NSQ-05: On a Mission from Rao
Scene One: Godsday Parade of Rao
The rising sun gleams against the white-and-blue banners of Rao fluttering above the cobblestone spine of Bridgewalk Road. Crowds line the streets beneath the ivy-clad facades of shops and chapels, watching in reverent silence. Towering incense-bearers move ahead of the priests in slow procession, silver censers casting curling spirals into the morning air. Following behind, robed monks of the Order of the Reverent Brothers intone verses of Rao’s peace, their voices a gentle balm to the city's growing unrest.
"When the mind is calm and the voice is still, the truth walks beside us."
"Where the sun rises, reason dawns."
"Steel may sunder flesh, but only words may mend the soul."
"Let every sword remain sheathed where speech may yet prevail."
"So we speak, so we walk, so we remember."
As the sacred relics and manuscript cases of Rao are carried by acolytes, a young woman walks at the heart of the line — radiant, composed, and very still despite the chanting around her. She wears white ceremonial robes embroidered with the silver symbol of Rao, and her hair is bound in a circlet of pale blue quartz.
"When the mind is calm and the voice is still, the truth walks beside us."
"Where the sun rises, reason dawns."
"Steel may sunder flesh, but only words may mend the soul."
"Let every sword remain sheathed where speech may yet prevail."
"So we speak, so we walk, so we remember."
As the sacred relics and manuscript cases of Rao are carried by acolytes, a young woman walks at the heart of the line — radiant, composed, and very still despite the chanting around her. She wears white ceremonial robes embroidered with the silver symbol of Rao, and her hair is bound in a circlet of pale blue quartz.
This is Seranna Valeth, a junior priestess of Rao recently arrived from Veluna. She walks not just as a participant, but as one divinely chosen.
Opening Dialogue (to PCs in the crowd):
Then suddenly, a lone priestess halts. The line of acolytes behind her falters. A silver bell chimes sharply — one bearer nearly stumbles into her back.
But she does not move. Her head turns.
Her eyes — glimmering with an otherworldly sapphire light — scan the crowd until they lock with yours.
She steps forward, robes whispering like parchment, and speaks directly to you:
The priestess (whispering with divine certainty): “You. Rao showed me your face in my dream — a face bathed in light, set against a rising storm.”
(She leans in closer, her voice trembling slightly.) “The gods weave purpose into moments such as these. There is a relic... and a priest named Artus. Both lost. Both must be found. I am geased by my god to seek them — and to find you.”
(She gestures away from the procession, toward the High Quarter.) “Will you come with me to the Monastery of the Reverent Brothers? There, I can speak freely — and reveal all I know.”
But she does not move. Her head turns.
Her eyes — glimmering with an otherworldly sapphire light — scan the crowd until they lock with yours.
She steps forward, robes whispering like parchment, and speaks directly to you:
The priestess (whispering with divine certainty): “You. Rao showed me your face in my dream — a face bathed in light, set against a rising storm.”
(She leans in closer, her voice trembling slightly.) “The gods weave purpose into moments such as these. There is a relic... and a priest named Artus. Both lost. Both must be found. I am geased by my god to seek them — and to find you.”
(She gestures away from the procession, toward the High Quarter.) “Will you come with me to the Monastery of the Reverent Brothers? There, I can speak freely — and reveal all I know.”
If a player hesitates or questions her:
Seranna (calm, unwavering):
“No, we have not met. But I am certain — Rao would not show me false. Your presence here is no accident. Please...come to the Monastery of the Reverent Brothers. There, beside Castle Greyfist. I will wait.”
Procession Continues
Without waiting for a reply, Seranna turns, lifting her hand to the others in the column.
"So we speak, so we walk, so we remember."
The procession resumes down the Bridgewalk Road, climbing the stone-paved incline toward the High Quarter. She rejoins her place in the column without looking back. The trailing white robes, silver bells, and holy chants wind steadily uphill, leaving only the scent of incense—and the weight of destiny—in their wake.
