NA-03: The Oath of Asbury
Summary
Having completed their individual interviews, the chosen adventurers are called back into Lady Elinor Asbury’s presence. This pivotal roleplaying scene deepens the stakes and lore of the Asbury lineage, revealing the personal and political weight behind the quest. It culminates in the players taking a sacred oath of service and being entrusted with symbols of Asbury's legacy.
Scene Setup & Read-Aloud
After some time in the antechamber, where the candidates have shared food and exchanged quiet words, Jarek, Lady Elinor’s page, reappears at the door. He carries a small scroll and calls each adventurer by name, waiting for their reply before inviting them back into the audience chamber.
The room has changed. The great chairs once placed in rows are now arranged in a semi-circle, facing the raised platform where Lady Elinor and Sir Armount await.
Sir Armount steps forward, voice clear and reverent: “Approach and present yourselves to Baroness Elinor Tresguard Asbury, Ambassador of the Celestial Circle, and Mistress of House Asbury.”
The room has changed. The great chairs once placed in rows are now arranged in a semi-circle, facing the raised platform where Lady Elinor and Sir Armount await.
Sir Armount steps forward, voice clear and reverent: “Approach and present yourselves to Baroness Elinor Tresguard Asbury, Ambassador of the Celestial Circle, and Mistress of House Asbury.”
Lady Elinor rises, graceful and composed. She gestures for the party to be seated, then waits until silence settles.
Lady Elinor’s Address
Lady Elinor: “Of what I am about to tell you, some is known, the rest must remain secret. Do I have your word on that?”
(Wait for player confirmations. If any are hesitant, press gently but diplomatically. This moment is key.) Once they agree, she continues:
“Elven years ago, an unspeakable evil fell upon the lands to the south. A dark fortress was raised, and from its gates came a host of despoilers. Asbury Manor lay in their path. My father, Lord Asbury, and my mother, Lady Aluna, knew they could not turn aside such a tide—but they swore their duty to protect those who looked to us. They gathered our people and bade them flee north toward Verbobonc City, where the forces of good were mustering.
I was twelve years old, still too young to fight but old enough to remember. It was Sir Armount who took my hand and led me north as the skies darkened over Asbury. My parents donned their armor and led ten brave retainers to make a stand. At Whistler’s Bridge, they destroyed the span and held the crossing for ten long hours—long enough for many of our people to reach safety.
They died there, swept away like autumn leaves before the storm.”
I was twelve years old, still too young to fight but old enough to remember. It was Sir Armount who took my hand and led me north as the skies darkened over Asbury. My parents donned their armor and led ten brave retainers to make a stand. At Whistler’s Bridge, they destroyed the span and held the crossing for ten long hours—long enough for many of our people to reach safety.
They died there, swept away like autumn leaves before the storm.”
The Mission Revealed
Lady Elinor continues:
“The township of Penwick was razed. We rebuilt with courage and faith—but not without debt. Our house stands in spirit, but our treasury does not. But though our spirit endures, our coffers do not. The razing of Penwick Township left the land poor—not in courage, nor determination, but in gold.
Lost that day were our symbols of rule:
The Sword of Asbury, wielded by my father.
The Stone of Asbury, a gem pendant worn by my mother.
In addition, there was a treasury of gems and coin, meant to secure our future, which would alleviate the terrible strain levied upon Asbury. We had to borrow heavily to rebuild and the cost of that is now due. I cannot ask my people to sacrifice more then they have already.
And while I have had offers of assistance, (she smiles wanly) they have a different cost. But now to the point, recently, an old man, half crazed and muttering nonsense stumbled into the holding. He babbled about a cave filled with riches and gold and guarded by imps of the underworld. Ordinarily we would pay little heed. But in his possession was a golden chalice—a wedding gift once held by my parents, long thought lost. Sir Armount recognized it immediately.
We questioned him gently. From his ravings, we believe he stumbled into a cave—one guarded by creatures of the underworld, and filled with treasure. Whether the cave holds truth or madness, we must know.”
Lost that day were our symbols of rule:
The Sword of Asbury, wielded by my father.
