Welcome to the Last Oasis
Welcome to The Last Oasis
Situated on the edge of the inhospitable Blighted Lands, The Last Oasis is a vibrant city known for its distinctive architecture and lively atmosphere. The city captivates with its intricate geometric patterns and ornate carvings on buildings made from wood, plaster, and sandstone. The bustling streets are filled with the sounds of merchants haggling, the aroma of exotic spices, and the vibrant colors of textiles. Towering structures with windcatchers dominate the skyline, blending traditional design with practical innovation.
The Last Oasis thrives on a diverse range of industries, from the vital water trade to skilled craftsmanship in masonry, blacksmithing, and leatherworking. The city’s energy is palpable, with activity continuing well into the evening as shops and stalls cater to both locals and travelers. Amidst this vibrant backdrop, adventurers like yourself can uncover the secrets of the legendary Pendant of Dusk and make a name in this bustling metropolis. Every corner of The Last Oasis holds a new adventure waiting to be discovered.
An Unknown Threat Lurks in the Shadows
Beneath the vibrant and bustling surface of The Last Oasis lies a dark and insidious threat. The Cult of Astarak, devoted followers of the malevolent God of Oblivion, is quietly working to bring their dark deity back to the material plane. Astarak, once expelled by the noble Eagis, seeks to shroud the world in darkness and despair. The cult’s activities are shrouded in secrecy, their members hidden among the city’s populace, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
The cult’s influence extends into various facets of city life, from the slums to the highest echelons of society. They operate in the shadows, using fear and manipulation to achieve their goals. Their ultimate aim is to perform a series of dark rituals that will weaken the barriers between the planes, allowing Astarak to return and reclaim his dominion over the material world. These rituals require rare and powerful artifacts, which the cult is actively seeking, often through theft, deception, and violence.
The return of Astarak would spell disaster for The Last Oasis and beyond. The city’s vibrant life and prosperity would be replaced by a reign of terror and suffering. The cult’s actions threaten not only the physical safety of the city’s inhabitants but also the very essence of hope and light that Eagis brought to the world. As the cult’s plans progress, the need for vigilant and courageous adventurers to thwart their schemes becomes ever more critical. The fate of The Last Oasis hangs in the balance, resting on the shoulders of those brave enough to stand against the encroaching darkness.
About this Campaign
The Pendant of Dusk is a captivating tabletop roleplaying adventure designed for 3-5 players. Set in the vibrant and enigmatic city of The Last Oasis, this campaign invites players to embark on a journey filled with intrigue, danger, and discovery. As new adventurers, the party will navigate the bustling streets, uncover hidden secrets, and face formidable foes in their quest to make a name for themselves. The campaign is structured to provide a balanced mix of roleplaying, combat, and exploration, ensuring an engaging experience for all participants.
This document serves as a comprehensive guide, detailing the villains, monsters, key NPCs, and locations that the party will encounter throughout their adventure. From the shadowy Cult of Astarak to the opulent Royal Palace, each element is meticulously crafted to enrich the storytelling and immerse players in the world of The Last Oasis. Whether protecting the city from dark forces or uncovering ancient artifacts, players will find endless opportunities for heroism and adventure in The Pendant of Dusk.
Adventure Summary
The adventure is split into 4 acts:
Act 1: Making a Name (Levels 1-3): The party arrives in The Last Oasis, taking on various jobs to establish their reputation. They help locals, uncover small mysteries, and set the stage for larger events, reaching level 3 by the end of this act.
Act 2: The High-Paying Job (Levels 3-5): With their growing reputation, the party is offered a high-paying job to retrieve a valuable artifact. They face significant challenges and uncover hidden threats, advancing to level 5 by the end of this act.
Act 3: Deception and Vilification (Levels 5-9): Framed for a crime they didn’t commit, the party must clear their names and uncover the true culprits. This act involves complex investigations and confrontations, leading the party to level 9.
Act 4: Redemption and Final Showdown (Levels 9-12): The party seeks redemption by thwarting Alarak and the Council of the Black’s plans. The act culminates in a climactic battle to save The Last Oasis, with the party reaching level 12 by the end.
Act 1 Summary
The party arrives in The Last Oasis, eager to establish their reputation. They take on various jobs, such as tracking down debtors, escorting important individuals, and retrieving stolen goods. Key quests include locating Tema Shah to recover a debt, escorting Jenelle Berim to her Ascension Ceremony, and investigating the disappearance of Lysandra Kass. Along the way, they encounter key NPCs like Harim the Recruiter and Foreman Tenir, who provide them with opportunities and guidance. By the end of this act, the party has gained the trust of the locals and established themselves as capable adventurers. They also begin to hear whispers of a mysterious cult, hinting at a deeper, hidden threat.
Act 2 Summary
With their growing reputation, the party is offered a high-paying job to retrieve a valuable artifact, the Pendant of Dusk. This mission takes them beyond the city limits to dangerous territories, including ancient ruins and treacherous landscapes. Key quests involve navigating traps, facing rival adventurers, and dealing with hidden enemies. During their quest, they uncover more about the hidden threats facing The Last Oasis, particularly the existence of the Cult of Astarak. By the end of this act, the party has successfully retrieved the artifact and thwarted several plots, setting the stage for deeper investigations.
Act 3 Summary
The party is framed for a crime they didn’t commit, leading to their vilification within the city. They must clear their names by uncovering the true culprits, which involves delving into the city’s underbelly and confronting powerful enemies. Key quests include investigating the framing, navigating political intrigue, and dealing with the fallout of their tarnished reputation. The party discovers that the framing is part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by the Cult of Astarak to destabilize the city. They learn about the cult’s activities and dark ambitions, realizing the full extent of the threat. By the end of this act, the party has restored their reputation and uncovered deeper conspiracies.
Act 4 Summary
The party seeks redemption by thwarting the plans of Alarak and the Council of the Black, who aim to bring Astarak back to the material plane. They face their most formidable challenges yet, including powerful cultists, dark rituals, and ancient evils. Key quests involve disrupting dark rituals, battling cult leaders, and preventing the return of Astarak. The act culminates in a climactic battle in the heart of The Last Oasis, with the fate of the city hanging in the balance. By the end of this act, the party has saved The Last Oasis and secured their legacy.
Running the Adventure
“The Pendant of Dusk” is designed to work seamlessly with existing tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) systems. To run this adventure, you will need a Dungeon Masters Guide and a Players Guide specific to your chosen TTRPG platform to provide the necessary ruleset. This document provides detailed information on the villains, monsters, key NPCs, and locations that the party will encounter. Use this information to create a dynamic and engaging narrative, adapting the details to fit your chosen ruleset as needed.
Throughout the adventure, encourage your players to explore, interact with NPCs, and make meaningful choices. The campaign is structured into four acts, each with its own set of quests and challenges. Be prepared to adjust the difficulty and pacing based on your players’ actions and decisions. Specific formatting and conventions, such as stat blocks, encounter tables, and dialogue prompts, are included to help streamline gameplay and ensure a smooth experience. “The Pendant of Dusk” offers endless opportunities for heroism and adventure, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.