Chapter 1- Drought

Story Synopsis

The Ashen Crossroads was a bleak, dusty intersection surrounded by crumbling old buildings and twisted metal. "The Crossroads' as it is called by its inhabitants, is the capital city of the Drymarsh Region. This spot used to be alive and bustling with commerce and people from all walks of life, but now it was mostly a reminder of a world long gone. Smoke and ash drifted down from the sky, making everything look gray and lifeless. Still, the Crossroads was important because it connected the camps of the four main factions in the region. Each one wanted to control this place for different reasons, and tensions were high. In the center of the Crossroads, the townsfolk had gathered to hear from members of each faction. Everyone was hungry, tired, and desperate for solutions to the problems they faced every day in this ruined world. The factions each had a different idea of how to solve one big problem they all shared: not enough water to go around.

Ch.1 Conflict: The Dwindling Water Supply

The Ashen Crossroads had one small water source—a narrow, trickling stream that cut through the center of the town. But lately, the water had been slowing to a dribble, and no one knew why. Without enough water, the townsfolk would grow weaker, and tempers between the factions could flare into a full-blown fight. Each faction believed they knew how to solve the problem, but their ideas were very different. Your character has been asked to resolve this conflict and provide your wisdom and insight. Their opinions are highly respected and will be honored by all four factions once a decision has been made. Nevertheless, the townsfolk wanted to know: Which option will they choose?

Roll the Dice of Fate

Each faction took turns presenting their solution to the water problem. Your character listened carefully, knowing they would have to pick a side and help make the plan work. Roll the dice to find out what happens . . .

1. Iron Covenant (Rolled 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) Click here

Solution: Guard the water source and ration it carefully.

The Iron Covenant wanted to put soldiers around the stream, guarding it to ensure that everyone only took what they needed. They would set strict limits on how much water each person could have, and anyone caught breaking the rules would be punished.

Challenge: Some townsfolk worried that the Iron Covenant would use force to control the water, keeping it for themselves instead of sharing it fairly. Your character must create a set of rules for drinking the water and consequences for those who break them.

2. Hacker Syndicate (Rolled 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10) Click here

Solution: Build a water filtration device to clean and reuse old, dirty water.

The Hacker Syndicate suggested creating a machine to recycle any water they could find, even the filthy puddles in abandoned buildings. They would use their technology to make this water drinkable, adding to the supply.

Challenge: Their technology was complicated, and no one was sure if it would work or if it would even be safe to drink. Your character must help build a device to help create more drinkable water.

3. Echo Collective (Rolled 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15) Click here

Solution: Ration water based on who needs it most.

The Echo Collective thought that water should go to those who needed it most, like children and the elderly. They wanted to set up a fair system where people could report their needs and receive a specific amount of water based on how much they needed to survive.

Challenge: The Echo Collective’s plan sounded fair, but it would be hard to enforce. Some worried that people might lie about their need to get more water. Your character must find a way to evenly distribute the water to all the citizens.

4. Green Hand (Rolled 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20) Click here

Solution: Search for new water sources nearby.

The Green Hand believed that nature could provide if they just searched hard enough. They wanted to send out small teams to look for hidden wells, underground streams, or other water sources that hadn’t been found yet.

Challenge: Going out to search would be dangerous. No one knew if they would find more water, and people worried about what might be lurking in the wilderness. Your character must journey into the woods to find a secondary water source.

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