The Shimmering Emerald Duel

A shocking vendetta in the serene wilds of merfolk waters.

In an untouched wilderness, far from civilization, a human explorer named Elyon has crossed paths with the secluded merfolk societies that guard the Shimmering Emerald, an artifact of otherworldly origin. This emerald's unique properties hold the secret to harnessing cosmic energies, drawing the ire of a vengeful merfolk named Kaelith. Elyon's actions have unintentionally endangered the balance of merfolk society by causing a rift in their peaceful coexistence. The adventurers, torn between helping Elyon or preventing eternal conflict, must navigate this morally complex situation within a week before a cosmic entity seeks to reclaim its lost emerald. The resolution prompted by Elyon and Kaelith's personal vendetta will set the precedent for human-merfolk relations henceforth, depending on how the players manage the outcomes of their missions.

The World

Context

A renaissance world where technology begins blending intricate clockwork with alchemical discoveries. The wilderness remains largely unexplored, harboring merfolk societies that thrive in serene waters undisturbed by humans, until now.

Concept

Merfolk use alchemical tek to manipulate cosmic energies.

Impact

Merfolk are reclusive, defensive of their technology; humans disrupt this peace, creating vendettas.

The Plot

Summary

The adventurers must confront Kaelith, who accuses Elyon of desecrating the sacred merfolk waters and causing unrest due to the misplaced emerald. They must resolve the conflict while contending with the looming threat of a cosmic entity reclaiming its essence within a week, leading to catastrophic natural upheavals if unsolved. The adventurers can mediate, find the true nature of the emerald, or possibly reconnect it with the cosmic source to appease both sides. Choices include rescuing Elyon, convincing Kaelith, exploring underwater relics, or harnessing alchemical tek themselves. Each action affects impending relations between species and the adventurer’s morality as they race against the cosmic deadline.

Complication

A cosmic entity senses the Shimmering Emerald’s displacement.

Hook

Prevent a vendetta from spiraling into open conflict.

World stakes

Rising sea levels threaten coasts; merfolk society collapses.

Personal stakes

PCs face mistrust, isolation from both human and merfolk.

The Acts

Act 1

Summary:

Players meet Elyon, who's accused by merfolk leader Kaelith of stealing the Shimmering Emerald. The journey begins at a tension-filled dialogue on a remote riverbank. Players must investigate Elyon's claims of innocence while balancing the volatile situation to prevent Kaelith from inciting war.

Location:

Remote riverbank with mystical, natural acoustics.

Challenge:

Balance Elyon and Kaelith’s conflicting viewpoints.

Objective:

Understand the nature of the Shimmering Emerald.

Set Back:

Elyon is injured during a tense argument.

Revelation:

Emerald is indeed causing environmental shifts.

GM's Guide:

Focus on tension between Elyon’s defensive stance and Kaelith’s rage. Encourage players to scrutinize both sides while emphasizing the natural beauty and tension of the wilderness.

GM's Move:

Kaelith threatens open conflict if demands are unmet.

Act 2

Summary:

Players must explore the merfolk’s underwater city to learn about the emerald's true origin and significance, either convincing Kaelith to allow access or sneaking in. They encounter technological marvels and face challenges from reticent merfolk reluctant to share their secrets with outsiders.

Location:

Merfolk city, blending natural beauty with alchemical tech.

Challenge:

Navigate societal suspicion and complex alchemical defenses.

Objective:

Discover the Shimmering Emerald’s true history.

Set Back:

Players are suspected spies, detained by merfolk guards.

Revelation:

Emerald's energy stabilizes merfolk's city ecosystem.

GM's Guide:

Capture the awe-inspiring yet defensive nature of the merfolk city. Use NPCs to provide glimpses of merfolk society, highlighting cultural values tied to peace and preservation.

GM's Move:

Merfolk society’s discontent grows, fueled by rumor.

Act 3

Summary:

Players must return the Shimmering Emerald to its cosmic source, competing against the entity that seeks it. An underwater journey leads to revelations on ancient connections between earth and cosmos. How this connection is handled determines immediate peace or cascading chaos.

Location:

Underwater cave lined with stars and cosmic energy.

Challenge:

Negotiate with or outwit cosmic forces.

Objective:

Appease or defeat the cosmic entity.

Set Back:

Entity's arrival induces violent oceanic storms.

Revelation:

Emerald contains cosmic consciousness.

GM's Guide:

Heighten urgency as cosmic disturbances increase, affecting both water and land. Encourage teamwork to overcome the final barrier and resolve the vendetta.

GM's Move:

Cosmic entity manifests, demanding resolution.

Climax:

Return the Emerald, establishing a tenuous peace.