The Cog and the Crystal

Wars are won in shadows; a powerful secret awaits discovery.

In the city of Brasslight, renowned for its steam-powered wonders, a dangerous secret has been unearthed: the Elixir of Eternal Steam, believed to grant limitless power. As tensions rise between the industrial humans and the warlike orcs, who are determined to seize the city, a team of adventurers is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the Elixir before it falls into the wrong hands. Conspiracies unravel, ancient guardians awaken, and alliances are tested as the adventurers dive deep into the clockwork heart of Brasslight to prevent a catastrophic war.

The World

Context

Brasslight is a steampunk metropolis where magic is rare but integrated into the city's industrial core. Elves devise ethereal machines, dwarves construct vast steam engines, and humans govern trade routes. Its bustling streets hide mysterious ley lines fueling hidden magics. This unique blend makes Brasslight a coveted jewel in any war's crown.

Concept

Steam technology is powered by mysterious magic-infused crystals.

Impact

These crystals create conflicts as factions vie for control over the magical technology, unbalancing power dynamics.

The Plot

Summary

The adventurers must locate the hidden laboratory where the Elixir of Eternal Steam was created and determine its secrets. This journey takes them through Brasslight's underbelly, teeming with rival gangs, and into elite circles hiding their knowledge. As they uncover the lab, they face challenges from awakened clockwork guardians. A hushed society of engineers reveals the elixir can either amplify the steam magic or devastate the city's core. With the threat of an orc invasion looming, they must decide whether to destroy the elixir, share it, or weaponize it against the invaders. The fate of Brasslight lies in their hands. Their choices, influenced by interactions with gatekeeping elites, desperate merchants, and secretive magical users, will determine the city's survival or downfall.

Complication

Elves wanted for magic theft now work as double agents.

Hook

Discovery of the Elixir of Eternal Steam secret.

World stakes

Brasslight may be destroyed or captured.

Personal stakes

The adventurers are targeted by orcish spies.

The Acts

Act 1

Summary:

The adventurers are hired to investigate the theft of magical blueprints from an elven alchemist in Brasslight's bustling market district. Their search leads to an underground auction infiltrated by orcish spies. While navigating tense negotiations and potential betrayals, they learn of the Elixir of Eternal Steam and must secure its location before the orcs do.

Location:

Brasslight's bustling Market District, cranes unload goods.

Challenge:

Outwit rival factions; avoid being exposed.

Objective:

Discover Elixir blueprints; track auction.

Set Back:

The blueprints are stolen again by an unknown faction.

Revelation:

Blueprint owner was an elven double-agent.

GM's Guide:

Emphasize tension with secretive NPCs and the oppressive steam-filled market, creating an atmosphere of anxiety. Improvisation may be needed if players choose unconventional negotiation tactics; maintain urgency by having orcish spies react aggressively.

GM's Move:

Orcish spies directly confront the adventurers.

Act 2

Summary:

Chasing leads from the auction, they infiltrate a gala held by influential industrialists hiding their own steam experiments. Here, they find allies and foes among elves and dwarves whispering about the elixir. Investigating the gala reveals the location of the hidden lab, but as they attempt to leave, they're caught in a trap set by the host to leverage control over the Elixir.

Location:

Opulent industrialist gala; steam-lit chandeliers.

Challenge:

Social maneuvering amidst wary industrialists.

Objective:

Investigate gala, find lab location.

Set Back:

Adventurers captured and must negotiate freedom.

Revelation:

Elixir lab location unveiled during the gala.

GM's Guide:

Build tension through the contrast of opulence and hidden dangers, using character dialogue to hint at greater conspiracies. Elaborate on social dynamics at play as the adventurers discern between genuine allies and manipulative foes.

GM's Move:

Gala host uses mechanical defenses to block exit.

Act 3

Summary:

Escaping the gala, the adventurers travel to the hidden laboratory within Brasslight’s deepest tunnels. They face clockwork guardians manipulated by an enigmatic faction seeking to use the Elixir for their own ends. As they delve deeper, they discover the Elixir's true purpose. A powerful confrontation ensues against the faction's leader who has stirred the orcs into war. The adventurers must make a pivotal decision: destroy the Elixir, use it defensively, or spread its knowledge to prevent unilateral control.

Location:

Deep steam-filled tunnels housing a hidden lab.

Challenge:

Defeat clockwork guardians, reach the Elixir.

Objective:

Retrieve or neutralize the Elixir of Eternal Steam.

Set Back:

An ally's betrayal complicates final decisions.

Revelation:

Elixir can strengthen or destroy Brasslight.

GM's Guide:

Amplify tensions using environmental hazards within the steam-laden tunnels, adding urgency to the confrontation. Highlight moral dilemmas with the elixir's potential both for good and harm, encouraging player introspection and debate.

GM's Move:

Enemies launch a desperate attack with the laboratory's automatons.

Climax:

Players’ decision with the Elixir shapes Brasslight's fate and averts or triggers war.