Scene Two: Arrival at the Monastery of the Reverent Brothers
Procession to the High Quarter
The solemn chiming of silver bells fades into the distance as the procession of Rao turns off Bridgewalk Road, ascending the winding path that skirts the verdant gardens of Castle Greyfist. The elven spires of the Viscount’s palace loom above you—delicate towers wrapped in flowering vines, joined by graceful arched bridges.
To the east, set into the curtain wall like a sacred jewel, stands the Monastery of the Reverent Brothers. Carved in pale, clean stone and capped with copper-green domes, it appears both ancient and immaculately kept. Through its broad open archway, you glimpse incense smoke curling through the still air.
The parade passes beneath a stone lintel carved with the words: “Peace through Strength of Words and Weight of Reason.” Golden light glints on the polished helms of two soldiers of the Viscount’s High Guard standing at attention. They nod respectfully as the faithful ascend the monastery steps. You feel an invisible stillness settle over the crowd—like the air before a storm, but filled instead with something sacred.
To the east, set into the curtain wall like a sacred jewel, stands the Monastery of the Reverent Brothers. Carved in pale, clean stone and capped with copper-green domes, it appears both ancient and immaculately kept. Through its broad open archway, you glimpse incense smoke curling through the still air.
The parade passes beneath a stone lintel carved with the words: “Peace through Strength of Words and Weight of Reason.” Golden light glints on the polished helms of two soldiers of the Viscount’s High Guard standing at attention. They nod respectfully as the faithful ascend the monastery steps. You feel an invisible stillness settle over the crowd—like the air before a storm, but filled instead with something sacred.
Approaching the Monastery Gates
As you step forward, a grey-robed acolyte bows gently from the waist. His dark, discerning eyes scan yours with a gaze of tranquil awareness. Around his neck hangs a silver disk bearing the unblinking face of Rao, etched in fine detail.
Acolyte of Rao (with a serene tone): “Your arrival among the Reverent Brothers is most welcome. What purpose brings you to Rao’s house of peace today?”
If the party says they were asked to come by the priestess: Acolyte (bowing slightly): “Ah… then Rao’s hand moves in many ways today. Past the Tower of Reason lies the Assembly Hall of the Reverent Brothers. You are welcome to observe our Rite of Stillness and Insight. Please, enter with calm mind and reverent heart.”
He makes a prayer gesture—arms parted, hands slightly raised, palms upward. “May the Peace, Reason, and Serenity of Rao fulfill you.”
The acolyte steps aside with a whisper of his robes, and you pass beneath the gate into the shaded monastery courtyard.
Acolyte of Rao (with a serene tone): “Your arrival among the Reverent Brothers is most welcome. What purpose brings you to Rao’s house of peace today?”
If the party says they were asked to come by the priestess: Acolyte (bowing slightly): “Ah… then Rao’s hand moves in many ways today. Past the Tower of Reason lies the Assembly Hall of the Reverent Brothers. You are welcome to observe our Rite of Stillness and Insight. Please, enter with calm mind and reverent heart.”
He makes a prayer gesture—arms parted, hands slightly raised, palms upward. “May the Peace, Reason, and Serenity of Rao fulfill you.”
The acolyte steps aside with a whisper of his robes, and you pass beneath the gate into the shaded monastery courtyard.
The Monastery Interior
The open-air monastery is a blend of sacred silence and gentle movement. Incense wafts from the upper cloister windows. You hear the quiet recitation of philosophical verses in melodic Flan. A central garden surrounds a reflecting pool, beside which white-robed scribes copy scrolls in silence.
Beyond the Tower of Reason, a tall, domed structure with blue-glass windows, lies the Assembly Hall—a circular stone chamber filled with faithful, sitting cross-legged on woven mats. At the front, a wizened elder of Rao intones verses in deep, rhythmic cadence, leading a ritual of Protection and Insight.
