Act 1: Finale!
Storyline Progression: Act 1 Finale
Objective: Complete the final quest of Act 1, which will take the players to level 3. Depending on their previous quest choices, they can either be the “Protectors” (Mostly Lawful) or the “Assassins” (Largely Lawless).
Step-by-Step Overview
1. Gathering Information
- Starting Point: The Dusty Flagon
- Harim’s Briefing: Harim provides the party with details about the final quest. Depending on their alignment and previous actions, they will either be tasked with protecting an Emir or attacking an Emir.
Harim’s Dialogue: “Alright, listen up. This next job is a big one and will determine your standing in the city. Depending on your previous actions, you’ll either be protecting an Emir or attacking one. Choose wisely, as this will shape your future in The Last Oasis.”
Protectors Quest
2. Escorting the Emir
- Objective: Escort an Emir to a private meeting with another Emir to negotiate peace.
- Location: From the Emir’s residence to the meeting location.
- Encounters: The party must protect the Emir from potential attacks by the “Assassins”.
DM Read-Aloud for Escorting the Emir: “You are tasked with escorting an Emir to a private meeting with another Emir. The goal of the meeting is to come to an arrangement that allows for peace between the two. As you make your way through the city, you must remain vigilant for any signs of trouble.”
Encounter 1: Ambush
- Description: The party is ambushed by a group of assassins disguised as soldiers from the opposing Emir.
- Challenge: The party must roll a DC12 Perception Check to notice that the uniforms are poor replicas. If they succeed, they can alert the Emir and prepare for the attack.
DM Read-Aloud for Ambush: “As you approach the meeting location, a group of soldiers appears, blocking your path. Their uniforms resemble those of the opposing Emir’s men, but something seems off. A closer look reveals that the uniforms are poorly made replicas.”
Combat Mechanics:
- Initiative: Roll for initiative to determine the order of combat.
- Assassins’ Attacks: The assassins will use their weapons and abilities to try to kill the Emir’s retinue.
- Party Actions: The party can use their weapons, spells, and abilities to protect the Emir and defeat the assassins.
Assassins Quest
2. Attacking the Emir
- Objective: Attack an Emir at a meeting, disguised as soldiers from the opposing Emir. Ensure no Emirs are killed, but the rest of the retinues are expendable.
- Location: Meeting location.
- Encounters: The party must attack the Emir’s retinue and escape without being captured.
DM Read-Aloud for Attacking the Emir: “You are tasked with attacking an Emir at a private meeting, disguised as soldiers from the opposing Emir. Your goal is to create chaos and make it appear as though the opposing Emir is responsible. Remember, you are forbidden from killing either of the Emirs, but the rest of their retinues are expendable.”
Encounter 1: Ambush
- Description: The party ambushes the Emir and his retinue at the meeting location.
- Challenge: The party must ensure that neither Emir is killed and that they escape without being captured.
DM Read-Aloud for Ambush: “As you approach the meeting location, you see the Emir and his retinue arriving. Disguised as soldiers from the opposing Emir, you prepare to launch your attack. Remember, you must not kill either of the Emirs, but the rest of their retinues are expendable.”
Combat Mechanics:
- Initiative: Roll for initiative to determine the order of combat.
- Party Attacks: The party will use their weapons and abilities to attack the Emir’s retinue.
- Escape Mechanics: The party must roll a DC14 Stealth Check to escape without being captured.
Conclusion
3. Returning to the Dusty Flagon or Going into Hiding
- Protectors: The party returns to the Dusty Flagon to celebrate their success.
- Assassins: The party goes into hiding for a few weeks to avoid capture.
DM Read-Aloud for Protectors: “After successfully protecting the Emir and ensuring peace, you return to the Dusty Flagon. The tavern is filled with cheers and applause as you enter. Harim greets you with a wide smile, congratulating you on a job well done.”
Harim’s Dialogue for Protectors: “Well done! You’ve ensured peace between the Emirs. Here’s your reward, and enjoy the celebrations. You’ve earned it.”
DM Read-Aloud for Assassins: “After successfully attacking the Emir’s retinue and escaping, you go into hiding for a few weeks. The city is on high alert, and you must lay low to avoid capture. During this time, you reflect on your actions and plan your next move.”
Harim’s Dialogue for Assassins: “Good job on the attack. Now, lay low and avoid capture. We’ll regroup once things have calmed down.”
Level Up
Level 3: Completing this quest will bring Act 1 to a close, and the players will reach level 3.
DM Notes
- Flexibility: Allow the party to come up with creative solutions to handle the encounters.
- 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 protect the Emir or escape without being captured, it could lead to future complications with the Emirs and the local community.