The Fall of Man a Vaticine Church Chronicle ⚫ Book Three of Four
The Fall of Man A Vaticine Church Chronicle ⚫ Book Three of Four
A Four-Part Conspiracy Adventure by Tobie Abad Explorers Society, 7th Sea and all related marks are © and ™ 2016 John Wick Presents. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be duplicated without express permission from the Author Sample file
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“Conspiracy theory has got to be simple. Sense doesn’t come into it. People are more scared of how complicated shit actually is than they ever are about whatever’s supposed to be behind the conspiracy.” — William Gibson
Words by Tobie Abad Cover image: Ixion, from The Four Disgracers Hendrick Goltzius (Netherlandish, Mühlbracht 1558–1617 Haarlem) After Cornelis Cornelisz van Haarlem (Netherlandish, Haarlem 1562–1638 Haarlem) https://www.metmuseum.org Sample file
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THE THIRD PROPHET REVEALED The search for a supposed piece of art becomes the key to trove of secrets about the Third Prophet. And with great knowledge now comes the responsibility of going against the villain long hidden from history’s eyes.
What seemingly begins as a mystery murder becomes the first clue to a greater conspiracy that stains the reputation of the Vaticine Church. This Mystery Adventure is not your typical dungeon crawl. Nor is this your usual high-seas swashbuckling adventure. This is a four-part Mystery Adventure patterned after the likes of books such as Umberto Eco’s Foucault’s Pendulum, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, Richard Ben Sapir’s Quest, and Katherine Neville’s The Eight.
This is the third book of four. All four books are needed to run the campaign. But if you aren’t playing the campaign, do feel free to just dissect and use this book for any ideas you might find cool to add to your games.
Key Words: Conspiracy, Prophets, Secret Organizations, Murder, Symbology.
establish as “true” in their version of Thèah. Many of these What is The Fall of Man? “truths” were mentioned in the first two books. This The Fall of Man is a four-part conspiracy thriller. For this book, however, expands on more of these as the adventure to work, there are key “truths” that must be Arcobaleno sheds its secrets to the Heroes at last. accepted as part of your game’s secret history. For example, in Javier Sierra’s book, The Secret Supper, the But with such knowledge comes the realization of its book expects the reader to embrace as fact that Leonardo power, and there are many figures who would seek to Da Vinci has hidden coded symbols in his work, “Last claim or destroy these secrets. What choices will the Supper”. This includes “beggars” being murdered in the Heroes make? And will they be able to stop the Fall of painting of “Madonna of the Rocks” and other supposed Man? hiddenSample secrets. This means, Game Masters are file encouraged to read through the summary first of The Fall Like the earlier books, this still is a Thriller. So, there will of Man to properly assess if this is what they want to be some feeling of following a trail that was left behind by
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the clues that are found. This can feel like a railroad for some groups. Care was taken to try to offer multiple ways a scene can be activated in the unfolding narrative. Optional scenes and possible key points are offered for GMs to use if they seem more appropriate to their players.
Lastly, there will be a lot of “knowledge” that might not readily be present which the Heroes can benefit from. NPCs are presented to be the mouthpieces for information. However, GMs can always offer the information as the results of spent Raises from player characters with suitable backgrounds or Skills.
This is book three of The Fall of Man. The Campaign requires all four books to run completely. Inspiration This Adventure draws inspiration from multiple sources:
❖ Sapir’s Quest, Richard Ben ❖ The Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons, Origin, Inferno, The Lost Symbol, by Dan Brown
❖ Foucault’s Pendulum, by Umberto Eco ❖ The Eight, by Katherine Neville ❖ The Secret Supper, by Javier Sierra ❖ Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, by Henry Lincoln and Michael Baigent ❖ Hudson Hawk, by Bruce Willis and Robert Kraft
Music Suggestions For groups that like adding atmospheric music to their sessions, the following are recommended:
❖ The Best of Anthony Way ❖ The Da Vinci Code Soundtrack ❖ Eyes Wide Shut Soundtrack ❖ The Insider Soundtrack ❖ Notes On A Scandal Soundtrack ❖ Penderecki: Orchestral Works by Krzysztof Penderecki ❖ Titus Soundtrack
Sample file
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Playing Safely This Adventure may touch on some of the darker aspects The use of the X-Card will allow your group to explore of the 7th Sea world, and thus might not be for all groups. disturbing elements without having to worry about pushing the story in bad places and undesired areas. Read Conspiracy stories and thrillers tend to have murder, more about the X-Card at tinyurl.com/x-card-rpg. discrimination, and violence which might not be deemed welcome in the game for some groups. Alternately, stories that explore the uneasy relationship between religion and THE [H] evil might touch on uncomfortable parallels for some people. As popularized in other Community Created Adventures, the use of the [H] reference is meant to give the Game Master a means to dynamically modify the size of Villains and Brute Before you start running this adventure for your group, be Squads for various group sizes. Wherever you see [H], replace it sure you discuss what kind of an Adventure, The Fall of with the number of Hero characters in the Scene. In some Man offers and decide if it is the kind of story the group places [H] will have a multiplier or divider (2[H] or ½[H]) or a would enjoy. The adventure can still be run with the less base value (4+[H]). desired elements being toned down, or perhaps even merely portrayed as events happening “off-camera” so to If your players have a more combat savvy group, such as one speak. Ultimately, the group’s personal sense of fun and with at least one Duelist, consider doubling the Strength of one safety is paramount. or more Brute Squads, Monsters, or Villains.