Beyond the Tower of Reason, a tall, domed structure with blue-glass windows, lies the Assembly Hall—a circular stone chamber filled with faithful, sitting cross-legged on woven mats. At the front, a wizened elder of Rao intones verses in deep, rhythmic cadence, leading a ritual of Protection and Insight.
Scene 3: Assembly Hall of the Reverent Brothers
Narration: Entering the Sacred Hall
You pass the Tower of Reason and approach a stunning structure of elven artistry — the Assembly Hall of the Reverent Brothers. Stained glass in deep blues and silvers glimmers in the mid-morning light, refracting soft hues across the cobbled pathway. Towering archways rise above, and the heavy doors of the hall stand wide open, welcoming all who seek peace through the discipline of reason.
As you near, the fragrant tendrils of meditative incense ride on the wind, washing over you like a cleansing balm. The rhythmic chants of Raoan priests reverberate from within, layered in harmony and solemnity. Two grey-robed acolytes, one young and tranquil, the other weathered with decades of introspection, stand at either side of the door, nodding in serene approval to all who pass between them.
As you near, the fragrant tendrils of meditative incense ride on the wind, washing over you like a cleansing balm. The rhythmic chants of Raoan priests reverberate from within, layered in harmony and solemnity. Two grey-robed acolytes, one young and tranquil, the other weathered with decades of introspection, stand at either side of the door, nodding in serene approval to all who pass between them.
Acolyte Dialog (if approached)
The younger acolyte bows slightly, his calm gaze resting upon you. “Please enter and take a seat here in the Assembly Hall of the Reverent Brothers. You are most welcome to attend the ceremony of peace and reason. Please, I ask you to respect the sanctity of the monastery. May the Peace, Reason, and Serenity of Rao fulfill you.”
With a slow, reverent spreading of his arms — palms open in a gesture of welcome and prayer — he steps aside.
With a slow, reverent spreading of his arms — palms open in a gesture of welcome and prayer — he steps aside.
Narration: Taking Your Seat
The quiet footfalls of the faithful echo faintly as you enter the hall and find a place near the back. The vaulted ceiling above is painted with constellations and philosophical allegories from ancient Flan and Oeridian scripture. The chanting, now clearly heard, vibrates the very walls, each note intensifying the aura of contemplation.
A vast sculpture of Rao’s calm visage dominates the high wall above the altar, lit by shifting rays from the stained-glass windows. The altar itself is an elevated gilded dais, crowned by tallow candles. One by one, each cleric of the procession — including Seranna — steps forward to place their lit candle, invoking divine light.
With each flame, a faint, radiant glow swells across the dais and spreads throughout the chamber. It’s as though Rao’s presence is quietly descending upon all present.
The Sermon of the High Priest A cowled elder in blue-gray robes trimmed with white and gold ascends the dais. Rao’s symbol gleams upon his chest. Raising his arms to the congregation, he intones in a deep, steady voice:
"Causa est maximum donum. Ducit ad sermonis, quae ducit ad pacem, quae ducit ad serenitatem.” "Reason is the greatest gift. It leads to discourse, which leads to peace, which leads to serenity. If all could be convinced to reason with each other, the world would enjoy the harmony of benign order.
Some refuse to use reason and instead resort to violence, at which time action—governed by reason and wisdom—is required to counteract their deeds and restore peace.
The soul of man is divided into three parts: intelligence, reason, and passion. Intelligence and passion are possessed by other animals, but reason by man alone.
Most who lack peace simply have not taken the time to pursue it. Rao’s peace comes to those with the personal discipline to stop in the midst of the maelstrom of life and seek serenity. He commands: ‘Be still, and know that I am Rao.’
To those whose minds are steadfastly fixed on Rao, he gives the gift of peace." "Et iis quorum mentes sunt steadfastly fixum in Rao, qui dat donum pacis."
The hall is silent save the final harmonic echoes of the elder’s voice.
