Act 1: Working the Gig Economy
“The sun rises over The Last Oasis, casting a warm glow over the city. The streets are already bustling with activity as merchants set up their stalls and citizens go about their daily routines. After a night of celebration at the Dusty Flagon, you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for new adventures. As you make your way back to the tavern, the familiar sights and sounds of the city greet you, filling you with a sense of anticipation.”
“As you approach the Dusty Flagon, the lively atmosphere from the previous night has given way to the morning hustle. The tavern is still busy, but the crowd is different—more subdued, with patrons enjoying breakfast and discussing the day’s plans. You push open the heavy wooden door and step inside, the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee greeting you.”
Harim the Recruiter is already at his usual spot, a large table in the middle of the tavern. His feet are propped up on the table, and he’s sipping from a tankard, a stack of papers and job listings spread out before him. He looks up as you enter, a grin spreading across his face.
“Ah, there you are! I was wondering when you’d show up,” Harim says, his voice carrying a note of approval. “You did a fine job with Senca’s shipment yesterday. I’ve got a few more jobs lined up if you’re interested. Some are simple, some a bit more challenging. What do you say? Ready to earn some more gold and make a name for yourselves?”
“Harim shuffles through the stack of papers on the table, pulling out a few and laying them out for you to see. Each job has its own set of challenges and rewards, offering a variety of opportunities for you to prove your worth.”
Job Listings:
- Debt Collection: Track down Tema Shah and recover the debt owed (300 gold). Reward: 135 gold (after Harim’s cut).
- Escort Quest: Escort Jenelle Berim to the main city temple for her Ascension Ceremony. Reward: 40 gold.
- Locate Lysandra Kass: Find the missing Lysandra Kass. Reward: 90 gold (after Harim’s cut).
- Trail of Betrayal: Recover gems or money from Nithral the Nomad. Reward: 250 gold.
Harim’s Dialogue: “Take your pick. Each job has its own risks and rewards, but I have a feeling you can handle whatever comes your way. Just remember, the more you prove yourselves, the better the jobs will get. So, what’ll it be?”
Job Listing
Debt Collection: Track down Tema Shah, who owes a debt of 300 gold, and recover the money. Tema works at the Oasis Water Corporation’s cisterns and lives in the slums. The party will need to use negotiation, intimidation, or combat to retrieve the debt. Reward: 135 gold (after Harim’s cut).
Escort Quest: Escort Jenelle Berim to the main city temple for her Ascension Ceremony. There have been threats against her safety, so the party must ensure she arrives unharmed. This quest involves investigation, negotiation, and potential combat to protect Jenelle from any kidnappers. Reward: 40 gold.
Locate Lysandra Kass: Find the missing Lysandra Kass, who was last seen near the Oasis Water Corporation’s sewer entrance. The party will need to investigate the area, follow clues, and possibly engage in combat to locate her. Reward: 90 gold (after Harim’s cut).
Trail of Betrayal: Recover gems or money from Nithral the Nomad, who tricked Thaddes Safra with fake gems. The party must locate Nithral in the Nomad Tent Market and use stealth, negotiation, or combat to retrieve the stolen goods. Reward: 250 gold.
Quest: Debt Collection
Objective: Track down Tema Shah and recover the debt owed (300 gold) to Senca Haim.
Reward: 135 gold (after Harim’s cut).
Step-by-Step Overview
1. Gathering Information
- Starting Point: The Dusty Flagon
- Harim’s Briefing: Harim provides the party with details about the job. They need to track down Tema Shah, who works at the Oasis Water Corporation’s cisterns and lives in the slums. Tema has a prominent scar on his left cheek that he often seeks to hide with a cloak.
Harim’s Dialogue: “Alright, listen up. I’ve got a job that should be straightforward but might require a bit of muscle or persuasion. Senca Haim is owed 300 gold by a man named Tema Shah. Tema works at the Oasis Water Corporation’s cisterns and lives in the slums. He’s got a prominent scar on his left cheek, usually hides it with a cloak. Find him, get the money, and bring it back. You’ll get 135 gold for your trouble after my cut. Simple enough, right?”
