We’re going to double up on vaults this time round, as a result of not solely is the anthology Keys from the Golden Vault, however the journey is Vidorant’s Vault. Take a look at all of the Vs! This journey revolves round theft as a method of revenge, and is for Seventh-level characters.
Spoiler Warning
Whereas I’m not going to disclose each attainable twist and switch of this journey, we might be taking a look at some particulars which may present extra data than it would be best to know if you’re a participant on this journey. Time to step away if you’ll be a participant.
The Hook
Samphith Goldenbeard lately received a contest to take over as the top of the Silver Fingers thieves guild towards his rival (and former companion) Nixylanna Vidorant. Now he needs to cement that win by stealing again the Ruby Diadem, an merchandise that he and Vidorant stole collectively, however which Vidorant saved. Now that he’s an necessary guild grasp, he’s letting or not it’s recognized that he’ll owe somebody a favor in the event that they wish to make a reputation for themselves by stealing the merchandise for him.
If the PCs work for the Golden Vault, the Silver Fingers have ties to the Golden Vault, so the PCs are directed in direction of Goldenbeard as a favor to him. In the event that they aren’t working for the Golden Vault, they get an invite to affix the hunt for the diadem from Goldenbeard, who meets with them at a restaurant.
The Setting
This journey assumes not less than a basic city setting. It wants to carry the restaurant, a number of pubs, the Silver Fingers Guild Corridor, and Vidorant’s Vault (though the PCs aren’t going to want to go to the guild corridor).
Heist Tropes
The gamers get data on former staff of Vidorant, data on easy methods to surveil their goal, and particulars on what occurs in the event that they case the Vault for shift modifications and entry factors. Contained in the Vault, there are many guards, alarms, and traps, in addition to a trope we haven’t seen but . . . there may be in all probability manner an excessive amount of stuff for the PCs to truly steal, in the event that they don’t concentrate on the job at hand.
Every time the PCs discover one other room with precious issues that aren’t what they had been despatched for, there may be the chance/reward of setting off alarms or traps, or probably awakening guardians. Vidorant’s Vault can also be primarily a museum of her best thefts.
Along with the above, there may be the chance to search out some blackmail data, each on some native authorities officers, in addition to materials that proves Goldenbeard and Vidorant faked the heist that obtained them membership within the Silver Fingers.
Lastly, there’s a double cross twist, as Vidorant, if she catches the PCs, gives them a number of precious objects in the event that they return to Goldenbeard and attest that the Vault is impenetrable. As a result of each Goldenbeard and Vidorant have some skeletons within the closet in addition to a rivalry with each other, the PCs might really feel secure sufficient to aim this double cross.
Particulars
Past the background data on Goldenbeard and Vidorant’s historical past with each other, we additionally get some fast character sketches of the six supplied former staff of Vidorant that the PCs can ply for data.
There’s some details about what occurs when PCs set off alarms and the guards that present up, however what’s enjoyable is that the guards have particulars on what it takes to bluff, scare, or bribe them.
There are additionally a couple of books that Vidorant has stolen, and a few particulars on what these books include. These embrace a ship’s log, a guide used for bargaining with devils, and even a thriller novel that alludes to a different journey within the anthology. Lots of the treasures on show additionally be aware playing cards of their circumstances, detailing some information concerning the merchandise that Vidorant has ascertained.
Creatures
It in all probability received’t be a shock that almost all of what you’ll encounter on this journey might be humanoids, however within the Vault, there are additionally constructs, a menagerie of animals that Vidorant retains in a private zoo, and an Invisible Stalker that will comply with the PCs round to issues like pit traps and try and shove them in.
After Motion
The PCs can cut price with Goldenbeard for money prizes after his preliminary supply of membership within the guild and a favor to be named later. Moreover, the PCs can wring a bit bit extra from Goldenbeard in the event that they snagged the blackmail materials.
In the event that they maintain the diadem for themselves or take Vidorant’s supply, they need to persuade Goldenbeard that they aren’t mendacity, or else he makes use of the guild to make their lives depressing. Whereas this isn’t detailed, it’s an excellent excuse to make use of a number of the rivals from the introduction in future adventures as rival crews messing with the PCs.
The Golden Vault pays out a uncommon magic merchandise if the PCs accomplished their mission and return the Ruby Diadem to Goldenbeard.
Ideas
I actually loved the twists and turns on this one, and the choice factors that it introduces. I like feeling like we’re now a number of layers deep into the legal underworld, being commissioned by one thieves guild to assist one other take revenge on a former colleague. I additionally actually like the non-public museum really feel of the Vault, and the way in which it underscores the story of Vidorant’s profitable profession.
If there may be something I might have preferred to have seen extra of, it’s a method to persuade the Golden Vault that possibly Vidorant is value extra as an ally than Goldenbeard. She clearly has some helpful objects and knowledge, and neither Vidorant nor Goldenbeard come throughout as notably roughly evil or honorable.
The truth that it feels tempting to take Vidorant’s supply, however it should nonetheless successfully be a failed mission for the Golden Vault feels a bit hole. However the whole lot else as much as that time seems like loads of larcenous enjoyable.