Closing of the Ceremony
The high priest lowers his arms, steps off the dais, and disappears through a hidden side passage in solemn silence. The faithful, including some of the acolytes, begin to quietly rise and file out in a reverent hush. From the edge of the lingering incense, you see Seranna reappear. She approaches you, her demeanor now fully composed, her presence serene yet intense.
With a whisper that pierces the mind like a struck bell, she says: “Come. The time has come for us to speak. This way — to the Halls of Peace.”
Without waiting, she turns and leads you deeper into the monastery.
A vast sculpture of Rao’s calm visage dominates the high wall above the altar, lit by shifting rays from the stained-glass windows. The altar itself is an elevated gilded dais, crowned by tallow candles. One by one, each cleric of the procession — including Seranna — steps forward to place their lit candle, invoking divine light.
With each flame, a faint, radiant glow swells across the dais and spreads throughout the chamber. It’s as though Rao’s presence is quietly descending upon all present.
The Sermon of the High Priest A cowled elder in blue-gray robes trimmed with white and gold ascends the dais. Rao’s symbol gleams upon his chest. Raising his arms to the congregation, he intones in a deep, steady voice:
"Causa est maximum donum. Ducit ad sermonis, quae ducit ad pacem, quae ducit ad serenitatem.” "Reason is the greatest gift. It leads to discourse, which leads to peace, which leads to serenity. If all could be convinced to reason with each other, the world would enjoy the harmony of benign order.
Some refuse to use reason and instead resort to violence, at which time action—governed by reason and wisdom—is required to counteract their deeds and restore peace.
The soul of man is divided into three parts: intelligence, reason, and passion. Intelligence and passion are possessed by other animals, but reason by man alone.
Most who lack peace simply have not taken the time to pursue it. Rao’s peace comes to those with the personal discipline to stop in the midst of the maelstrom of life and seek serenity. He commands: ‘Be still, and know that I am Rao.’
To those whose minds are steadfastly fixed on Rao, he gives the gift of peace." "Et iis quorum mentes sunt steadfastly fixum in Rao, qui dat donum pacis."
The hall is silent save the final harmonic echoes of the elder’s voice.
Closing of the Ceremony
The high priest lowers his arms, steps off the dais, and disappears through a hidden side passage in solemn silence. The faithful, including some of the acolytes, begin to quietly rise and file out in a reverent hush. From the edge of the lingering incense, you see Seranna reappear. She approaches you, her demeanor now fully composed, her presence serene yet intense.
With a whisper that pierces the mind like a struck bell, she says: “Come. The time has come for us to speak. This way — to the Halls of Peace.”
Without waiting, she turns and leads you deeper into the monastery.
After the Ceremony
You are guided quietly to a side chamber—a simple room with polished stone benches and a table laden with cups of fruit water, figs, and soft bread.
After a short wait, the door opens again and Seranna Valeth enters in ceremonial robes of ivory and blue, now devoid of her earlier crowd-born excitement. She greets you with a peaceful smile, but the fire of her divine calling still flickers behind her gaze.
After a short wait, the door opens again and Seranna Valeth enters in ceremonial robes of ivory and blue, now devoid of her earlier crowd-born excitement. She greets you with a peaceful smile, but the fire of her divine calling still flickers behind her gaze.
Scene 4: Revelation in the Halls of Peace
You follow Seranna through the peaceful monastery courtyard. Incense still lingers on the air, mingling with birdsong and the distant bells from Castle Greyfist’s tower. At the eastern edge of the monastery, she leads you to a large, free-standing four-sided stone hall with massive oaken doors.
Chiseled above the arched entryway in flawless calligraphy are the words: "Peace through Strength of Words and Weight of Reason."
The doors part soundlessly, revealing a spacious interior of carved pillars, long oak tables, and serene banners embroidered with verses of Rao’s teachings. This is no mere dining hall—it is a forum of dialogue and doctrine. Other acolytes usher the remaining worshipers into calm conversation, while food and wine are set for all.
