Clockwork Catalyst: The Golem's Divide

Uncover the mystery behind a rogue clockwork assassin.

In the city of Cogsknurl, known for its clockwork innovations, a sophisticated clockwork golem has gone rogue, assassinating key political figures. The players, directly affected by the chaos — one of the deceased being their contact or family — embark on a mission to uncover who is controlling the golem and why. As they delve deeper, they discover a web of political intrigue where alliances and secrets blur the lines between friend and foe. The stakes rise when the players find the golem half-dismantled in a makeshift hideout, its memory core still pulsing with data that includes plans to take down the city's ruler. With the golem's creator missing and political factions vying for power, the players must decode the golem’s memories and determine if they can use it as an ally or if it remains a ticking weapon. The climax unfolds in the mechanical innards of the city, where players confront the true mastermind controlling the golem.

The World

Context

Cogsknurl is a metropolis where medieval technology fuses with intricate clockwork mechanisms. Dwarves, skilled in engineering, coexist with humans, creating a cityscape of towering gear-driven structures. Political intrigue simmers beneath the surface, fueled by the power struggles for control over these mechanical advancements.

Concept

Medieval clockwork technology animates mechanisms akin to magic golems.

Impact

Daily life is driven by mechanical conveniences and clockwork creations. Conflicts arise over control of this technology.

The Plot

Summary

The players are drawn into a mystery after a clockwork golem assassinates a prominent figure tied to them personally. With the city in turmoil, they learn the golem was manipulated by an unknown entity seeking to destabilize the ruling faction and seize control of Cogsknurl's technological advancements. Their journey takes them through secretive workshops and under-the-table dealings with influential figures. In Act 1, they uncover a trail leading to a disgruntled tinkerer with ties to the political elite. Act 2 forces them into the underbelly of the city, where they discover fragmented clues leading to the golem’s controller. In the final act, players track the villain to Cogsknurl's Great Mechanism Hall, where the looming conflict threatens to spiral into chaos. Players must decide whether to reprogram the damaged golem to aid them or find alternative resolutions. The adventure's themes revolve around control versus autonomy, and the ethical dilemmas of using advanced technology for power. Multiple approaches to gather information and create alliances allow players to shape their narrative path.

Complication

The golem's creator is missing, complicating efforts to stop its rampage.

Hook

Your ally or relative is killed by a rogue golem.

World stakes

Citywide panic disrupts the political stability of Cogsknurl.

Personal stakes

A close connection's death deeply affects the party.

The Acts

Act 1

Summary:

The act begins with the players attending a political event disrupted by a clockwork golem assassin. After the chaos, they investigate the scene, uncovering evidence linking the golem to a workshop in the Gears District. There, they confront a group of mechanical enthusiasts, leading to a chase or negotiation to obtain crucial information.

Location:

Gears District workshop; features intricate mechanized decor.

Challenge:

Navigating alliances among secretive tinkerer groups.

Objective:

Investigate the golem attack and find initial clues.

Set Back:

Golem destabilizes, causing further confusion and false leads.

Revelation:

Golem parts traced back to influential tinkerer.

GM's Guide:

Focus on fast-paced beginnings with action and urgency. Allow players to explore personal motivations for getting involved. Provide dynamic opportunities for players to gather lore from NPCs or inspect clockwork mechanisms.

GM's Move:

Discovery of potential political corruption behind the attack.

Act 2

Summary:

Players delve deeper into Cogsknurl's underworld, following leads that suggest hidden alliances. A secret meeting in a cobblestone conclave reveals the missing creator's involvement, alongside hints at sabotage within the city's clockwork council. They face traps designed to guard the power shifts being attempted by unseen forces.

Location:

Cobblestone conclave beneath city; lit by mechanical lanterns.

Challenge:

Unmasking allies from foes amidst secret deals.

Objective:

Locate the golem’s manipulator through underworld connections.

Set Back:

Betrayal by a supposed ally leads to false intel.

Revelation:

Internal sabotage hints linked to clockwork council.

GM's Guide:

Encourage creative approaches to gather intelligence—whether through stealth, persuasion, or technological tinkering. Emphasize the secrecy and danger in allied and enemy interactions.

GM's Move:

Realize manipulation extends to high council members.

Act 3

Summary:

The players track the mastermind to the Great Mechanism Hall, an architectural marvel of cogs and gears. As a storm brews outside, plots converge within. They must prevent a coup by stopping the villain’s plan to use the golem to disrupt the council’s operations. Decisions on aligning with or against clockwork factions culminate here.

Location:

Great Mechanism Hall; vast room of clockwork ticking.

Challenge:

Disabling the golem or redirecting its directive.

Objective:

Foil the antagonist’s coup and resolve the golem threat.

Set Back:

Learning the golem's self-destruction is immanent.

Revelation:

The true villain is a high-ranking council member.

GM's Guide:

Build tension as players face choices affecting the city's future. Ensure understanding of the complexities of each faction's motivations. Keep the clocks ticking to evoke urgency.

GM's Move:

Potential city-wide disaster if the golem isn’t stopped.

Climax:

Players confront the villain; must decide golem's fate.