2. Investigating the Workplace
- Location: Oasis Water Corporation’s Cisterns
- Observation: The party arrives at the cisterns and observes the workers. They need to identify Tema among them, looking for the scar on his left cheek.
- Interaction: The party can approach the workers and ask about Tema. A successful DC12 Persuasion or Investigation Check can reveal his usual work hours and habits.
DM Read-Aloud for Cisterns: “The Oasis Water Corporation’s cisterns are a bustling hub of activity. Workers move about, maintaining the massive water storage tanks that supply the city. The air is humid, and the sound of water echoes through the cavernous space. You see several workers, but none immediately stand out as Tema Shah.”
Worker’s Dialogue: “Yeah, I know Tema. He usually works the late shift, but he’s been keeping a low profile lately. If you’re looking for him, you might want to check the slums where he lives.”
3. Searching the Slums
- Location: The Slums
- Observation: The party navigates the narrow, crowded streets of the slums, looking for clues about Tema’s whereabouts.
- Interaction: They can speak with local residents, shopkeepers, or children who might have seen Tema. A successful DC12 Persuasion or Investigation Check can provide leads on his location.
DM Read-Aloud for Slums: “The slums of The Last Oasis are a maze of narrow alleys and crowded streets. The buildings are run-down, and the air is thick with the smell of cooking fires and uncollected waste. People move about their daily lives, casting wary glances at strangers.”
Resident’s Dialogue: “Tema? Yeah, I’ve seen him around. Keeps to himself mostly. Lives in that old shack down by the cisterns. You might find him there if he’s not working.”
4. Confronting Tema Shah
- Location: Tema’s Hideout
- Discovery: Following the leads, the party eventually finds Tema’s hideout. He might be hiding in a small, rundown dwelling.
- Interaction: The party confronts Tema. They can choose to negotiate, intimidate, or use force to recover the debt.
DM Read-Aloud for Tema’s Hideout: “You find yourselves outside a small, rundown shack near the edge of the slums. The door is slightly ajar, and you can hear movement inside. This must be where Tema Shah is hiding.”
Tema’s Dialogue: “Who are you? What do you want?” Tema asks, his voice trembling slightly as he pulls his cloak tighter around his scarred face.
- Negotiation: A DC12 Persuasion Check can convince Tema to pay the debt willingly, possibly in installments or with valuable items as collateral.
- Intimidation: A DC12 Intimidation Check can compel Tema to hand over the money or valuable items.
- Combat: If Tema resists, the party might need to subdue him in combat to recover the debt.
5. Moral Dilemma
- Revelation: Tema reveals that he has been using the money to support his sick family. The party must decide whether to take the money or find another solution.
Tema’s Dialogue: “Please, I don’t have the money right now. I’ve been using it to buy medicine for my sick daughter. If you take it, she’ll suffer. Isn’t there another way?”
- Decision: The party’s choice will affect their reputation in the city and future interactions with the locals.
6. Returning to Harim
- Location: The Dusty Flagon
- Completion: The party returns to Harim with the recovered debt. Harim pays them their reward and acknowledges their efforts.
Harim’s Dialogue: “Back already? Let’s see what you’ve got. Ah, good work. Here’s your payment—135 gold. You’ve done well. Keep this up, and there’ll be more jobs coming your way.”
DM Notes
- Flexibility: Allow the party to come up with creative solutions to recover the debt.
- Morality: Track the party’s decisions and how they handle the situation, as it may affect their reputation in the city.
- Consequences: If the party uses excessive force or unethical methods, it could lead to future complications with the Oasis Water Corporation or the local community.
Quest: Escort Jenelle Berim
Objective: Escort Jenelle Berim to the main city temple for her Ascension Ceremony. Ensure she arrives safely despite potential threats.
Reward: 40 gold.
Step-by-Step Overview
1. Gathering Information
- Starting Point: The Dusty Flagon
- Harim’s Briefing: Harim provides the party with details about the job. They need to escort Jenelle Berim to the main city temple for her Ascension Ceremony. There have been threats against her safety, so the party must ensure she arrives unharmed.