Seranna draws you aside, away from the communal tables, into a quiet alcove where only the soft gurgle of a water fountain can be heard. She leans forward and whispers urgently: “I have been selected by my order to retrieve a relic most sacred to Rao—the Chest of Rao, which was lost with a priest during a failed diplomatic mission to Celene. Our leaders seek to keep this shame hidden from public knowledge.”
She closes her eyes as if recalling the vision: “Rao came to me in my sleep, cloaked in golden light. His words were clear: ‘Find your lost brother, for his madness may yet lead to peace. Seek the Crown of the Flaming Sword and the Shining Gem. Beseek eight mighty ones.’ Then… He showed me your face.”
“The order doubted. Said I was young, romantic, mistaken. But then I studied the heraldry of House Asbury—the flaming sword above a gemstone. I knew the dream was no folly. And now, seeing you... I know Rao has chosen you to lead the way.”
Her voice trembles—not with fear, but with reverence. “Still, I do not know what Rao’s words mean in full. Who are the eight? Who is the brother in madness? That answer must lie ahead.”
Chiseled above the arched entryway in flawless calligraphy are the words: "Peace through Strength of Words and Weight of Reason."
The doors part soundlessly, revealing a spacious interior of carved pillars, long oak tables, and serene banners embroidered with verses of Rao’s teachings. This is no mere dining hall—it is a forum of dialogue and doctrine. Other acolytes usher the remaining worshipers into calm conversation, while food and wine are set for all.
Seranna draws you aside, away from the communal tables, into a quiet alcove where only the soft gurgle of a water fountain can be heard. She leans forward and whispers urgently: “I have been selected by my order to retrieve a relic most sacred to Rao—the Chest of Rao, which was lost with a priest during a failed diplomatic mission to Celene. Our leaders seek to keep this shame hidden from public knowledge.”
She closes her eyes as if recalling the vision: “Rao came to me in my sleep, cloaked in golden light. His words were clear: ‘Find your lost brother, for his madness may yet lead to peace. Seek the Crown of the Flaming Sword and the Shining Gem. Beseek eight mighty ones.’ Then… He showed me your face.”
“The order doubted. Said I was young, romantic, mistaken. But then I studied the heraldry of House Asbury—the flaming sword above a gemstone. I knew the dream was no folly. And now, seeing you... I know Rao has chosen you to lead the way.”
Her voice trembles—not with fear, but with reverence. “Still, I do not know what Rao’s words mean in full. Who are the eight? Who is the brother in madness? That answer must lie ahead.”
Dialogue Prompts:
If the players ask what Seranna wants, she replies:
“Bring this lost priest—Artus Kellan—here to the monastery. Only under the guidance of Rao’s light can his madness be healed and the truth of his tale discerned.”
If the players ask what happened to the chest, she answers:
“It was to be delivered from Veluna, through Verbobonc, to the Fey Court of Celene. No trace was ever found. Not wagon, nor guard, nor priest. It is as though they vanished into fog.”
If they ask who leads her temple, she says:
“Bishop Martiolus Legeum, our patriarch in Veluna. He himself communed with Rao… and Rao was silent. Until now.”
If the players hesitate:
“Reason is immortal, all else mortal. Rao’s path has brought us together. Shall we turn from it?”
DM Notes:
- Rao's Vision & Destiny: Seranna has no knowledge that Artus Kellan is in Lady Elinor’s care. She has only seen the player’s face in her divine vision.
- The Prophecy: “Crown of the flaming sword and shining gem” = herald of House Asbury. “Eight mighty ones” = adventuring party of PCs, tied to future encounters in the Temple of Elemental Evil arc.
- Library Access: The monastery grants limited access to its collection. Clerics, sages, or those with a strong Religion or History score can gain clues about Artus Kellan’s role and the Chest of Rao.
- Consequences of Refusal: If the PCs leave without interest, Seranna is heartbroken but lets them go. Rao’s guidance may later revisit them in dreams.
