Jadida Alam

for information on the Jadida Alam Setting go to Overview

for a History of the last hundred years of Jadida Alam go to History

Chapter One

You are gathered around the town center. Around you it seems the whole of the town is waiting with their breath held in anticipation. The sand colored walls of Muk-Jaras are darkened by the unusual cloudy sky and everywhere you can sense a tension building as you wait for the ceremony to begin.

Priests of Ioun appear from the town hall, their maroon robes billowing in the desert wind. A hushed whisper spreads throughout the crowd as the priests climb the raised wood and mortar platform, their acolytes trailing behind them carrying a large rug rolled tightly and clasped with shining gold bands. The acolytes release the clasps and begin to roll out the rug on the platform as the senior priests take up position on either side.

The whisper of the townsfolk rises in excitement as Abdul Ghafur emerges from the town hall. Today he wears his purple turban that is adorned with the golden eye of Ioun. Hanging from his neck is the golden sun of Pelor and around his waistband is the grand silver dragon-head of Bahamut. His robes too are the royal purple of his position and he leans on his staff of office, though he is young for his position and seems to be doing it just for effect. His steps are small as he approaches the platform. The townsfolk kneel as he passes and his genuine smile is a soothing tide over the masses. Abdul Ghafur climbs the steps to the platform and the priests of Ioun bow to him. The crowd too bows all around you, though you have been given orders to remain standing. The ceremony, after all, is for you.

The only noise now is the incongruent wind howling around the minarets and town walls; the townsfolk, your family, friends, and neighbors are silent. Abdul Ghafur clears his throat and begins to speak. (in high pitched voice) “Citizens of Muk-Jaras, we are gathered here to celebrate our good fortune in Bahamut’s blessing! 10 decades ago Bahamut granted Lord Terous the power to stop the tide of evil at the edge of Khawr Min Sirrayya. Because of his bravery, and the blessing of Bahamut we have all survived where others have not. Lord Terous brought forth the Qudssi Mass and directed the power of Bahamut at the creatures of the abyss. The Qudssi Mass still protects us today in Bahamut’s temple.” Abdul Ghafur indicates the white temple behind Muk Jaras. “In celebration off this each decade the priests of Ioun begin the Istilah bin Mass. Ioun chooses for us those of our people who are meant to move on beyond our walls and spread the blessing that Bahamut has given us. Ioun predicts those whose destiny is set. Today is that day, and these brave souls before us now must begin their life, and their journey. As tradition states, you four will head out to the edge of the Khawr Min Sirrayya and make camp there at the resting place of the greatest evil this land has ever known. You must face whatever comes to you and prove yourselves worthy of Ioun’s blessing and Bahamut’s might. Return to us the following day and your ascension will begin. Do you four accept your destiny as Ioun has predicted?”

The party progressed to the edge of the Valley of Riddles. On the way they were ambushed by bandits and their pet hyenas. After a struggle, the party defeated the bandits. Witnessing this combat was Tiaclyes of Khawr Madi, a paladin of Bahamut. Tiaclyes invited the party to join him on his voyage north to Khawr Madi. The party declined, mentioning the importance of their traditional mission (even though it seemed to be little more than a camping trip.

When the party reached their destination the unusual rain clouds began to pour and they took shelter under a ancient bilbao tree. Soon violent lightening struck the tree and uprooted it. The uprooted tree revealed a small natural cave beneath it and the party investigated. In the small network of caves they fought and bested the following: 4 stormclaw scorpions 3 Darkone Darklings 1 rat swarm 7 decrepit skeletons 1 spectre

It turned out the caves lead to a two century old tomb of a Hobgoblin warrior. After their exploration they prepared for their journey home, their quest complete.

Chapter Two

The party made their way back from the edge of the Valley of Riddles victorious from their camping trip turned dungeon delve. Upon returning to their home of Muk-Jaras they expected cheers for the returning champions. Instead they heard cries of anguish as they soon discovered their town was in the midst of a natural disaster.

Flood waters rushed the small town of Muk-Jaras, and the characters leaped into action, trying to save as many of their friends and neighbors as possible. A newcomer to town, Muzaffar Nabil, also joined in the rescue attempt.

Unfortunately even the champions of the Istilah bin Mass could not save everyone. The freak flood took the lives of many. Included in the missing citizens was one of the party’s own, Joe. To make matters worse, the Priest of Bahamut, Haddiyyah discovered the Qudssi Mass was missing from its resting place in the temple. The town feared the worst as it was assumed the flood had washed through the temple and taken the sacred stone with it.

Chapter 3

Abdul Ghafur asked the party to investigate the temple and search for traces of the stone. With the new member, Muzaffar, a reported rare stone expert, joining in, the group of four searched the temple of Bahamut. Soon they discovered evidence indicating the stone may have been taken beneath the temple through a drain in the floor.

The party pursued and encountered giant deathjump spiders in the stairwell beneath the tower. Upon entering an ancient tomb they discovered several of those buried there had risen from the dead only to thwart the companions on their quest. After defeating the skeletons the party proceeded through a hole in the tomb wall, following a trail of gold coins.

Quick thinking and quicker feet moved the party into an advantageous position in a struggle against an Ochre Jelly. They deftly avoided a cave in and pelted the ooze from range, safe from its attacks.

Following the taunting voices in a broken common tongue the characters proceeded to discover Deego, the kobold Wyrmpriest and his retinue. Deego had the Qudssi Mass affixed to his bone mask and commanded his minions to stop the intruding party. In short time The Kobolds were dealt with and the adventurers returned to the surface, their mission a success. Or so they thought.

Haddiyyah examined the Qudssi Mass and determined it had been broken, the magic had been drained from it. Under the suggestion of Azar, the local lore-keeper and historian of the village, Abdul Ghafur requested the party to travel to Khawr Madi. They must take the stone to Terous bin Sadyir and plead him to use his grandfather’s knowledge to repair the stone.