GALADRIEL: ' A wickedness grows in the realm, player. I can feel in in the air. A great many things may cause my mirror to reflect comings and goings.'
PLAYER: ' What is this new evil?'
GALADRIEL: ' A force of dark wizards known as the Zhentarim are regrouping for growth. A large number of Black Orcs gather in anger and desperation. Witchcraft and those that practice it are flourishing. A following of evil dragons is joined by yet another such group who also call on devils for power. '
PLAYER: ' Is there not equal strength of good peoples to repel such? '
GALADRIEL: ' Wherever there is darkness also there is light. Elves ready bow for orc, the paladins of various deities strive to bring justice and insure freedoms. And even those that practice witchery are not wholly safe from those that seek to end their wickedness.'
PLAYER: ' What is witchcraft really, lady?'
GALADRIEL: ' Witchcraft, also called black magic, is the evil use of supernatural powers for evil. The act or instance of employing sorcery, especially with malevolent intent, through a magical rite or technique. Witchcraft, as I am speaking of it, calls upon the powers of evil much like a believer prays and believes in the power of good. The mirror can show you, if you desire it.'
PLAYER: ' I would see it, if you advise me to do so. '
GALADRIEL: * pours water into the mirror and puts her breath apon it to still the pool * ' To know goodness is to know the opposite side of the coin, player. Look and see what you will.'
** A beautiful woman appears in the mirror. She and three others have laid chalk powder in a wide circle around a small alter. Apon the alter are a pile of many firey colored gems.
The women chant as they walk the circle carrying candles on long poles.
At once the chanting stops and simultaneously the women approach the alter.
They draw small knives from the folds of their robes and slice fine lines in their palms. Blood trickles covering the gems and the chanting begins again.
Together they lower their candles on the alter and the gems glow with unholy brilliance that seems to drain the life from the witches as they shake violently and fall unconscious.
The half-orc hunter picked this time to slip from the shadows.
He and his dog had been secretly watching the ceremony and now braved approach.
The dog sniffed the women then the blood covered gems and looked to its master.
'Els no.' Said the half breed hunter. 'Bad luck messin ere. I'll nay be a touchin any of it or dem. Scoot! Let's get lest dey wakin up.'
He turns and walks into the woods but the dog remains long enough to lick the blood then scarf down a mouthfull of the tasty gems.
The mirror swirls and the scene changes.
A walled fort. An Inn with long decending stairs. A court yard with food and gear markets. A consignment shop. Many people mill around shopping for wares.
The hunters dog limps into the court yard whimpering and nursing a broken leg. **
PLAYER: ' I know you will say be patient, lady. But I must know! What of the witches? The hunter? What happened to the poor dog? '
GALADRIEL: ' Be still and at peace, player. '
** She gives a wry smile at his frustrated expression. **
PLAYER: ** looks back to the waters ** ' Look. A man in a wide brim hat approaches the hurt dog. '
GALADRIEL: ' A blessed occurrence , player. That is Caleb. He is a hunter of witches and wise in their lore.'
PLAYER: ' What a strange coincidence. Will he be able to help? '
GALADRIEL: ' I have gazed long into the world through the mirror, player. I believe there are no coincidences. The weave of energies in this realm brings things together for purpose. Rather for good or ill. '
PLAYER: ' He is trying to comfort the dog. Others are gathering as well. They ask if no one can heal the hurts done to it. '
** Caleb calls on the powers of his deity and the dogs leg is mended through divine power. The dog is healed and begins romping around the courtyard, playing, kissing, and wagging its tail **
'Eh der!' Shouts the half orc hunter as he comes around a building.
'Heel dog' he calls to the pup but it growls at him.
'Dat be my dog. He seems all better now, eh?'
** The others question the club carrying half-orc and seem convinced he hurt the dog in the first place. **
'Aye, I had ta beat it some.' Claimed the hunter.
'But it was actin all queer, like it was possessed by an evil spirit. But he's looking fit now. Me wants him.'
** Those gathered are reluctant to release the dog to a cruel master and the orc, being out numbered, storms off and climbs the back wall out of the court. The dog again seems happy and is fed some dried meat. Totally healed, but it starts shaking violently as if choking on the treat.
The people around are shocked as the tremors start distorting the beast into a vile evil form which does not remember their kindness. A red gleam overtakes its eyes and it belches foul flames onto Caleb, the one who healed it. **
** Caleb rolls onto the floor to put out the flames as the others come to their senses and quickly dispatch the devil-spawn dog. Caleb recovers as one of the others spies a red sparkle in the dead dogs severed hide. Using a pole, another half orc bystander prods some red gems from the dogs carcass. Caleb recognizes the gems and the situation for what it is and tells all gathered that the gems are used in witchcraft to initiate possession by demons. They are cursed!
They all talk about it at length before magic is once again called forth to heal the new taint. **
GALADRIEL: ' You see, player. Where there is darkness is light. Where there is witchery, there to are those who combat it.'
PLAYER: ' There were many gems on the witches alter. That dog had but a few. Will they also be used in such.... possession? '
CHARACTERS:
Caleb
Brunhilda Stonemender
Momoko Konishibo
Uriel Hornblade
Sophia Songheart
Gard Raklet
Rewards for good RP: XP to the four originally involved before the party grew.
XP to a paladin (forgot name, sorry) for playing his part well.
A few gems for them to squabble over.
POSSIBLE PLOT HOOKS FOR OTHER DMs: Caleb is a witch hunter and the witches are still alive with a great many more gems.