The Stone of Asbury, a gem pendant worn by my mother.
In addition, there was a treasury of gems and coin, meant to secure our future, which would alleviate the terrible strain levied upon Asbury. We had to borrow heavily to rebuild and the cost of that is now due. I cannot ask my people to sacrifice more then they have already.
And while I have had offers of assistance, (she smiles wanly) they have a different cost. But now to the point, recently, an old man, half crazed and muttering nonsense stumbled into the holding. He babbled about a cave filled with riches and gold and guarded by imps of the underworld. Ordinarily we would pay little heed. But in his possession was a golden chalice—a wedding gift once held by my parents, long thought lost. Sir Armount recognized it immediately.
We questioned him gently. From his ravings, we believe he stumbled into a cave—one guarded by creatures of the underworld, and filled with treasure. Whether the cave holds truth or madness, we must know.”
The Oath of Asbury
Lady Elinor folds her hands before her, her expression now one of solemn hope.
“We have pieced together just enough—fragments of a broken tale—to believe there is truth behind the madman’s ramblings. Enough to warrant a search. A chance to recover what was stolen and restore Asbury to its rightful place among the noble holdings of this Viscounty.
Would that I had warriors enough—men and women at arms—I would ride myself, just as my father did. But the people of Asbury are craftsmen, mothers, farmers, not swordsmen. And a certain political obligation demands that I remain here in Verbobonc.”
(She lifts her chin slightly—more a statement of dignity than defiance.)
“So I turn to you. I ask you to take service under the banner of House Asbury. Seek the Sword and Stone of Asbury—symbols of our honor and right—and recover the treasure that may yet preserve our holding. In return, I offer the eternal gratitude of House Asbury, and mayhaps even the praise of bards in taverns and temples alike. And if the treasury is truly recovered, know that I shall impart to each of you a fair share in coin. Mind you—we are a poor holding still. But our heart, our honor, and our love go to those who aid us with honesty and valor.”
(She steps forward, locking eyes with the group as a whole.) “What say you all?”
Would that I had warriors enough—men and women at arms—I would ride myself, just as my father did. But the people of Asbury are craftsmen, mothers, farmers, not swordsmen. And a certain political obligation demands that I remain here in Verbobonc.”
(She lifts her chin slightly—more a statement of dignity than defiance.)
“So I turn to you. I ask you to take service under the banner of House Asbury. Seek the Sword and Stone of Asbury—symbols of our honor and right—and recover the treasure that may yet preserve our holding. In return, I offer the eternal gratitude of House Asbury, and mayhaps even the praise of bards in taverns and temples alike. And if the treasury is truly recovered, know that I shall impart to each of you a fair share in coin. Mind you—we are a poor holding still. But our heart, our honor, and our love go to those who aid us with honesty and valor.”
(She steps forward, locking eyes with the group as a whole.) “What say you all?”
The Pledge Ceremony
Lady Elinor turns to Sir Armount, who nods solemnly and steps forward, holding a stack of folded blue tabards. Examination reveals that the tabards, while clean and fresh, appear to have been mended. Tears and rents have been lovingly closed the repairs are of the highest quality.
Sir Armount: “Step forward, each of you.”
As they do, Elinor locks eyes with each adventurer and says:
Lady Elinor: “Do you pledge to serve the people and rightful ruler of Asbury until this service is done?”
(Wait for each to respond.) At each acceptance, she takes a tabard—deep blue, trimmed with silver thread, bearing the sigil of Asbury: a Flaming Sword crossed with a Sparkling Gem.
She says: “These tabards once belonged to those who stood at Whistler’s Bridge with my parents. They are mended, but true. Their courage lives still. Wear them proudly.”
As they do, Elinor locks eyes with each adventurer and says:
Lady Elinor: “Do you pledge to serve the people and rightful ruler of Asbury until this service is done?”
(Wait for each to respond.) At each acceptance, she takes a tabard—deep blue, trimmed with silver thread, bearing the sigil of Asbury: a Flaming Sword crossed with a Sparkling Gem.
She says: “These tabards once belonged to those who stood at Whistler’s Bridge with my parents. They are mended, but true. Their courage lives still. Wear them proudly.”
