrayer's Sneak Attack.*** Once per turn, the assassin deals an extra 18 (5d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within 5 feet of an ally of the assassin that isn't incapacitated and the assassin doesn't have disadvantage on the attack roll. The Assassin can choose if he deals the usual damage type for the triggering attack or necrotic damage. : When a creature is hit by the Nameless Assassin’s sneak attack, they must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened of him until the end of their next turn. ### Actions ***Multiattack.*** The Nameless Assassin makes two dagger attacks. : ***Dagger.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +9 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit*: 8 (1d4 + 5) slashing damage. : ***Hand Crossbow*** *Ranged Weapon Attack:* +9 to hit, range 60/120 ft., one target. *Hit*: 8 (1d4 + 5) piercing damage. ### Reactions ***Uncanny Dodge.*** When an attacker the Assassin can see hits him with an attack, he can use his reaction to halve the attack's damage against him. : ***Sanguine Rebuke.*** When a creature deals over 20 damage to the Nameless Assassin from a single source, he can use his reaction to magically open a gushing wound in their chest. Creatures targeted by this ability must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or take 3d6 slashing damage. }} {{classTable,frame,background-color:,position:relative,right:-30px,top:400px,text-align:center : ## Taken by the Rage : You don't see him coming. You were just following a lead some drunkard let slip in one of the crowded taverns of this part of the city. It led you to the roofs of the tallest building in Highbridge. Then the shadow struck. : A blur of red and black, a rogue with a stretched out grin and crimson eyes. Where have you seen those eyes before? That ominous dark elf you crossed back on the surface? The nameless assassin seems younger, though, and he indulges in each strike, fearless, while confronting a mighty party of heroes all by himself. : He is mad, you can tell. Yet, his movements are too precise. His dodges, too clean. His strikes, each deadlier than the last. And then, he climbs onto a railing and disappears in the darkness of the high corridors. : *"Catch me, if you can... fools!"* you can hear his laugh echo against the powerful winds, before he comes around for another strike. He is a blur, but you manage to graze him with an attack. After a short skirmish, he hops away again, this time turning before bolting away. : *"You are good. Killers, all of us, eh?"* he smiles in a twisted way, before lowering his weapons. *"You said you wanted to talk, at some point? I didn't hear you over your friends screams, you know."* }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} \page {{imageMaskCorner32,--offsetX:-30%,--offsetY:46%,--rotation:40 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/527669c1-93b8-4e6c-ad61-70c10446de8a/0_3.webp){height:103%,top:-250px} }} {{imageMaskCorner32,--offsetX:10%,--offsetY:40%,--rotation:50 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/527669c1-93b8-4e6c-ad61-70c10446de8a/0_3.webp){height:103%,top:-250px} }} ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ### Talks with the Killer The Nameless Assassin is eager to talk to people outside of Highbridge; he hides a very important secret that cannot be contained. This piece of information is hard to grasp, even for himself, but he will attempt to get it out of his addled mind if the party engages with his prompt to talk. : {{descriptive *"You... you don't know what goes on in this city. There are big fish at work, I know it. I feel it in my chest, it burns me up. The rage is pushing me forward, to kill, to burn, to destroy. It tells me to reunite with my lord. The Betrayer.*" : *"This curse ain't no coincidence. We, the Fallen, are the betrayed. This power of mine is a shard of something. My blood aches for it. I... the one who lies is among you, like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Were he in Highbridge, I'd have killed him already."* }} The Nameless Assassin talks in a furtive tone, pacing around. His nervousness and his constant twitching keeps you on edge. He could very well pick up his weapon at any moment, and finish the job he started. {{position:relative,top:550px **Persuasion DC 15.** You calm the kid down, trying to approach. He takes a step back. {{descriptive *"No! Don't come near. Don't... he is watching me. I feel the Betrayer watching me. He is one of us. He is a Fallen. The blood... follow the blood!"* }} **Persuasion DC 20.** You tell the kid everything is going to be okay. You tell him there is a way to lift his curse. {{descriptive *"There is none! We will only be free once the Betrayer is killed! You need to help me. Help me kill the Chancellor!"