//You come across a clearing in a forest in which there is a large hunk of meat roasting on a fire. It’s been a long day, and your pack is as empty as your stomach - seeing nobody in the vicinity, you decide to take what you need, and apologise later if anybody should return to the fire and accuse you of thieving…
You’re enjoying your first meal in days when an NPC (specifics of writer’s choosing) walks into the clearing, and runs toward you shouting - not accusations of theft, but warnings.
Eating this meat has placed you in grave danger. But why?
Quite what the problem is, and where this situation leads, is up to the writer and player to decide together.//
**Note:** For best experience, grab a D20 before continuing.
0. [[Start]]*LIORA GREENBOTTLE, a portly half-elf of diminutive stature for somebody of her kind, wearing a stained chef's apron over simple leathers, runs into the clearing. She wields a butcher's cleaver in one hand.*
LIORA:
You... You *ate* my offering? How *could* you?
0. [[I'm really sorry, I hadn't eaten in days. I'll pay you back as soon as I have some coin.->Offering-Nice]]
0. [[(Deception roll, DC 15) Offering? I don't know what you're talking about.->Offering-DeceptionRollCheck]]
0. [[(Intimidation roll, DC 15) I did. So what?->Offering-Baddie]]
0. [[*Attack*->Combat]]*Combat begins. The sequence ends.*
0. [[*Start over*->Start]]
LIORA:
I know you ate it. You still have grease on your face.
1. [[Continue->Offering-DeceptionRollSucceeded]](Deception roll) Offering? I don't know what you're talking about.
0. [[Roll succeeded->Offering-DeceptionRollSucceeded]]
0. [[Roll failed->Offering-DeceptionRollFailed]]LIORA:
(Sigh) No matter. The meat was an offering to Thelranis. I've already completed the summoning ritual, and I expect she'll be here shortly.
If we're lucky, she'll kill us *before* she eats us.
0. [[(Religion check - DC20, automatically triggers)->Thelranis-ReligionCheck]]LIORA:
*Coin*? Coin can't help us now.
0. [[Continue->Offering-DeceptionRollSucceeded]](Intimidation roll) I did. So what?
0. [[Roll succeeded->Offering-IntimidationRollSucceeded]]
0. [[Roll failed->Offering-IntimidationRollFailed]]LIORA:
There's no need for violence, friend. I can assure you, there will be violence aplenty soon enough.
0. [[Continue->Offering-DeceptionRollSucceeded]]LIORA:
You're about to find out, *friend*.
0. [[Continue->Combat]](Religion check - Thelranis)
0. [[Roll succeeded->Thelranis-RollSucceeded]]
0. [[Roll failed->Thelranis-RollFailed]]NARRATOR:
You recall the name from a dusty tome you read once. Thelranis is a minor deity whose domain is limited to a very specific set of culinary circumstances.
0. [[Why do you seek help from the Patron of Gluttonous Disrespect?->AboutLiora]]
0. [[What if I hunt for more meat?->HuntMoreMeat]]
0. [[Thelranis doesn't scare me, and neither do you.->NoNeedForViolence]]
0. [[Turn to leave->TurnToLeave]]NARRATOR:
The name tells you nothing.
0. [[You say that name like I'm supposed to know who it is...->WhoIsThelranis]]
0. [[What if I hunt for more meat?->HuntMoreMeat]]
0. [[Thelranis doesn't scare me, and neither do you.->NoNeedForViolence]]
0. [[Turn to leave->TurnToLeave]]LIORA:
I own a tavern in Baldur's Gate, the Roaring Rothé. The best grilled rothé ribs on the Sword Coast.
There's this gray dwarf who claims *his* tavern serves the best ribs. He even spread a nasty rumor that I water down the wine. Can you *imagine*!
0. [[And? Do you?->LioraDenyWine]]
0. [[Rothé don't roar. You know that, right?->LioraRotheDontRoar]]
0. [[(Duergar) *The* best rothé ribs? That's a bold claim for a surface-dweller.->LioraORly]]
0. [[What if I hunt more meat?->HuntMoreMeat]]
0. [[Thelranis doesn't scare me, and neither do you.->NoNeedForViolence]]LIORA:
There is no time. I've already completed the ritual to summon her.
Besides, I'd never be able to get those flavors just right. Some of that seasoning came all the way from Neverwinter.
(shakes head) What a waste.