Harim’s Dialogue: “Alright, listen up. I’ve got a job that requires a bit of protection detail. Jenelle Berim needs to be escorted to the main city temple for her Ascension Ceremony. There have been some threats against her, so it’s crucial she gets there safely. You’ll be paid 40 gold for the job. Keep your eyes open and stay sharp. Got it?”
2. Meeting Jenelle Berim
- Location: Jenelle’s Residence
- Observation: The party arrives at Jenelle’s residence, a modest home in a quiet part of the city. Jenelle is waiting anxiously, ready to leave for the temple.
- Interaction: The party introduces themselves and reassures Jenelle of their protection.
DM Read-Aloud for Jenelle’s Residence: “Jenelle’s residence is a modest home in a quiet part of the city. As you approach, you see Jenelle waiting anxiously at the door, her eyes scanning the street nervously. She is dressed in ceremonial robes, ready for her Ascension Ceremony.”
Jenelle’s Dialogue: “Thank you for coming. I’ve been so worried about the threats. Please, let’s get to the temple quickly and safely.”
3. Escorting Jenelle to the Temple
- Route: From Jenelle’s Residence to the Main City Temple
- Encounters: Roll a D6 three times (once for each segment of the journey) to determine encounters during the escort:
Encounter 1: Suspicious Onlookers
Description: As you make your way through the city, you notice a group of suspicious individuals watching your movements closely. They seem to be following you at a distance.
DM Read-Aloud: “As you navigate the busy streets, you notice a group of suspicious individuals watching your movements closely. They seem to be following you at a distance, their eyes fixed on Jenelle.”
Challenge: The party needs to roll a DC12 Perception Check to notice the individuals and a DC14 Insight Check to determine their intentions. If the party confronts them, the individuals will scatter, revealing they were hired to intimidate but not harm.
Encounter 2: Street Ambush
Description: As you pass through a narrow alley, a group of thugs attempts to ambush you, aiming to kidnap Jenelle.
DM Read-Aloud: “Passing through a narrow alley, you suddenly find yourselves surrounded by a group of thugs. They block your path, brandishing weapons and demanding you hand over Jenelle.”
Challenge: The party must engage in combat to protect Jenelle. The thugs are determined but not highly skilled. A successful DC14 Intimidation Check can also scare them off without a fight.
Encounter 3: No Challenges
Description: The streets are clear, and you encounter no significant obstacles or threats. The journey is smooth, and you make good time.
DM Read-Aloud: “The streets are clear, and you encounter no significant obstacles or threats. The journey is smooth, and you make good time, with Jenelle walking confidently by your side.”
Encounter 4: Friendly Merchant
Description: A friendly merchant recognizes Jenelle and offers her a small gift for good luck on her Ascension Ceremony.
DM Read-Aloud: “As you pass through a bustling market, a friendly merchant recognizes Jenelle and approaches with a smile. ‘Jenelle! It’s so good to see you. Here, take this for good luck on your Ascension Ceremony,’ he says, handing her a small charm.”
Challenge: No challenge. This encounter boosts Jenelle’s morale and reassures her of the community’s support.
Encounter 5: Mysterious Stranger
Description: A mysterious stranger approaches the party, offering cryptic advice and warning of potential dangers ahead.
DM Read-Aloud: “A mysterious stranger steps out of the shadows, his face partially hidden by a hood. ‘Beware the path ahead,’ he says in a low voice. ‘Not all is as it seems. Stay vigilant.’”
Challenge: The party can choose to heed the stranger’s warning or dismiss it. A successful DC14 Insight Check can reveal that the stranger’s warning is genuine.
Encounter 6: No Challenges
Description: The streets are clear, and you encounter no significant obstacles or threats. The journey is smooth, and you make good time.
DM Read-Aloud: “The streets are clear, and you encounter no significant obstacles or threats. The journey is smooth, and you make good time, with Jenelle walking confidently by your side.”