* }} ##### Julius arrives As if fate itself conspired against you, Commander Julius chooses that precise moment to arrive. The killer immediately notices the purple cloak and bolts back. His face contorts into a twisted, mad grin. The hate in his eyes... He rushes the commander in a moment of pure murderous rage. You attempt to stop him, to no avail. He is powerful. He is dangerous. And gods, is he *fast*. }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} \page {{imageMaskEdge1,--offset:0%,--rotation:270 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/dba3ba37-8d4c-4e2c-b56a-3687d6e0b50a/0_2.webp){height:102%,top:-0px,left:320px} }} {{imageMaskEdge1,--offset:0%,--rotation:90 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/b1a3bf0e-654b-4e90-a6e5-5a87f4bb36bf/0_2.webp){height:100%,top:-0px,right:250px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} {{classTable,frame,text-align:center,position:relative,left:-20px,top:620px : ## Taste Retribution, Betrayer! : *"You, you, you! You and all your kind. You will pay for what you've done! You will die by my hand, and I shall free my people of your hateful legacy! The Rage ends with me!"* : The Nameless Assassin charges forward, blood trickling from his wounds. He attacks Julius, but seems to be thinking of someone else. : }} \column {{classTable,frame,text-align:center,position:relative,left:20px,top:620px : ## Do not Test my Blade, Fallen. : *"Stand down. I said stand down, damn it!"* : The Commander quickly takes a confident position, his two handed blade ready for the fight. You can see reluctance in his eyes, just for a moment, before giving way to deadly confidence. : And you just know... the kid has no shot. : }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} \page {{imageMaskCorner35,--offsetX:-37%,--offsetY:-30%,--rotation:-10 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/73f83082-b38a-4fd4-a3b2-75aa861f82b5/0_2.webp){height:120%,top:-0px,left:-130px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} {{imageMaskCorner35,--offsetX:7%,--offsetY:-30%,--rotation:-80 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/73f83082-b38a-4fd4-a3b2-75aa861f82b5/0_2.webp){height:120%,top:-0px,left:-130px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} {{watercolor4,top:-850px,left:330px,width:550px,background-color:#D4AF37,opacity:40%,transform:scale(-1)}} {{watercolor4,top:-760px,left:300px,width:550px,background-color:#D4AF37,opacity:40%,transform:scalex()}} {{watercolor4,top:-200px,left:-100px,width:550px,background-color:#D4AF37,opacity:40%,transform:scale(}} {{watercolor4,top:-450px,left:-230px,width:550px,background-color:#D4AF37,opacity:40%,transform:scale(-1)}} ![Julius](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105918269992480819/1206734596159447110/julius_finished.png?ex=6602002b&is=65ef8b2b&hm=0e714afa295cac5956bce6efacdc67d4165449fcdd71a4e5714f82c4d232ddfb&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3087&height=4081) {position:absolute,bottom:-100px,left:-50px,width:500px,transform:scalex(} {{quote I do not act in spite, nor do I take pleasure in your fall. The security of our city is my only goal, and the law is clear regarding the transgression at hand. You are to pay with your life. : Your affliction is troubling, yet not incurable. We will fight for your people, young one. I promise I will not let others end up like you. : {{attribution Sargeant Julius to the Nameless Assassin}} }} \column {{monster,frame,top:-40px,left:15px,width:360px ## Commander Julius *Medium humanoid (elf), lawful good* ___ **Armor Class** :: 18 (plate) **Hit Points** :: 198 (25d8 + 75) **Speed** :: 30 ft. ___ | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA | |:-----:|:-----:|:-----:|:-----:|:-----:|:-----:| |20 (+5)|12 (+1)|17 (+3)|12 (+1)|15 (+2)|18 (+4)| ___ **Saving Throws** :: Str +10, Cha +9 **Skills** :: perception +7, persuasion +9 **Condition Immunities** :: charmed, frightened **Senses** :: darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 20 **Languages** :: common, teng, elvish, draconic **Challenge** :: 14 (11,500 XP) ___ ***Magic Resistance.*** Commander Julius has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. : ***Uldanni Ascendance.*** Julius cannot be charmed by magic and has advantage on saving throws against spells or magical effects that would displace him or alter his form. : ***Paladin of Uldann.*** Whenever Julius or an ally within 10 feet of him makes a saving throw, the creature gains a +4 bonus to the roll. In addition, creatures within 30 feet of Julius cannot be frightened. Julius must be conscious to grant this bonus. : ***Amaranth Aura.*** Any creature that targets the Commander with an attack or a harmful spell must make a DC 17 Charisma saving throw after doing so. On a failure, they are incapacitated until the end of their turn. A creature that succeeds this saving throw or the effect ends for it is immune to the Commander's *Amaranth Aura* for the next 24 hours. This feature isn't triggered by area effects, such as the explosion of a fireball. : ***Eminent Soul (1/day).