In that note, consider using the X-Card at your table. Designed by John Stavropolous, the X-Card is a tool that helps groups manage difficult content without requiring discussing the topics in advance. If you choose to use the X-card, simply do the following:
Read this aloud:
The X-Card is an optional tool that allows anyone in your game (including you) to edit out any content anyone is uncomfortable with as you play. Since most RPGs are improvisational and we will not know what will happen til it happens, it is possible the game will go in a direction people do not want. An X-Card is a simple tool used to highlight and resolve problems as they arise.
Now, get an index card and draw an X on it. Now read the next part aloud:
If anything makes you uncomfortable during the game, just tap this card to alert everyone else. You do not have to explain why. We will simply edit out anything X-Carded. If there is an issue, anyone can call for a break so things can be discussed privately. I know it sounds funny but it will help us play amazing games together and usually I’m the one who uses the X-Card to protect myself from all of you! Thank you!
Sample file
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You have placed our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. The Book of Prophets, Volume XC, Verse Eight
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Allies in the Mystery
The Heroes may have gained allies in the previous adventure. As before, they have Sofo Guissola and Humberto Trellis. Sofo Guissola is the headstrong daughter of Nisab who once hated her mother for having abandoned her. Humberto Trellis is an alchemist and vintner who has long been a friend of Nisab and was watching over one of her most important works without realizing it. As written, the two can assist the Heroes in two possible ways.
Connection: To get hard-to-find information or a dangerous favor, the player can spend a Hero Point or agree to a cost that the connection stipulates in exchange for their assistance.
Patron: The players may spend a Hero Point to call upon the Patron for a mercantile or political favor. As above this may have a cost that the connection stipulates if the Hero cannot pay for the Hero point.
There were many other possible minor allies forged during the first Book.
Jorgi Abero – Inquisitor of the Vaticine Church. While he usually hides his role from others, the Heroes likely met him in the wake and are aware he is an Inquisitor.
Timon Bauer – Avalonian Professor. Former “rival” of Nisab’s and a man of sciences. THE STORY SO FAR Antoni Jez – Sarmatian engineer always with his dog,
Lovec. Inventor and craftsman. In Book One, the Heroes attended the wake of Nisab
Guissola, and gained a poetic clue about, “Bells of the Quincy Kohler – wealthy investor from Eisen with an Merovingian.” Given Nisab’s obsession over The Artist, artificial leg which Nisab created for him. the idea is that this is in reference to a work of art of some sort. Old Man Tio – the aged groundskeeper who offers a
nugget of wisdom when given the chance. In Book Two, the Heroes travel to Vodacce and meet the
Dancing Sisters, a pair of twins whose family were once Antoni Briautl and his lover, Jeoren Proteo – Montaigne highly connected to the auction houses in Thèah, and citizens who were the target of an Inquisitor. Antoni is a later, the Bernoulli’s whose family had purchased the Porte sorcier and he may even offer his abilities to the Bells. This led them to the Church of the Angelus which Heroes if they had helped the two escape from the housed an amazing secret: that the Third Prophet was Inquisition. supposed to be a woman.
The Heroes also have access to a virtual companion. This And now, in the secret basement beneath the Church, would be the journal that they retrieved from the Syrneth does the adventure continue. Sampledevice back in Book One. This journalfile can act as a source
for information and clues for the Heroes when they get
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stuck in any way. Given Nisab’s complicated way of tracking notes, however, getting this information will Enemies in the Mystery always require the player to spend a Hero Point for the clue. Or the nudge of additional hints or information. Depending on how the game unfolded, any of the listed allies could also have become enemies for the Heroes. In addition, there are the following antagonists from the first Come Book Two, the Heroes have more possible allies. two books:
The Dancing Sisters and their staff – Barbara and Nadia de Gea – Castillian Inquisitor whom the Heroes may Gwenyth Verdon, as well as their staff, Amer, Meredith, have fought against to rescue Antoni and his lover from Masie, and Sybil, could have become good friends of the her wrath. Heroes. Roth – Benandanti Head Monk may still live and could The Mascherari – the Heroes may have gained make an awesome returning Villain that the Heroes will connections with the Secretive Guild based in Vodacce. have to look out for.