0. [[Continue->LioraDidYouHearThat]]LIORA:
There's no need for violence, friend. I can assure you, there will be violence aplenty soon enough.
0. [[Continue->LioraDidYouHearThat]]LIORA:
Thelranis is the Patron of Gluttonous Disrespect. She helps those who have been culinary slandered or maligned.
0. [[Continue->AboutLiora]]NARRATOR (superimposed over cutscene):
A sudden, mighty roar shatters the peaceful dusk. You hear something large crashing through the trees. It's coming towards you, snarling and stomping, and it sounds *hungry*.
//CUTSCENE:
THELRANIS crashes through the trees. She's a towering, bellowing ogre adorned in magical paraphernalia. A tangle of amulets dangle from her neck. //
0. [[Continue->ThelranisFirstChoice]]LIORA:
*Hush*. Did you hear--
Oh.
Oh, *no*.
0. [[Continue->ThelranisIntro]] LIORA:
Preposterous! *My* establishment offers only the finest, *unaltered* vintages from Cormyr and Waterdeep.
0. [[Continue->LioraDidYouHearThat]] LIORA:
It is a *true* claim, my gray friend, as anyone with a discerning palate could tell. I don't just cook rothé; I *elevate* it.
0. [[Continue->LioraDidYouHearThat]] LIORA:
Wait! You think you can just *walk away* after what you did?
0. [[Continue->LioraDidYouHearThat]] (Performance roll) Appease Thelranis with an ode to her corpulence.
*Bards have Advantage*
0. [[Roll succeeded->ThelranisPerformanceSucceeded]]
0. [[Roll failed->ThelranisPerformanceFailed]]THELRANIS:
**INSOLENCE!**
0. [[Combat->ThelranisCombat]]NARRATOR:
As you improvise an ode about the many ways in which Thelranis is great, plump, vast, portly, rotund, and so forth, something akin to contentment flashes in her pig-like eyes.
Once the final note has drifted skyward, the corners of her mouth curl up in a broad grin, revealing pearly rows of pointed, sahuagin-like teeth.
0. [[Continue->ThelranisHappyWIthYou]]NARRATOR:
As you improvise an ode about the many ways in which Thelranis is great, plump, vast, portly, rotund, and so forth, her pig-like eyes narrow, and a deep frown creases her brow.
By the time you realize you've given offense, it's too late to make amends.
0. [[Continue->ThelranisINSOLENCE]]THELRANIS:
That was **delicious**. My wrath is quenched--**for now**.
0. [[Continue->ThelranisAskForABoon]]//Combat against Thelranis. If Liora is hostile as a result of previous choices, she will join combat against the player as well.
See Thelranis.pdf for her abilities, stats, and loot.
If Liora dies in combat, the quest resolves when Thelranis dies.
If Liora lives and Thelranis is dead, choose the appropriate scenario below.//
0. [[Continue (Liora is not hostile and still alive)->EndCombatLioraNHAlive]]
0. [[Continue (Liora is hostile and still alive)->EndCombat-LioraHAlive]]LIORA:
I-it's... quite simple, really. You see, I... prepared this, this *exquisite* offering. With spices f-from Waterdeep and e-everything.
...And then, th-this *thief* ate it all!
NARRATOR:
*She jabs her finger in your direction, her eyes burning with indignation.*
0. [[Liora, how *could* you?->ThelranisCareNotForBickering]]
0. [[(Persuasion roll, DC25) I'm not a thief! I didn't know!->ThelranisPersuasionRoll]]
0. [[*Attack*->ThelranisCombat]]LIORA:
I... I can't believe--
*You killed her!* Who's going to help me now?
0. [[You realize she was going to eat us, right?->LioraNHAndWhoseFault]]
0. [[I just saved your life. I think I deserve a reward.->LioraNHSavedYourLife]]
0. [[You almost had me killed. Be thankful I'm letting you walk with your life.->LioraGoPackEnding]]
//Writer's Note: The reason there's no option to offer to help her is that I envision this scene happening towards the end of Act 1. By this point, the player doesn't know they'll end up in Baldur's Gate, and they've also got a ticking tadpole bomb in their head. Canonically, they don't know if they'll even make it to the city before The Squiddening.
If the player makes it to Act 3, they'll encounter Liora Greenbottle again, have a chance to visit her establishment, and choose whether they want to help her or side with her Duergar arch-nemesis, Durnn Ironrack.//THELRANIS:
You **may** ask for a boon.
