TEARS BEHIND THE PAINTED TREE
Your quest begins in a quiet, idyllic forest that runs along the mountain-facing wall of a picturesque fortress. The backside of this fortress is secured against attack. It’s quiet here and has been peaceful for hundreds of years.
While in the forest you can’t help but noticing how resplendent it all is. Life is abundant here. The plants and trees are radiant. The animals show no signs of struggle or want. The very air of the forest itself seems to shimmer and blow with a peaceful purpose.
You find yourself traveling toward a campsite at the base of the fortress wall this evening. This site is full of magic, potions, healers, and celebration. As you scan the edges of camp you spot what appear to be worshippers in the middle of ritual. You take a closer look and find that they are interacting with something massive on the fortress’ outer wall.
It’s a massive painting of a tree they pray to. From its top water flows down and out into streams that run well into the forest.
A cultist stands up to greet you.
“Welcome, my lost one. Have you come to help us tune the Great Weeping One’s tears? Oh, you look rougher than that. Perhaps you require passage inside to join the glorious Efforts of Eternal Torture”?
This cultist concludes that you don’t fully understand. “Here we console The One Who Cries Eternal for He weeps the magic keeping this forest resplendent.”
Inside the wall we toil to torture Him eternally, for His tears to ever flow, and His blood to bless the soil at your feet. Which task has brought you to us? …Or do you not come in peace?
☾ So, how will you proceed?
Take the offer to join in the ritual.
Explain you are here to join the task behind the Painted Tree.
You do not come in peace. Attack.
Use your abilities to gain more info on who or what is being held behind the Painted Tree. Requires a charisma check.
Ask for a moment to wander the campsite and go shopping.
Leave.