The story so far…
A group of adventurers, merchants and travelers crossing the Alasiyan Desert was caught in a sandstorm which left them lost for several days as they wandered in hopes of finding shelter or a place to refill dwindling food and water reserves. Eventually they came upon a step pyramid and expeditions into its interior turned up a source of help in the form of a race of humanoids who call themselves Cynidiceans. The Cynidiceans were refugees hiding in the upper reaches of the pyramid from a terrible evil that had taken hold of their city far below in an underground cavern. They spoke of an elder evil horror named Zargon.
The Cynidiceans were friendly and offered what little they had, but requested assistance from the desert wanderers in hopes of turning the tide of their war. In time it became clear to the adventurers that there were three distinct religious factions among the Cynidiceans and that they all did not see eye to eye.
Kanadius, Grand Master of the Brotherhood of Gorm, was the first to be met by the PCs. He is a stern looking man who wears a golden mask of a bearded man. The Brotherhood of Gorm believe that justice and might are required to govern and that a new Cynidicean society needs strong rules to maintain order once Zargon and his forces are overthrown. He spread much misinformation about the other factions when first met.
Auriga Sirkinos, Chief Magi of Usamigaras, is the very recently appointed leader of the Magi. Their former leader was killed one year ago in an assault on Zargon’s lair deep within the pyramid one year ago. He wears a rainbow colored cloak and a silver mask of a winged child. The Magi believe that knowledge is power and revel in having information that others do not. Auriga himself speaks in a confusing and almost riddled manner at times.
Pandora, Champion of Madarua, is the young and novice leader of the Warrior Maidens. She wears a bronze mask depicting the face of Madarua and grows tired of the inaction of the other factions. The Warrior Maidens believe that strength comes from within and that actions, not words, define an individual’s greatness. Pandora has been seen by the PC’s as having a very unique combat style that seems almost like a whirling dance of blades when she strikes her opponents.
The fourth faction of Cynidicea are the cultists that follow Zargon. Zargon has been described as an incredibly tall, tentacled beast with a tail of wicked black barbs. His most notable features are on his face: a lizard-like head with a single bloodied eye, above which is a black horn with flecks of silver. A god of indulgence, Zargon demands human sacrifices to satiate his bloodlust. In return, certain privileges are beset upon those that acquiesce to his indulgences. The Zargonites use a drug known as Elixir of Fantasy to keep the populace intoxicated and despondent. Only those in the Pyramid are free of its influence and are capable of putting up a resistance.
The heroes managed to bring the three factions of Gorm, Madarua and Usamigaras together and form an alliance of cooperation to confront the forces of Zargon which include evil Cynidicean worshippers and goblinoids that had been recruited to serve him. Following a plan by Auriga Sirkinos, the forces of the Pyramid have relocated to a Giant Ant Nest where they hide. Using a concocted pheromone to protect them from their insectoid hosts, the giant ants serve to bolster their numbers and defenses should the Zargonites wish to try and stage an attack.
From here, the three factions of Cynidicea launch missions out into the underground city of Cynidicea to rescue captive Cynidiceans or slay the patrols of Zargonites that come across their path. With enough time and effort they may be able to free enough forces or deprive the Zargonites of their advantages such that an attack on the leadership of Zargon’s Church may be possible. Current threats that are a concern are the goblin caves to the west of Lake Moldvay, an elevator system that leads further underground where reinforcements may be able to ascend into the city, and patrols of undead zombies that watch the streets to ensure that fear keeps the Cynidiceans within the city obedient.
Some of the notable events that have happened in the past few sessions of the Community Campaign:
- A number of the PCs had been possessed by the spirit of Demetrius, the former leader of the Magi of Usamigaras. He had been killed one year earlier by his brother Darius during the failed assault on Zargon’s lair. This betrayal by a number of the Magi who had secretly switched allegiances to Zargon’s side ensured the defeat, and Demetrius’ spirit had sought to avenge this wrong. Ultimately, Darius had been found and killed and Demetrius’ spirit was able to find peace.
- Auriga Sirkinos died during a ritual to bring back to life a player character, The Professor. Auriga’s spirit has found a new home within Professor’s mind. It is a sacrifice he made to fulfill the promise of a Prophecy that names Professor as critical for the defeat of Zargon.
- Pandora assisted the PCs to acquire two blades that once belonged to Madarua when she was a mortal. In seeking them out, it was discovered that Madarua had a son that followed the royal bloodline of the Cynidiceans before she ascended to Immortality.
Want to join the campaign?
The Community Campaign of Twenty Sides to Every Story is a drop-in, drop-out campaign composed of dozens of player characters. Each session is meant to be a self-contained story within the wider narrative of the fight against Zargon. The campaign is open to the channel’s Patreon supporters and Twitch subscribers. Patrons who pledge $5 a month get to be signed up for one game a month, $15 a month allows for two games a month, and Twitch subscribers can be on the waitlist for games. Games typically run on Fridays and select Mondays at 7pm ct.
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For questions or more information, please feel free to e-mail Alex at twentysidestoeverystory@gmail.com!