0. [[*Let Liora make her request.*->LioraGetsBoon]]
0. [[Actually, I wouldn't mind one.->PlayerGetsBoon]]THELRANIS:
You have **tested** my patience. But I can be **generous**.
My **hunger** must be sated. One of you will be my **feast**. Upon the other, I will bestow my **boon**.
0. [[Sure thing, you can have the half-elf.->ThelranisEatsLiora]]
0. [[*Let Liora answer.*->LioraBetrayalAgain]]
0. [[I won't let you eat anyone today. *Attack*->ThelranisINSOLENCE]]NARRATOR:
Liora is frozen in shock, an easy prey for the towering Thelranis.
Her sudden scream is cut short by a sickening crunch of bone. A shudder courses through you as you watch the corpulent deity feast. Whether it's excitement or apprehension, you cannot say.
0. [[Continue->ThelranisAskForABoonAteLiora]] LIORA:
Oh! Th-that's easy, then.
You can have *them*!
*Note: Line changes based on the player's chosen pronouns (him / her / them).*
0. [[Continue->ThelranisCombat]]LIORA:
*Wait!* It was a jest! It was--
Look, if, if you let me go, you can have my pack. I've gathered some rare spices. Merchants will pay you well for them.
0. [[Be thankful I'm letting you walk with your life.->LioraGoPackEnding]]
0. [[I don't need your spices. Go, and I hope you've learned your lesson.->LioraGoEnding]]
0. [[*Attack*->LioraDeadEnding]]NARRATOR:
She nods frantically, then scurries into the forest as fast as her short legs can carry her, leaving her bulging pack behind.
0. [[*Start over*->Start]]//Combat ensues. After the player kills Liora, they can loot her pack and move on. The quest resolves.//
0. [[*Start over*->Start]]LIORA:
*Really?*
I, I mean. Thank you! Thank...
NARRATOR:
She scurries into the forest, babbling apologies trailing in her wake.
0. [[*Start over*->Start]]THELRANIS:
I am **appeased**.
You **may** receive a boon.
0. [[*Accept her boon.*->PlayerReceivesBoon]]
0. [[Actually, never mind.->PlayerRefusesBoon]]NARRATOR:
You listen as Liora recounts her tribulations with the Duergar tavernkeep in Baldur's Gate. When she is done speaking, Thelranis lets out a guffaw that makes her generous belly jiggle and her amulets clink together.
THELRANIS:
**Approach.**
0. [[Continue->ThelranisLioraApproach]]LIORA:
Wait! You *can't*!
I won't let you!
NARRATOR:
She raises her cleaver, her eyes narrowing on you with murderous intent.
0. [[(Intimidation, DC 10) A boon won't do you any good if you're dead.->BoonIntimidationRoll]]
0. [[You're right. Go ahead, ask what you came here to ask.->ThelranisLioraApproach]]
0. [[*Attack*->PlayerKillsLioraForBoon]]THELRANIS:
Be glad that I am **merciful**, and be on your **way**.
NARRATOR:
With the godly business now concluded, Thelranis lumbers back into the forest, no doubt in search of a true feast.
0. [[*Start over*->Start]]NARRATOR (superimposed over cutscene):
You approach the daunting deity.
Thelranis touches her many-faceted staff to your forehead. A faint, green light lingers around you for a few moments, and then it dissipates, leaving a mild tingling sensation in its wake.
THELRANIS:
You have my **favor**.
//Player receives permanent buff: Gluttonous Mind Feast (+1 Intellect)//
0. [[Continue->ThelranisWalksAwayEnd]]NARRATOR:
With hesitant steps, Liora approaches the daunting deity.
Thelranis touches her many-faceted staff to Liora's forehead. A faint, green light trickles from the demigod's staff, engulfing her.
After a breath or two, the light fades. Liora looks up, her gaze distant and unfocused.
THELRANIS:
You have my **favor**. When the **time** comes, beckon, and you will have my **might**.
0. [[Continue->LioraGotTheBoon]]NARRATOR:
With the godly business now concluded, Thelranis lumbers back into the forest, no doubt in search of a true feast.
LIORA:
I... I can't *believe* it!
Thank you, friend. With Thelranis at my side, that dastardly Duergar is as good as dead.