Guiseppe Vosloo likely is the face the Heroes interact with. The Benandanti – These monks unleash their greatest Vivianne and Thomas Cotiere – the courtesan and her son display of might in this third Book. would definitely owe the Heroes a lot and would be more Arus Ozolen and his Mercenaries – If not dispatched with than willing to help out whenever they can. in a permanent basis, Arus can return to complicate Giovanni Villanova – There is the terrifying possibility that matters for the Heroes. the Heroes have become allies, if not temporary “friends” with the infamous Merchant Prince. As awkward as this Verdi Ozolen and his Mercenaries – Like Arus group, situation may be, the Heroes should definitely feel there Verdi’s group could reemerge as a source of contention are advantages in being his friend. But it is only a matter for the Heroes. He could even be present to avenge his of time before this friendship can complicate things for brother. them. The GM is encouraged to come up with Consequences that can emerge from this relationship Cesare Bernoulli – Still mourning the death of his wife, even in scenes where the Merchant Prince isn’t present. Mara, the Signore would use his considerable influence to hunt the Heroes down when possible. At any point when Marcelo – The madman from page 163, 7th Sea - Nations the scene seems too lax for the more action-oriented of Thèah: Volume 2 could be an unexpected ally whom the players, you can have Cesare’s agents appear to throw Heroes bump into when they least expect it. some combat into the mix.
Bishop Agostino Luini – the Vodacce Bishop who watches Lastly, the Quintoauri has recognizes the Heroes now as over the secret passageway in the Church of the Angelus threats. It reaches out to its agents to act faster before can become an intriguing ally for the Heroes. these Heroes can confound their plans.
Sample file
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A Four-Part Adventure The Fall of Man is a Four-Part Adventure. This is because each book can, in its own way, require multiple Story Steps to accomplish. These four books are intended to be run in succession but can possibly still allow Player Stories to be accomplished within their narrative. Goal and Basic Story This is the third part of the Fall of Man. This Adventure is composed of four Game Master Story Steps. These Story Steps must be accomplished before In this story, the Heroes finally meet the Arcobaleno. And the group can move to conclusion of the conspiracy, The from that meeting, they learn more of its long-hidden Fall of Man, Book 4. history. They learn of its enemy, the Merovech, and realize that the enemy is upon them as well. Part 1 – Meeting the Arcobaleno Step: Learn the secret history of the Vaticine Church The Heroes are attacked and the most unlikely of allies comes to their aid. But as they say, the enemy of my Part 2 – Enemy of my Enemy enemy is my friend. And together, the groups find Step: Work with the Enemy to Survive opportunities to strike at the heart of their enemies. Part 3 – Searching for the Heart This book ends with the Heroes uncovering a massive plot Step: Strike at Covenant cells to find the Heart which involves the Crescent Empire, the village in Eisen, and an act of cruelty so vicious that the Creator himself Part 4 – A Devil’s Bargain would be brought to tears. Step: Make a Deal with the Inquisition
These steps are expected to be taken in chronological order. But experienced GMs are free to approach them in different sequences as desired (making some Steps flashbacks, etc). Each Part may be composed of multiple Scenes and these are explained in further detail in the Summary. Note that Part 3 has multiple scenes. You can opt to use only specific scenes if desired.
The entire Fall of Man campaign is four distinct GM Stories, each with their own list of Stories to fulfill. This means, players are rewarded at least four times in the course of the entire campaign, which each book having a set number of Steps to go through.
Fall of Man GM Stories: Step 1: Discover Nisab Guissola’s True Message Step 2: Unravel the Secret of the Merovingian Bells Step 3: Learn the Truth and Strike at the Enemy Step 4:
The Four GM Stories complete the campaign. Information on these Steps are revealed in the coming books.
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OVERALL SUMMARY This is the overview of all the Parts of the Adventure and their corresponding list of possible Scenes. This book is a PART 2 – ENEMY OF MY ENEMY 4-Step Story. The Heroes learn more about their enemy, the Covenant.
However, they have unwittingly also allowed the enemy to follow them. The Benandanti strike! PART 1 – MEETING THE ARCOBALENO The Heroes meet the Arcobaleno and are welcomed to its ranks. They are told the secret history of the world. Scene 2–1 The Covenant Exposed
Scene 1–1 Page 27 Beneath the Angelus The Heroes are told of the Covenant and its relationship to the Merovech.
Page 14 The Heroes meet the Arcobaleno and are invited to accompany them to their hidden sanctuary. Scene 2-2 Upon Butterfly Wings
Scene 1–2 The Isle of Rimbaldi. Page 31 The Heroes discover to their horror they have led the enemy to the Arcobaleno! Page 19 The Heroes are brought to the isle of Rimbaldi and shared the undocumented history of the Vaticine Church’s relationship with the Arcobaleno. Scene 2-3 Unlikely Saviors
Page 34 During the fight against the Benandanti, the Heroes
gain the most unexpected of allies: The Inquisition.