Final Notes & Rewards
- After all oaths are taken, Lady Elinor relaxes slightly and permits the adventurers to address her as simply “Lady Elinor” going forward.
- She shares a copy of the madman’s ravings, transcribed by her priest of Rao.
- These ravings are cryptic and poetic, and she invites the players to interpret what she cannot.
Lady Elinor’s Final Words
After the last tabard has been placed and the adventurers sworn in, Lady Elinor’s tone softens, the formality lifting slightly.
Lady Elinor: “You may call me Lady Elinor, now. You've earned that right. There is… one more thing.”
She draws a folded parchment from a small lacquered box and hands it to the nearest PC.
Lady Elinor: “This is a transcription of the old man’s words. My priest of Rao, Artus Kellan, spent two days deciphering the fragments from his ramblings. He repeats this verse over and over, no matter what question is asked of him.”
(She pauses, voice pensive.) “I do have thoughts on a few of the passages. I believe this riddle is the key—if not to the treasure, then to its guardians or its resting place. As Artus put it: ‘The union of deep feeling with profound thought—the balance of truth and imagination—may yet reveal what my eyes cannot.’”
She draws a folded parchment from a small lacquered box and hands it to the nearest PC.
Lady Elinor: “This is a transcription of the old man’s words. My priest of Rao, Artus Kellan, spent two days deciphering the fragments from his ramblings. He repeats this verse over and over, no matter what question is asked of him.”
(She pauses, voice pensive.) “I do have thoughts on a few of the passages. I believe this riddle is the key—if not to the treasure, then to its guardians or its resting place. As Artus put it: ‘The union of deep feeling with profound thought—the balance of truth and imagination—may yet reveal what my eyes cannot.’”
DM Guidance: Riddle Interpretation & Lore Checks
This is a lore-based puzzle that may provide clues to:
- The dungeon entrance
- Its divine guardianship or warding enchantments
- A numerical or symbolic lock
The poem is religiously coded, referencing gods of Oerth. If the PCs recognize this:
Skill Checks:
- Religion Check (DC 10): To identify individual deities referenced (Beltar, Pholtus, Celestian, Llerg, Wee Jas, Hextor, Trithereon).
- Insight or Intelligence (DC 15): To spot symbolic patterns or interpret metaphor. That these deities represent each axis of alignments.
- If the PC follows a named deity: Grant advantage or automatic success on that deity’s line.
Research Options
Betham the Sage (B18 Betham’s books )
- PCs can seek out Betham, an elderly, crusty, well-read scholar.
- He will charge 5 gp per question (whether he knows the answer or not).
- 75% chance to provide helpful or accurate divine lore per line.
- He also sells a book titled “The Known Gods of Oerth”, written in Gnomish (cost: 50 gp).
Betham is irritable, opinionated, and tends to rant—but his information is often solid if the party endures his manner.
Monastery of the Reverent Brothers (A1 Monastery of the Reverent Brothers Rao )
- Known for one of the largest libraries of religious texts in Verbobonc.
- PCs with ties to Rao or high Charisma may gain free access.
- Otherwise, a donation of 10 gp or a service may be required.
- Possible leads on:
- Ritual calendars of Oerth
- Planetary and lunar alignments
- Symbols and sacred numbers of the named deities
DM Notes – Decoding the Divine Riddle
The riddle is deeply symbolic and requires knowledge of Oerth’s deities and their domains, alignments, and iconography. The following references provide context for each line of the madman’s verse:
Deity Reference Breakdown
| Deity | Domain(s) | Alignment | Symbolism in the Riddle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beltar | Caves, underground, malice | CE | “Her domain” is likely a cave or dungeon entrance. |
| Pholtus | Light, sun, law, order | LG | “Pholtus’ reign” = dawn or sunrise, implying eastward direction. |
| Celestian | Stars, night sky, space | NG | “Star does rise” = nightfall, perhaps signaling a time-based trigger. |
| Llerg | Beasts, survival, nature | CN | “Llerg’s fang” could refer to a constellation, beast, or a natural feature. |
| Wee Jas | Magic, death, vanity | LN | “Mouth opens” = danger or a trap; her skull symbol may appear near a magical ward. |
| Hextor | War, tyranny, discipline | LE | His necklace of 6 red arrows may hint at a numeric code or iconography puzzle. |
| Syrul | Lies, treachery, deceit | NE | “Count the letters in Her name” = S-Y-R-U-L = 5 (numeric clue). |
| Trithereon | Individuality, liberty, vengeance | CG | “Summons comforts thee” = his three summoned allies may relate to puzzle components or boons. |
Balance as the Key
- The final stanza presents a philosophical resolution:
- “Mighty Ones” = the full divine set.
