Kensen
2010-10-10, 01:33 AM
I have the main plot figured out for the adventure, but I'm looking for ideas for side quests to keep the player characters busy when they're unable to make progress with the main plot. The side quests may involve investigative work (whether related to the main plot or just red herrings), or they may be events that build an atmosphere of suspense and horror.
Here's the adventure introduction:
Riverside was originally a trading post and waypoint for merchants and travelers along the Wilden River. The region was rich in wildlife, which brought in many hunters and trappers. The trading and hunting community remained relatively small for decades, but the arrival of one Aldous Merriweather changed it all.
Mr. Merriweather hired laborers and started the construction of a massive sawmill. He also purchased the surrounding wooded area, intent on making his logging company the leader in the industry. Families flocked in, hoping to find employment in the lumber business.
Everything went as planned, up until the opening ceremony of the sawmill. Mr. Merriweather's speech was interrupted by a village idiot who said that the Merriweather Logging Company would bring about the downfall of Riverside, speaking of old spirits of the forest that are angry with people ruining the wilderness. The man tried to attack Mr. Merriweather, but his bodyguard managed the stop the crazy old man before he could stab him.
Moments later, a distressed mother ran towards the town square yelling "My baby! My baby was stolen!" Despite the search effort organized by the village elders, the baby was not found. All they could find was tracks of an unusually large wolf near the house. They decided it was time to hire external help.
Three days later, the Heroes arrive. You are investigators hired by the village elders, guards hired by Aldous Merriweather, or hunters who are intent on killing the big wolf.
Riverside has about 120 permanent residents and a like number of hired workforce (builders, loggers).
Buildings:
At the river bank
A water-powered sawmill
Aldous Merriweather's villa
Port for travelers' and merchants' boats
Around the market square
Shrine (open to followers of all religions)
Two taverns
General store
Fur & leather trader's shop
Other
Houses (trappers, hunters, builders, loggers)
Warehouses
Here's the adventure introduction:
Riverside was originally a trading post and waypoint for merchants and travelers along the Wilden River. The region was rich in wildlife, which brought in many hunters and trappers. The trading and hunting community remained relatively small for decades, but the arrival of one Aldous Merriweather changed it all.
Mr. Merriweather hired laborers and started the construction of a massive sawmill. He also purchased the surrounding wooded area, intent on making his logging company the leader in the industry. Families flocked in, hoping to find employment in the lumber business.
Everything went as planned, up until the opening ceremony of the sawmill. Mr. Merriweather's speech was interrupted by a village idiot who said that the Merriweather Logging Company would bring about the downfall of Riverside, speaking of old spirits of the forest that are angry with people ruining the wilderness. The man tried to attack Mr. Merriweather, but his bodyguard managed the stop the crazy old man before he could stab him.
Moments later, a distressed mother ran towards the town square yelling "My baby! My baby was stolen!" Despite the search effort organized by the village elders, the baby was not found. All they could find was tracks of an unusually large wolf near the house. They decided it was time to hire external help.
Three days later, the Heroes arrive. You are investigators hired by the village elders, guards hired by Aldous Merriweather, or hunters who are intent on killing the big wolf.
Riverside has about 120 permanent residents and a like number of hired workforce (builders, loggers).
Buildings:
At the river bank
A water-powered sawmill
Aldous Merriweather's villa
Port for travelers' and merchants' boats
Around the market square
Shrine (open to followers of all religions)
Two taverns
General store
Fur & leather trader's shop
Other
Houses (trappers, hunters, builders, loggers)
Warehouses