0. [[Wait. "Dead"?->LioraWell]]
0. [[I helped you get your boon. I hope you don't think I did it for free.->LioraPayMe]]LIORA:
Why, of course he's going to die! Thelranis *will* be expecting a feast next time I summon her, after all.
You may have blundered your way into this, but you did come through for me in the end. I won't forget it.
0. [[Continue->LioraHaveMyPack]]NARRATOR:
With the godly business now concluded, Thelranis lumbers back into the forest, no doubt in search of something else to eat.
0. [[*Start over*->Start]]LIORA:
"Helped" me? You nearly made me lose it all!
Though, everything worked out in the end... And you *did* help a little, I suppose.
0. [[Continue->LioraHaveMyPack]] (Intimidation roll) A boon won't do you any good if you're dead.
0. [[Roll succeeded->BoonIntimidationRollSucceeded]]
0. [[Roll failed->PlayerKillsLioraForBoon]] *Liora enters combat. After the player kills her or knocks her out, a new dialogue triggers.*
NARRATOR:
As Liora's limp body falls to the ground, Thelranis's eyes glint with hunger. It seems the Patron of Gluttonous Disrespect will get her due after all.
A shudder courses through you as you watch the corpulent deity feast. Whether it's excitement or apprehension, you cannot say.
0. [[Continue->ThelranisAskForABoonAteLiora]] LIORA:
(sputtering) I... I--
I won't forget this!
I *will not* forget this!
NARRATOR:
She scurries into the forest, a string of half-coherent threats trailing in her wake.
0. [[Continue->PlayerReceivesBoon]] LIORA:
Here, have my pack. I've gathered some rare spices. Merchants will pay you well for them.
And, if you're ever in Baldur's Gate, do stop by the Roaring Rothé. Remember, the best grilled rothé ribs on the Sword Coast!
NARRATOR:
With a fresh spring in her step, Liora heads into the forest, whistling as she walks.
0. [[*Start over*->Start]]THELRANIS:
What's **this**? A summoning without a **feast**?
0. [[*Try to explain what happened*->ThelranisExplainWhatHappened]]
0. [[*Let Liora talk*->LioraBetrayal]]
0. [[(Deception roll, DC 20) This half-elf stole the offering I'd prepared for you. If you eat *her*, you might still get a taste.->BetrayLyoraRoll]]
0. [[There's no feast because I ate it. It was *delicious*.->ThelranisINSOLENCE]]
0. [[*Attack*->ThelranisINSOLENCE]]THELRANIS:
The **morsel** speaks?
NARRATOR (as Thelranis bends down towards the player):
She stoops down until her face is inches away from yours. Her breath reeks like tenday-old carrion.
0. [[*Recoil in disgust*->ThelranisRecoil]]
0. [[*Stand your ground*->ThelranisStandYourGround]]
0. [[*Strike now, while her guard is still down*->ThelranisCombatGuardDown]]NARRATOR:
As you draw back, her fleshy lips turn up in a smirk. You wonder if she can smell your fear.
THELRANIS:
I am not a **patient** goddess, morsel.
0. [[(Performance roll, DC 25) *Appease her with an ode to her corpulence.* ->ThelranisAppease]]
0. [[(Persuasion roll, DC20) Surely, a mighty goddess like yourself can forgive this mortal their foolish transgression.->ThelranisReasonableRoll]]
0. [[(*Point to Liora*) Actually, this whole thing was her idea.->LioraBetrayal]]
0. [[*Attack*->ThelranisINSOLENCE]]
*Note: For the persuasion choice, the pronoun changes based on the player's chosen pronouns (him / her / them).*NARRATOR:
You stand your ground and try to take shallow breaths. The wild magic surrounding her makes your eyebrows sizzle.
0. [[(Intelligence roll, DC 15) (Arcana) *Try to discern the source of her magic*->ThelranisArcana]]
0. [[(Performance roll, DC 25) *Appease her with an ode to her corpulence.* ->ThelranisAppease]]
0. [[(Persuasion roll, DC20) Surely, a mighty goddess like yourself can forgive this mortal their foolish transgression.->ThelranisReasonableRoll]]
0. [[(*Point to Liora*) Actually, this whole thing was her idea.->LioraBetrayal]]
0. [[*Attack*->ThelranisINSOLENCE]]
*Note: For the persuasion choice, the pronoun changes based on the player's chosen pronouns (him / her / them).*(Persuasion roll) Surely, a mighty goddess like yourself can forgive this mortal their foolish transgression.