Rao Procession Verbobonc by 3orcs
Type: Side Quest (Roleplaying Encounter)
Campaign Arc: Noble Ambitions 579 CY
Location: Bridgewalk Road, Verbobonc City
Involved Factions: The Order of Rao, Monastery of the Reverent Brothers, Canon of Veluna
Key NPCs: Seranna Valeth (Priestess of Rao), Artus Kellan (missing), Lady Elinor Asbury
Priestess Name: Seranna Valeth
- Race/Ethnicity: Human (Oeridian-Flan heritage)
- Origin: Native of Verbobonc City
- Faith: Devoted Cleric of Rao, the God of Reason, Peace, and Serenity
- Appearance: Slender and serene, with pale skin, silver-blue eyes, and long hair the color of frost-touched ash. She speaks with measured calm, often pausing mid-sentence as though weighing truth.
- Notable Gear: Crystal prayer focus, silver-inlaid prayer book of the Sermons of Reason.
- Name Meaning:
- Seranna derives from “serenity” and a Flan suffix common in older valley names.
- Valeth is an Oeridian name meaning “truth-bearer” or “she who carries reason.”
Character Summary:
Seranna Valeth was born to a Flan herbalist mother from the Gnarley fringe and an Oeridian scribe who served in the Tower of the Magistrate in Verbobonc. She was raised within the Monastery of the Reverent Brothers after a plague took both parents. Her calm presence, quiet insight, and powerful connection to Rao made her a rising star in the order — a balance of Flan spiritual intuition and Oeridian logic.
Parent Plot
Related Characters
Related Organizations
Related Locations
Roa Holy Symbol by 3orcs
DM Notes – Scene One:
- This parade takes place on Godsday near the Monastery of the Reverent Brothers, traveling down Bridgewalk Road past Temple Square.
- Seranna will spot the destined PC in the crowd. You may randomly choose which PC she approaches.
- She will not mention Artus or Lady Elinor by name unless the PCs bring them up first.
- This encounter should feel ethereal, predestined, yet shrouded in ambiguity — a classic “mystic sends party on quest without all the answers” moment.
- Seranna does not yet know the connection to the madman rescued by Lady Elinor or the chest’s actual location.
- Use this opportunity to seed a mystical, slow-burning thread in the campaign tied to future events in the Temple of Elemental Evil arc.
DM Notes: Scene Two
Location: Monastery of the Reverent Brothers (A1), High Quarter, Verbobonc
Tone: Sacred, reverent, contemplative
Pacing Tip: Allow for quiet immersion after the bustling procession in Bridgewalk. Let the contrast emphasize the holy serenity of the monastery.
Arrival at the Monastery Gates
- Acolyte’s Demeanor: Calm, collected, diplomatic. The acolytes of Rao exude inner peace and do not raise their voices. Even if the players are brash or confused, the acolyte will not be ruffled.
- Guard Presence: The Viscount’s High Guard is present but silent. They serve as a subtle reminder of the monastery’s importance and the protection of the diplomatic quarter.
- Player Reactions:
- If players are skeptical or hesitant, the acolyte will gently reassure them: “In Rao’s house, truth is not demanded—it is revealed.”
- If players ask about the ceremony, the acolyte may explain that it is a ritual of Insight and Dedication observed by Raoan orders at the turning of every lunar month.
- If they ask about the priestess, the acolyte offers no name, but says: “She walks the path of fate given by the Voice of Reason. Follow with trust.”
Entering the Monastery Grounds
- Architecture Description: Raoan temples are scholarly, minimalist, and elegant. Use elven-inspired lines and modest grandeur. No gold, but polished white stone and carved Flan and Oeridian script over archways.
- Ambient Details:
- Incense: Sandalwood, frankincense, and sacred herbs.
- Chanting: Use low, melodic Flan chants. These are not hymns but prayers of insight and memory.
- Garden Centerpiece: A reflecting pool with stepping stones and flowering lotus.