4. Arriving at the Main City Temple
- Location: Main City Temple
- Observation: The party arrives at the temple, where a crowd has gathered for the Ascension Ceremony. Jenelle is greeted warmly by the priests and priestesses.
DM Read-Aloud for Main City Temple: “The main city temple is a grand structure, its golden spires reaching towards the sky. A crowd has gathered for the Ascension Ceremony, and the air is filled with a sense of anticipation. As you approach, Jenelle is greeted warmly by the priests and priestesses, who guide her inside.”
Priest’s Dialogue: “Thank you for bringing Jenelle safely. The ceremony will begin shortly. Please, join us inside if you wish.”
5. Returning to Harim
- Location: The Dusty Flagon
- Completion: The party returns to Harim to report the successful escort. Harim pays them their reward and acknowledges their efforts.
Harim’s Dialogue: “Back already? Good to see you made it without any trouble. Jenelle’s safe, and that’s what matters. Here’s your payment—40 gold. You’ve done well. Keep this up, and there’ll be more jobs coming your way.”
DM Notes
- Flexibility: Allow the party to come up with creative solutions to handle the encounters during the escort.
- Morality: Track the party’s decisions and how they handle the situations, as it may affect their reputation in the city.
- Consequences: If the party fails to protect Jenelle, it could lead to future complications with the temple and the local community.
Quest: Locate Lysandra Kass
Objective: Find the missing Lysandra Kass, who was last seen near the Oasis Water Corporation’s sewer entrance by the bathhouse in the City Center.
Reward: 90 gold (after Harim’s cut).
Step-by-Step Overview
1. Gathering Information
- Starting Point: The Dusty Flagon
- Harim’s Briefing: Harim provides the party with details about the job. Lysandra Kass has been missing for about ten days. Her family is worried sick, especially her husband, Sandis Kass. Lysandra recently reconnected with her family after leaving them for a strange cult a few years back. She was supposed to meet her family and lay low in the slums but never showed up.
Harim’s Dialogue: “Alright, since you’ve decided to take on the job of finding Lysandra Kass, here’s what you need to know. Lysandra Kass has been missing for about ten days. Her family is worried sick. They recently reconnected after she left them for some strange cult a few years back. Her husband, Sandis Kass, thought he’d lost her for good, but she reached out, scared out of her wits.”
He pauses, letting the gravity of the situation sink in before continuing. “Lysandra was supposed to meet her family and lay low in the slums, but she never showed up. The family is offering 100 gold for any information that helps find out what happened to her. You’ll get 90 gold after my cut.”
Harim leans forward, lowering his voice slightly. “She was last in contact near the Oasis Water Corporation’s sewer entrance by the bathhouse in the City Center. It’s a busy area, so people might not have noticed anything. But check the area thoroughly—she may have left a clue behind near the cistern.”
He glances around the table, making sure he has everyone’s attention. “Look for any signs that she might have been there. Anything out of the ordinary could be a clue.”
Harim sits back, a serious expression on his face. “Bring any information you find back to me, and I’ll pay you the reward. Sandis might have more work for you if you find something useful. This job might not have a happy ending, she probably went back to the cult, but it’s important to the family.”
2. Investigating the Sewer Entrance
- Location: Oasis Water Corporation’s Sewer Entrance by the Bathhouse in the City Center
- Observation: The party arrives at the sewer entrance, a busy area with many people passing by. The entrance is guarded, and the area is littered with debris and signs of recent activity.
- Interaction: The party can speak with the guards and nearby workers to gather information about Lysandra’s last known whereabouts. A successful DC12 Persuasion or Investigation Check can reveal useful clues.
DM Read-Aloud for Sewer Entrance: “The sewer entrance by the bathhouse in the City Center is a busy area, with many people passing by. The entrance is guarded, and the area is littered with debris and signs of recent activity. You notice a few workers and guards nearby, who might have seen something.”
Guard’s Dialogue: “Lysandra? Yeah, I remember seeing her around here about ten days ago. She seemed nervous, kept looking over her shoulder. If she went into the sewers, she might have left something behind. Check the area thoroughly.”