- “A sum that is not a number” is the central puzzle.
- Thematic Insight: The named gods span all alignments (LG, CE, NG, NE, LN, CN, LE, CG).
- The solution lies in understanding this cosmic opposition:
- Law opposes Chaos; Good opposes Evil.
- The key word is: Balance.
This interpretation aligns with Raoan philosophy (order, reason, and balance), which may explain why Elinor consulted her priest and why this riddle came to her instead of another noble.
Player Insight & NPC Reaction
- If any PC offers insights (even partial), Lady Elinor relaxes and smiles, showing she values intelligence and intuition.
- Elinor will answer additional questions they ask, provided they’ve shown good faith and intellectual curiosity.
- Encourage players to engage with each deity's traits through Religion, Insight, or by seeking external sources (e.g., Betham the Sage or the Monastery of Rao).
Closing the Audience
With the riddles pondered and the pledges sworn, Lady Elinor gathers the documents and gestures for Jarek to assist in tidying the chamber.
Lady Elinor (composed, formal): “That is the sum of the information we have. The old man, the one who brought the chalice, still lives—under our care at Asbury Manor. You will be permitted to meet him yourselves. I believe his mind may hold more than he can yet express.”
She folds her hands again and nods solemnly. “I am convinced the same cadre that slew my parents took the treasure from the manor. But they did not carry it to the Temple of Elemental Evil—of this I am certain. That is why neither the Sword, nor the Gemstone, nor a single coin has been recovered.”
“You will begin your search at Asbury Manor, near Penwick, two days’ ride southeast of the city.”
“I cannot offer coin in advance. All that remains of our wealth is held in trust. But I can provide you each a horse for the journey and will see to your provisions.”
(She offers a soft, hopeful smile.) “It would be my pleasure to have you ride with my party at sunrise tomorrow, departing from this very inn. I trust your preparations will be made.”
She folds her hands again and nods solemnly. “I am convinced the same cadre that slew my parents took the treasure from the manor. But they did not carry it to the Temple of Elemental Evil—of this I am certain. That is why neither the Sword, nor the Gemstone, nor a single coin has been recovered.”
“You will begin your search at Asbury Manor, near Penwick, two days’ ride southeast of the city.”
“I cannot offer coin in advance. All that remains of our wealth is held in trust. But I can provide you each a horse for the journey and will see to your provisions.”
(She offers a soft, hopeful smile.) “It would be my pleasure to have you ride with my party at sunrise tomorrow, departing from this very inn. I trust your preparations will be made.”
Final Scene – Lord Milinous
Awaits As the audience winds down and the players prepare to depart, the door opens once again. The thin doorman enters and bows low.
Doorman: “Your pardon again, my Lady… but Lord Milinous asks me to remind you that he still awaits your pleasure.”
A long sigh escapes Lady Elinor. Lady Elinor (weary but composed): “Thank you, Rauth. Please give Lord Milinous my gratitude for his patience. I will see him now.”
She turns back to the party one last time. Lady Elinor (graciously): “You are dismissed. Make what preparations you must, and meet me at first light.”
A long sigh escapes Lady Elinor. Lady Elinor (weary but composed): “Thank you, Rauth. Please give Lord Milinous my gratitude for his patience. I will see him now.”
She turns back to the party one last time. Lady Elinor (graciously): “You are dismissed. Make what preparations you must, and meet me at first light.”