*** Julius can use a bonus action to call upon the power of his oath and gain the following benefits for the next minute. *Limited Magic Immunity:* Julius cannot be affected nor detected by spells of 6th level or lower unless he wishes to be. *Eminent Protection:* Julius becomes resistant to fire, cold, thunder, lightning, and poison damage. *Breach Space:* Once per turn, Julius can use a bonus action to teleport to an unoccupied space within 30 feet. *Antimagic Smite:* Whenever Julius hits a creature with his Divine Smite, any spells the creature was concentrating on end, as well as any ongoing magical effects bolstering them (such as a *mage armor* spell). ### Actions ***Multiattack.*** Commander Julius makes two weapon attacks. : ***Commander's Claymore.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +10 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. *Hit*: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage. : ***Divine Smite (3/day).*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +10 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. *Hit*: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage plus 18 (4d8) radiant damage. On a miss, doesn't expend a use. : ***Channel Divinity: Regal Presence.*** Commander Julius shines with regal energy for a brief moment, giving his allies a surge of inspiration and a glowing shield of mauve light. Up to four allies within 30 feet of him gain a bonus of 1d6 to their next attack roll or saving throw and 9 temporary hitpoints. Both benefits last until the end of their next turn. }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} \page {{imageMaskCenter5,--offsetX:23%,--offsetY:34%,--rotation:-30 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/948b3b24-c17d-430c-8261-04f981a17a42/0_2.webp){height:104%,right:0px,top:-85px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} {{imageMaskCenter5,--offsetX:-30%,--offsetY:15%,--rotation:10 ![](https://cdn.midjourney.com/948b3b24-c17d-430c-8261-04f981a17a42/0_2.webp){height:104%,right:0px,top:-85px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} {{descriptive,text-align:center ##### Just a Boy, in the end The Commander struck the final blow. He seems regretful, as he watches the young man draw his last breath. He is not apologetic about it, however. His voice is stern when he turns back to you, his regal bearing giving him an air of confidence and authority you find difficult to argue with. : *"Had to be done. You don't come back from that."* : Commander Julius then kneels in front of the corpse and begins to cast *speak with dead*. }} {{position:relative,top:440px ## A Sorry Fate : The killer lies dead at your feet. His words still haunt you. "The Betrayer". Did he mean Commander Julius? Is that why he attacked? What is the rage, truly? You stop to think about the paladin's actions, as he attempts to piece together whatever mystery led to the boy's control over his dark power. : The methodical coldness with which Commander Julius acts is not uncharacteristic, *per se*, but it does seem extremely insensitive and out of place. The boy just died. Perhaps the one case of the Betrayer's Rage not turning whoever is affected by it into a mindless monster. Is the Commander in the right? It seems even for the "heroes" of this city, a Fallen life is not worth much. You wonder if Vatha would have done the same. }} \column {{position:relative,top:460px,note ##### Different Outcomes But what if the players don't want to help Julius during the fight? They might choose to preserve the Nameless Assassin's life, after all. He may be "taken by the rage" -- whatever that means -- but most of his actions seem motivated by his profound hate for the system he is forced to live under. : Could it be that this terrible apartheid enforced by the Senate is more dangerous than the rage itself? What a revelation! At this point, the players might just kill or abandon Julius and escape with the killer, who would lead them to the depths of the city. The story would continue in the *Magnicide* section of the booklet, with Kadir. : The party could also convince both the killer and Julius to stop fighting, though this is extremely difficult, as in the end, both really want to kill each other. Even if Commander Julius is considered a hero, he is still a law enforcer, and is convinced the Betrayer's Rage must be purged when it surfaces. : The boy, on the other hand, hates the Amaranth Legion and the Red Custodians with a passion. He will not relent his attack. The cycle of violence is difficult to break... : Even if Julius is attacked by the party, chances are he would come out on top, killing the assassin and telling the party to stand down. At this point, he would consider arresting them, but the information he learns from the killer's spirit is too important, and he chooses to forgive the party -- after all, he can't afford to lose Vatha's friendship. He has few enough allies in the senate as it stands. }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} \page {{position:relative,top:-30px,width:350px,left:-20px ### The Truth, Revealed in Blood As the spirit of the assassin rises, it roars at the Commander, hateful red eyes glowing like rubies. Julius proceeds to cast a blessing of some sort, and a red mist is expunged from the phantom. The deadman seems to calm down immediately, his ghostly eyes losing that characteristic crimson light. : The Commander then asks a series of questions, and the Fallen seems eager to respond. In death, the Betrayer's Rage has been purged from him. {{descriptive,width: *"How is it that you control the Betrayer's Rage, son?