Scene 3 DM Notes: Assembly Hall Encounter
- Atmosphere: Emphasize tranquility, reverence, and the overwhelming sensory experience of incense and sound. This is Rao’s domain — unshaken, slow, and deliberate.
- The Ceremony: Optional checks — DC 12 Religion reveals that this is a ritual of dedication and protection. DC 15 Insight notes the rising spiritual tension beneath the calm veneer.
- Seranna's Behavior: She is guided by a divine geas, but maintains Raoan composure. She does not break monastery decorum — instead, she channels urgency into solemn invitation.
- Roleplaying Opportunities: Let players reflect quietly or speak with an acolyte if desired, but nudge them to follow Seranna with soft pacing. Delay only makes the party feel more spiritually out-of-step with the environment.
Observing the Ceremony
- What Players See:
- Worshippers sit silently. No pews—only mats arranged in precise concentric circles.
- An elder of Rao recites verses from the Scroll of Stillness in Old Oeridian (or optionally Flan). Any PC fluent in either may recognize prayers of protection, wisdom, and fate.
- The ritual is not theatrical. It is solemn and meditative.
- Religion/Insight Checks:
- DC 12 Religion reveals the ritual is related to dedicating new initiates and invoking protection on sacred missions.
- DC 15 Insight reveals that the priestess is being given spiritual authority to act outside the monastery—likely in response to a prophetic dream.
- Player Reactions:
- If they ask questions during the ceremony, they will be asked to wait until it is finished.
- If they disrupt it with noise or magical effects, they are calmly asked to leave by a senior monk.
- If they participate respectfully, the players gain advantage on Insight or Persuasion checks later during Seranna’s plea (see Scene Three).
DM Tips
- Contrast: Let this scene serve as a quiet moment of contrast with the political chaos and rising tensions in the rest of the city.
- Foreshadowing: Use phrases in the ceremony like “The world is torn by flame and silence. But Rao’s chosen shall bear words of peace into darkened lands.”
- Player Buy-In: Even if the players are skeptical about religion, make Seranna’s genuine conviction shine through. Her sincerity should be clear.
The Vision of Seranna by 3orcs
✦ The Vision of Seranna✦
Transcribed by her hand after divine communion with Rao
Temple of the Reverent Brothers, Verbobonc – Readying, 579 CY
I dreamt beneath the silver leaves of Celestian’s starry veil. In that silence, I heard a voice—not loud, not soft, but full of weight and wisdom. I knew it to be the voice of Rao.
“Seek thy lost brother, for in his madness is the key to peace.”
“He wanders in shadow, a prisoner not of bonds, but of his own shattered mind.”
“Follow the flame that guards the sword, the gem that binds the oath.”
“Only through that house shall the veil be lifted.”
I saw a golden helm, wreathed in fire—above it, a sapphire burning in the sky.
“Beseek the Eight. They who are not yet named, but whose fate is entwined.”
“When eight stand as one, the door shall open.”
I saw a great shadow fall upon the land—a throne of obsidian, weeping black fire. Beneath it, a chest sealed with the rune of peace cracked open by iron claws.
“The Serpent of Venom coils once more. But not all is lost.”
“To silence the storm, reason must ride the wind. And truth must pass from the mouth of madness.”
Then I saw a face—your face—outlined in holy light. The stars behind you shimmered, and I wept. For Rao had spoken:
“I have chosen this one. Through their path, peace shall walk again.”
Notes for the DM:
- “The flame that guards the sword, the gem that binds the oath” = Heraldry of House Asbury.
- “The Eight” = a foreshadowing of the full adventuring party destined to confront the Temple of Elemental Evil.
- “Serpent of Venom” = symbolic foreshadowing of Pyremius and the fire cult.
- “The mouth of madness” = Artus Kellan, whose ravings contain veiled truths.
- “The chest sealed with the rune of peace” = the stolen Chest of Rao, a relic meant to unite Veluna and Celene.
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