3. Searching for Clues
- Location: Sewer Entrance and Surrounding Area
- Observation: The party searches the area around the sewer entrance for any signs of Lysandra. They find a few scattered belongings and a piece of torn fabric that matches the description of her clothing.
- Interaction: The party can use a DC14 Investigation Check to piece together the clues and determine Lysandra’s path.
DM Read-Aloud for Searching for Clues: “You search the area around the sewer entrance, looking for any signs of Lysandra. Among the debris, you find a few scattered belongings—a comb, a piece of torn fabric that matches the description of her clothing, and a small, worn book with her name on it.”
4. Following the Leads
- Location: Various Locations Around the City
- Observation: The clues lead the party on a hike around the city, visiting places where Lysandra might have gone. They speak with locals and follow the trail of clues.
- Interaction: The party can use DC12 Persuasion or Investigation Checks to gather more information from locals and piece together Lysandra’s movements.
DM Read-Aloud for Following the Leads: “The clues lead you on a hike around the city, visiting various locations where Lysandra might have gone. You speak with locals, shopkeepers, and anyone who might have seen her. Each clue brings you closer to understanding what happened to her.”
Local’s Dialogue: “I saw a woman matching that description a few days ago. She seemed in a hurry, kept looking over her shoulder. She was heading towards the old market square.”
5. Finding the Final Clue
- Location: Old Market Square
- Discovery: The party finds a note hidden where Lysandra and Sandis first met. The note is addressed to Sandis and states that it’s too dangerous for her to stay. She will reach out again when it is safe.
- Interaction: The party retrieves the note and prepares to return to Harim.
DM Read-Aloud for Finding the Final Clue: “At the old market square, you find a small, hidden compartment where Lysandra and Sandis first met. Inside, you find a note addressed to Sandis. The note reads, ‘It’s too dangerous. I will reach out again when it is safe. Love, Lysandra.’”
6. Returning to Harim
- Location: The Dusty Flagon
- Completion: The party returns to Harim with the note. Harim pays them their reward and acknowledges their efforts.
Harim’s Dialogue: “Back already? What did you find?” Harim asks, his eyes scanning the note. “Hmm, it’s not the best news, but at least it’s something. Here’s your payment—90 gold, as promised. Sandis might have more work for you if you’re interested. Good job out there.”
DM Notes
- Flexibility: Allow the party to come up with creative solutions to gather information and follow the clues.
- Morality: Track the party’s decisions and how they handle the situation, as it may affect their reputation in the city.
- Consequences: If the party fails to find any useful information, it could lead to future complications with the local community and Sandis Kass.
Quest: Trail of Betrayal
Objective: Recover gems or money from Nithral the Nomad, who tricked Thaddes Safra with fake gems.
Reward: 250 gold.
Step-by-Step Overview
1. Gathering Information
- Starting Point: The Dusty Flagon
- Harim’s Briefing: Harim provides the party with details about the job. Thaddes Safra, a local jewel crafter, hired Nithral the Nomad to procure rare gems. Nithral delivered painted rocks instead of real gems. The party needs to locate Nithral in the Nomad Tent Market and recover the gems or as much of the 450 gold as possible.
Harim’s Dialogue: “Alright, since you’ve decided to take on the job for Thaddes Safra, here’s what you need to know. Thaddes, a local jewel crafter, hired a Nomad named Nithral to procure some rare gems—emeralds, rubies, diamonds, sapphires. Nithral got paid 80% up front and seemed to deliver the goods, but when Thaddes checked, he found he’d been duped. The gems were replaced with painted rocks.”
He pauses, letting the gravity of the situation sink in before continuing. “Thaddes tried to track Nithral down in the Nomad Tent Market but had no luck. The Nomads protect their own, and they all know who Thaddes is. Your job is to head to the market, locate Nithral, and recover the gems or as much of the 450 gold as possible. Thaddes is offering 250 gold for the job.”