0. [[Roll succeeded->ThelranisPersuasionSucceeded]]
0. [[Roll failed->ThelranisINSOLENCE]](Persuasion roll) I'm not a thief! I didn't know!
0. [[Roll succeeded->ThelranisPersuasionSucceeded]]
0. [[Roll failed ->ThelranisCareNotForBickering]](Intelligence roll) (Arcana) Try to discern the source of her magic.
0. [[Roll succeeded->ArcanaRollSucceeded]]
0. [[Roll failed ->ArcanaRollFailed]]NARRATOR:
You sense the many different threads of magic that cling to her form--or, rather, her robes.
A closer look reveals that they seem to be stitched together from the remains of many different wizardly garments. Her staff, too, is made of broken staves, daggers, and other enchanted weapons.
0. [[Continue->ThelranisStandYourGroundArcanaSucceeded]]NARRATOR:
Whatever else she may be, the deity before you is, undoubtedly, powerful.
0. [[(Performance roll, DC 25) *Appease her with an ode to her corpulence.* ->ThelranisAppease]]
0. [[(Persuasion roll, DC20) Surely, a mighty goddess like yourself can forgive this mortal their foolish transgression.->ThelranisReasonableRoll]]
0. [[(*Point to Liora*) Actually, this whole thing was her idea.->LioraBetrayal]]
0. [[*Attack*->ThelranisINSOLENCE]]
*Note: For the persuasion choice, the pronoun changes based on the player's chosen pronouns (him / her / them).*NARRATOR:
You'd best tread carefully, lest your possessions end up as part of her collection.
0. [[(Performance roll, DC 25) *Appease her with an ode to her corpulence.* ->ThelranisAppease]]
0. [[(Persuasion roll, DC20) Surely, a mighty goddess like yourself can forgive this mortal their foolish transgression.->ThelranisReasonableRoll]]
0. [[(*Point to Liora*) Actually, this whole thing was her idea.->LioraBetrayal]]
0. [[*Attack*->ThelranisINSOLENCE]]
*Note: For the persuasion choice, the pronoun changes based on the player's chosen pronouns (him / her / them).*THELRANIS:
I care **not** for your bickering. If there is no **feast**, then you will sate my **hunger**.
**Both** of you.
0. [[Combat->ThelranisCombat]](Deception roll) This half-elf stole the offering I'd prepared for you. If you eat *her*, you might still get a taste.
0. [[Roll succeeded->BetrayLyoraRollSucceeded]]
0. [[Roll failed->ThelranisCareNotForBickering]]
NARRATOR:
Liora's eyes widen. Her lips tremble in a silent entreaty, but mercy is a course that will not be served today.
Her sudden scream is cut short by a sickening crunch of bone. A shudder courses through you as you watch the corpulent deity feast. Whether it's excitement or apprehension, you cannot say.
0. [[Continue->ThelranisAskForABoonAteLiora]]LIORA:
No! You ruined *everything*!
//Liora becomes hostile. Liora and Thelranis are both Surprised for 1 round.//
0. [[Continue->ThelranisCombat]]NARRATOR:
The arcane currents flood your mind, a soundless cacophony that leaves you reeling. Your thoughts knock together like marbles. Her magic has neither rhyme nor reason.
0. [[Continue->ThelranisStandYourGroundArcanaFailed]]LIORA:
A reward? Do you have any idea how long I've been...
(Sigh) Fine. Here, have my pack. If you're ever in Baldur's Gate, don't you come anywhere near the Roaring Rothé, you hear? Or I'll--I'll tell the Fists you extorted me!
NARRATOR:
She tosses you her pack, then scurries back into the forest, darting glances over her shoulder every now and again until she's out of your sight.
0. [[*Start over*->Start]]LIORA:
And whose fault is that?
Though, I suppose I *could* try again. (Sigh) I just need to gather some spices and find another place for the ritual. Somewhere *you* aren't.
NARRATOR:
With one last glare, she stomps into the forest, still muttering under her breath. You notice she left her pack behind.
0. [[*Start over*->Start]]LIORA:
And? Most of my patrons have never even *seen* a rothé, and I happen to like the name.
0. [[Continue->LioraDidYouHearThat]]