More ways to expand upon Wyrd Walstock, beyond even the ones discussed last week and in the upcoming revision.
I. The Elk Order's Plot
Not content with paddling and being relatively unimportant, those in the Elk Order see an opportunity to seize power. Whether with the defeat of the Cult of the Shield Ghul, some other disruption to another faction (both likely caused by the party), or the return of Maria, they will establish themselves in one of the areas where a vacuum now exists (along with retaining Location 3). The power of their totemic spirit will accompany them throughout Walstock too, now granting a +3 to all elk-related rolls (+5 if Maria has returned).
In addition, Order members have a 50% chance of having the Elk spirit cast Faerie Fire for them each round and of also causing 2d6 damage every 3 rounds to some interloper within 60' with its etheric antlers (save vs. spell negates). Last, the head of the Order has a name- the Elk Chief- making them sound much more important. Elves and unprotected behinds beware!
The Elk Chief
AL: N; Mve 40’; AC 4; HD 3; Attk 1; Dmg: 1d2+2, +4 (+2 paddle, +4 vs. unarmored rear ends); SP: may call upon Elk Spirit (see above), Sve F3 Mor 7. Wyrdness: now thinks he' s important. Items: +2 rear end bane paddle, +2 elk-horn helm. Treasure Type: A
II. Golden Promises
With the many factions vying for control of Walstock, it's easy to forget an even greater threat: fiat currency. Roscoe the Head Banker (from Location 6) has begun circulating such paper money, giving very generous 'loans' to any who might ask for them with the help of Town Crier Kelwin (at Location 20). With only a small deposit of gold, he will grant any 10 times that amount in Golden Promises! Though most proprietors were unwilling to honor them at first, Roscoe has offered them extensive 'loans' too (also in Golden Promises) to make them more ameliorable.
Of course, such a situation cannot last long, though Roscoe's secret master (the dread force Geedeepee) can assist him in drawing it out as long as possible. Harnessing the power of Eternal Growth, Roscoe can now effectively create 'wealth' at will, thanks to Kelwin's printing shed, though of course when he does so, the prices of everything else in town increase proportionately. Already, standard costs are 50% more than normal, but don't worry- they'll be more Golden Promises to cover that. And when it fails (in 2d4 days' time), Roscoe will be nowhere to be found. Otherwise, the town will actually explode, bringing such growth to new heights.
III. Xue’rek’rek’slis's Importations
Added with the Wyrd Ways revision, Xue’rek’rek’slish (pronounced 'Jeff') is a fish man who has now uncovered a way to bring his 2,000 cousins to join him (likely via the Orifice- Location T10). With the changes here, in any encounter there is a base 25% chance of 4d4 fish men also being present (there are always many of them). Once their numbers reach certain amounts per their accumulations by encounter, they'll begin begin behaving in certain, fishier ways:
20: begin attacking lone humans
50: take over 1 Location in Walstock, whether at random or one already abandoned
100: begin attacking groups of humans of 4 or less
200: take over 5 Locations in Walstock
500: begin attacking humans in groups of 50 or less
1000: take over the entire town; begin mass-sacrifice of humans on fish hooks
See Volume III for more info on fish men and their dread lord, Dagon.
IV. Town Rampage
Riots aren't uncommon at the Pigsty (Location 21), but have gotten worse of late. Word is, a Tochenorff was particularly mistreated by the Watch and now his brethren are up in arms. But these disturbances are different. They've expanded to the Springing House and Downtown and are lasting days. Trendy Tochenorffs and other factions have even been donating to these miscreants as they smash windows, loot stores, and beat up passersby- all in the name of 'Justice'. Town Crier Morell (from Location 20), debased as ever, eggs them on.
Many out-of-towner bandits have joined in (likely followers of Tiamat- see Volume III) and someone has even been leaving them piles of rocks and incendiaries to use (agents of Nergal- also see Volume III). But with the Watch too paranoid to intervene, perhaps the trendy Tochenorffs will stop donating when the shops they frequent are destroyed?
Next week: clerics of Mielikki!