Harim leans forward, lowering his voice slightly. “But there’s a catch. Thaddes doesn’t want Nithral severely harmed or turned over to the authorities. Despite this betrayal, Nithral provides the best quality gems, and Thaddes doesn’t want to jeopardize his access.”
He glances around the table, making sure he has everyone’s attention. “When you get to the market, don’t ask directly for Nithral. Pretend you’re looking to buy gems. The Nomads will be more cooperative if they think that you are potential customers. If you reveal too much, they’ll clam up, and you’ll have to find a way to win their trust—buying something always helps.”
Harim sits back, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Once you find Nithral, it’s up to you how to handle it. You can observe him from afar, confront him directly, or try to negotiate. Just remember, the goal is to get those gems back or the money, without causing too much trouble.”
2. Investigating the Nomad Tent Market
- Location: Nomad Tent Market
- Observation: The party arrives at the bustling Nomad Tent Market, a maze of tents and stalls filled with exotic goods and traders from all over.
- Interaction: The party can speak with various merchants and traders to gather information about Nithral’s whereabouts. A successful DC12 Persuasion or Investigation Check can reveal useful leads.
DM Read-Aloud for Nomad Tent Market: “The Nomad Tent Market is a bustling maze of tents and stalls, filled with exotic goods and traders from all over. The air is thick with the scent of spices and the sound of haggling. You weave through the crowd, keeping an eye out for any sign of Nithral.”
Merchant’s Dialogue: “Nithral? Yeah, I’ve seen him around. Shifty fellow. Last I heard, he was trying to sell some ‘rare’ gems over by the eastern tents. Be careful—he’s not to be trusted.”
3. Locating Nithral
- Location: Eastern Tents of the Nomad Tent Market
- Observation: Following the leads, the party heads to the eastern tents, where they spot Nithral trying to sell more fake gems.
- Interaction: The party confronts Nithral. They can choose to negotiate, intimidate, or use stealth to recover the stolen goods.
DM Read-Aloud for Eastern Tents: “You make your way to the eastern tents, where you spot a man matching Nithral’s description. He’s engaged in a heated discussion with a potential buyer, trying to sell what appear to be more fake gems. He hasn’t noticed you yet.”
Nithral’s Dialogue: “These gems are one of a kind, I assure you. You won’t find anything like them anywhere else. Ah, what do you want?” Nithral asks, noticing the party approaching.
- Negotiation: A DC12 Persuasion Check can convince Nithral to return the money or gems willingly.
- Intimidation: A DC12 Intimidation Check can compel Nithral to hand over the money or gems.
- Stealth: A DC14 Stealth Check can allow the party to pickpocket the money or gems from Nithral without him noticing.
4. Confronting Nithral
- Location: Nomad Tent Market
- Outcome: Depending on the party’s approach, they either recover the stolen goods through negotiation, intimidation, or stealth. If Nithral resists, the party might need to subdue him in combat.
DM Read-Aloud for Confrontation: “Nithral’s eyes dart around nervously as you confront him. He tries to maintain his composure, but it’s clear he’s on edge. ‘Look, I don’t want any trouble. Let’s just settle this peacefully,’ he says, holding up his hands.”
Combat Mechanics (if necessary):
- Initiative: Roll for initiative to determine the order of combat.
- Nithral’s Attacks: Nithral will use his agility and quick strikes to defend himself.
- Party Actions: The party can use their weapons, spells, and abilities to subdue Nithral.
5. Returning to Harim
- Location: The Dusty Flagon
- Completion: The party returns to Harim with the recovered gems or money. Harim pays them their reward and acknowledges their efforts.
Harim’s Dialogue: “Back already? And with the goods, no less. Good work. Here’s your payment—250 gold, as promised. You’ve done well. Keep this up, and there’ll be more jobs coming your way.”
DM Notes
- Flexibility: Allow the party to come up with creative solutions to recover the stolen goods.
- Morality: Track the party’s decisions and how they handle the situation, as it may affect their reputation in the city.
- Consequences: If the party uses excessive force or unethical methods, it could lead to future complications with the Nomad Tent Market and its traders.