Scene 2-4 Questioning
Page 35 Verdugo himself speaks to the Heroes, in a bit to understand their role in all this. If handled well, the
Heroes can gain Verdugo’s help to fight the Covenant? Sample file
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PART 4 – A DEVIL’S BARGAIN PART 3 – SEARCH FOR THE HEART The Heroes realize the Covenant has plans to devastate The Heroes (with or without the Inquisition) launch their the Crescent Empire. And they will need to ally once attacks at the Covenant cells they find. more with the Inquisition to stop them.
Scene 3-1 Scene 4-1 The Many Cells The Cardinal
Page 37 Page 62 The Heroes have the following possible targets to Cardenal Verdugo has the resources that the Heroes strike down. They uncover, however the existence of a need to stop the Covenant’s grand plan. But deep greater scheme in the works. down, the Heroes can sense betray awaits them. But given failure means the possible death of an entire Nation, they have no choice.
Scene 3-2 From the Depths of the Heart
Page 50 Realizing the Heroes must be stopped, the Quintoauri unleash a beast to defeat them!
Scene 3-3 A Grande Stratagemma
Page 52 The Heroes learn of the Covenant’s dying act of cruelty and realize they might not be able to do this alone.
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• Sea Legs: Gain 1 Bonus Die on any physical Risk while Regarding Verdugo aboard a ship at sea. In Part 2 and Part 4 of The Fall of Man – Book Three, there Tactics is the possibility that these scenes may be troublesome to Once a successful bull fighter, Ibrahim was recruited by run since the Heroes already were part of earlier game the Inquisition after his father was killed when a group of sessions where they fought with the infamous Cardenal sorcerers brought violence to the ring. Their fight Verdugo. shattered the gates of the holding pens and freed the bulls
while his father was inside the ring, addressing the crowd. If that is the case, then the easiest solution might be to Since the untimely death, Ibrahim has gained a terrible replace Verdugo’s scenes in the story with a different hatred for the users of such ill powers and has become a high-ranking Inquisitor. After all, it should be easier to bite powerful Inquisitor. He knows the value of the long con the bullet with a lesser evil than with the vicious leader and is not above embracing temporary “truces” as a himself. In such a case, consider using the villain below as means to gather information on his future targets. a replacement of any mentions of Verdugo.
IBRAHIM DAMASO, Castillian High Inquisitor Regarding the Quintoauri Arcana, Virtue: Glorious (The Sun) The secret patron of the Merovech has realized that Activate this Virtue when you are the center of desperate times call for desperate measures. It has attention and on your next Risk, every die is a Raise. realized that the Heroes are following the footsteps of Arcana, Hurbis: Superstitious (The Glyph) the woman whose very existence threatened its plans. Receive a Danger Point when you refuse to solve a For this game, try to make the Quintoauri’s presence felt problem using Sorcery, an artifact, or some other in the game, even if it is only at a subliminal level. Given mystical effect that you don’t trust. its origins, as the GM, make it a point to always mention the presence of water, of puddles, of fish, of wetness, or Strength 7, Influence 10. Ibrahim sees himself as the the existence of a pungent fishy or rotten odor in the embodiment of the Creator’s wrath. He despises sorcery area. Nightmares of drowning, of deep water, or of dark and deeply believes the Creator has chosen him to deal things moving in the depths are also common ways. with the problem. His role in the Inquisition has risen in the ranks thanks to the many times he has accomplished In this book, the Quintoauri will unleash more of its tasks which Verdugo delegated to him. Ibrahim brethren to try to stop the Heroes. For groups that aren’t understands the importance of physical might as well as a too keen on actual physical combat against monsters for wide network of connections. He, however, understands their 7th Sea sessions, you can replace these with human that sacrifices must be made to accomplish the greater agents simply dressed like monstrosities – implying a cult good. Punishment can always follow later. Even the background of some sort. Creator only punishes others at the end of one’s life.
Ibrahim has the following additional Advantages: • Duelist Academy: Siqueira Tomar al Toro Por las Astas – Performed with a quarterstaff or large cudgel. Apply Pressure to your target to attack you. Deals Wounds equal to Finesse. • University: Dice gain +1 to value when in Risks using Scholarship, Empathy, or Notice. • Ordained: Can take refuse in any church. Gain two dice on social Risks with adherents of the Vaticine faith. • Indomitable Will: Spend a Danger Point to automatically resist any attempts of intimidation, seduction, or goading. • Linguist:Sample Can speak, read, and write all Thèan file languages.
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