* : Julius has the gall to call the boy he killed "son", and he is one of the "good guys". This entire culture is rotten to the core. The spirit doesn't seem to mind, though, and speaks in a drawn out tone, different from the young man's voice in life. Softer, perhaps. : *"His power is slipping. More like me will arise in the coming months. I can feel his treason burn red in my soul, but I can control it. He must die. Only then will we be free.*" : Commander Julius seems to mull over his next question. : *"Is the Betrayer a Fallen?"* : The response comes quickly, this time. : *"Yes."* : *"Is he responsible for the fall of Imrath, then?"* Julius speaks in hushed tones, uncharacteristically nervous. Though it's clear he is experienced with this process, as he has no doubt done it before, it seems he never had such clear answers. : "*I've seen it. In dreams. Yes. He needs betrayal to survive."* The Killer watches Julius, as if prompting him to continue. He is eager, just like before, but infinitely calmer. The Betrayer's stain no longer clouds his words. : *"Is this Betrayer... here, in the city? Is he in Uldann?!"* : *"Of course."* This answer seems to make Julius take a step back. He frowns darkly as he poses the final question. : *"Who is he?"* : *"The Chancellor. You blind fool."* the ghost's face contorts into one of rage and sorrow as he screams the last part. You see Julius cast his blessing again, before shamefully realizing this has nothing to do with a magical illness. *"Zephrahim is not who he appears to be. He... is a Fallen. And you've let him segregate and torture us for decades! The agony, the horrors, the shame... And you never once dared to oppose him, because his skin was lighter than mine!*" : The spirit disappears in white flames, leaving a dumbfounded Julius on the ground, his sword raised. "*H... How? We've screened the chancellor with a dozen spells, how... what kind of disguise could this be?*" }} }} ![Julius](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105918269992480819/1206752142501617706/julius_not_smiling.png?ex=66021083&is=65ef9b83&hm=fbccf9295afc871b2d831351c6f26e42ba721ba3074626089e5affff9d1e9b43&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3087&height=4081) {position:absolute,top:35px,right:20px,width:450px,transform:scalex(-1)} {{watercolor4,top:-220px,left:310px,width:520px,background-color:,opacity:100%}} {{monster,frame,background-color:,position:relative,right:-30px,top:560px,text-align:center : ## Vatha must Hear about this : *"This is... I... I have failed. We opposed Zephrahim, Vatha and I... We tried our best. It seems it was never enough. How can we fight against a tyrant that subjects his own people to this terrible fate? We need to... we need to tell the Senator.* : *I will remain here. I... I need to find this kid's mother."* : **Insight DC 15.** In the short time you've met Julius, you've never seen him like this. You wager he has put down Fallen many times before. That is not the issue. No, you can see it in his eyes. For the first time, he feels the weight of all those killings. : Why now? Well, it's pretty clear: not a single Fallen had to die, if only they would have caught Zephrahim earlier. Twenty years in the Senate, even more as a member of the Red Custodians. This nightmare could have ended decades ago. : *"Go, heroes. Take my cloak. My badge, too. It will make it so no one will stop you, unless you run into the Red Custodians, or even worse... Andromeda. Find Vatha. Go to the Senate. You can change this. Don't you dare get killed People need to know about this. Zephrahim must be stopped.*" : }} {{imageMaskCorner35,--offsetX:37%,--offsetY:-70%,--rotation:10 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1206652099547369522/tomfarlane_a_floating_city_far_above_the_clouds_greek_civilizat_9d6bc80e-fa57-4496-a6ad-62230529dc9a.png?ex=65dcc957&is=65ca5457&hm=8b8e066b29d6be61d53e289ae02541b724b444ba984c4fbf67789e125a6590b4&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=601&height=901){height:120%,transform:scale(-),top:500px} }} {{imageMaskCorner35,--offsetX:-10%,--offsetY:-70%,--rotation:20 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1206652099547369522/tomfarlane_a_floating_city_far_above_the_clouds_greek_civilizat_9d6bc80e-fa57-4496-a6ad-62230529dc9a.png?ex=65dcc957&is=65ca5457&hm=8b8e066b29d6be61d53e289ae02541b724b444ba984c4fbf67789e125a6590b4&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=601&height=901){height:120%,transform:scale(-),top:500px} }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote Beyond the Spire}} \page {{backCover}} {{position:relative,top:-20PX # That's all, Folks! 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