Optional Dialogue – Concerned PC If a player expresses concern about Milinous or attempts to linger:
Lady Elinor (with a small smile): “I appreciate your concern. I see now that I have chosen well. Please, be at ease—it is only tedious Holding business that must be tended.”
She offers a final nod, and then turns away, her expression unreadable as she prepares to meet her persistent suitor.
She offers a final nod, and then turns away, her expression unreadable as she prepares to meet her persistent suitor.
Artus Kellan a priest of Rao ramblings by 3orcs
Encounter Type: Roleplaying / Narrative Commitment
Location: Private Audience Chamber, Jylee’s Inn
Part of: Noble Ambitions 579CY
Parent Plot
Related Characters
Related Organizations
Related Locations
Lore Highlights (Optional DM Summary for Players)
- The battle described predates the Battle of Emridy Meadows in 569cy—part of the wider Elemental War.
- Sir Armount returned with the survivors, and at the people’s request, served as Regent of Asbury.
- Lady Elinor only came of age this past year and resumed leadership officially.
DM Note – The Oath of Secrecy
- This is a critical narrative moment where the players are asked to give their word of secrecy before hearing the mission.
- Wait for each PC to respond verbally or with clear roleplay acknowledgment.
- If any player is hesitant or attempts to bargain, have Lady Elinor respond with quiet patience, perhaps saying:
“If you cannot offer your trust, I cannot offer mine.”
- Do not force consent—but make it clear that without the oath, they will not hear the mission or be chosen.
- This is a social contract moment—it sets the tone for honor, loyalty, and political gravity in the campaign.
DM Note – The Pledge Ceremony
- This is a symbolic binding moment between the PCs and House Asbury. Emphasize ritual, respect, and weight.
- Ask each PC individually:
“Do you pledge to serve the people and rightful ruler of Asbury until this service is done?”
- Wait for their spoken answer or deliberate in-character response.
- If any PC hesitates, Sir Armount may step forward with quiet gravity, reminding them:
“You are not pledging fealty for life—only for honor and this cause.”
- After each pledge:
- Lady Elinor will step forward and ceremonially place a tabard over their head.
- Describe the tabards: blue, patched but expertly mended, bearing the Flaming Sword and Gem sigil of House Asbury.
- PCs may sense the weight of the legacy they now wear—these are garments from the Whistler’s Bridge stand.
- This scene is an opportunity to highlight roleplay choices:
- Stoic warrior? Recite an oath of their own.
- Skeptical rogue? Mumble through it, raising eyebrows.
- Faithful cleric? Offer a blessing as they accept.
- After the last tabard is placed, shift tone—Lady Elinor’s demeanor softens; she is no longer vetting them, but welcoming them as her champions.
Ramblings of Artus Kellan
Transcribed by Artus Kellan, Priest of Rao, 579 CY
Recovered from a deranged traveler near Penwick
Who enters the dark lady Beltar's domain,
walks into the dawn of Pholtus' reign.
A nonce before great Celestine's star does rise,
In the month of Readying, Llerg's fang points to more than skies.
When Wee Jas' mouth opens to swallow you,
count Hextor's red arrows to win your way through.
Treachery, Lies, Deceit and Ill Fame,
next count the letters in Her name.
One final turn for all to see,
And Trithereon's summons comforts thee.
Mighty Ones those all named before,
But a sum that is not a number unlocks this door.
DM Note (for you only, not on handout):
- This poem is symbolic, numerological, and theological—full of misleading allegory.
- It may hold clues to:
- A celestial alignment.
- A locked chamber or puzzle (divine passphrase or symbolic sequence).
- Divine opposition—chaos vs. law, deceit vs. truth.
- Each stanza could correspond to a trial or stage of a future dungeon or site, tied to a deity.
Questions on Lord Bridgeforth and Master Quallad
"Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised or a little mistaken. I know little of Lord Bridgeforth beside that his mien is a wonderful lack of wit, beyond that he holds a small title here in the city.
Roa preaches that a balance between individuality and sociability. A certain regulated interaction between individuality and universality…constitutes the first condition for moral well-being.”
Roa preaches that a balance between individuality and sociability. A certain regulated interaction between individuality and universality…constitutes the first condition for moral well-being.”
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