Story Synopsis

Ch. 2 Conflict: Defending the Ashen Crossroads

The Steel Veil brought with them an army equipped with heavy armor and a brutal sense of conquest. Their leaders claimed the Ashen Crossroads as part of a new empire they sought to build, promising that any resistance would be swiftly crushed. The townsfolk of the Drymarsh, who had worked hard to rebuild a semblance of peace and community, now faced an existential threat. With their homes, resources, and way of life at stake, they turned to the local factions, hoping they could unite to resist this invasion. Each faction had a unique approach to the crisis, and a decision had to be made quickly, for the Steel Veil showed no signs of slowing their march.

Roll the Dice of Fate

Each faction took turns presenting their solution for stopping the Steel Veil. 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: Form a defensive militia and fortify the town’s borders.

The Iron Covenant believed that the best way to protect the Crossroads was through strength. They proposed building makeshift barricades along the perimeter and training every able-bodied individual to defend against the Steel Veil. Led by battle-hardened fighters, the Covenant aimed to create a strategic, heavily fortified barrier, hoping to turn the Crossroads into an unbreakable fortress.

• • Challenge: This would require significant resources, leaving the Crossroads vulnerable to supply shortages. Additionally, many feared that fighting would escalate the conflict and that the townsfolk might not be ready for such a direct confrontation.

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

•  Solution: Sabotage the Steel Veil’s communications and technology.

The Hacker Syndicate proposed a covert approach: if they could disrupt the Steel Veil’s technology, they might cause confusion and delay within their ranks. Using their hacking skills, they aimed to sabotage the Veil’s equipment, communication lines, and machinery, ideally buying time for the Crossroads to strategize or negotiate. By hacking into the enemy’s systems, they could also gather information on the Veil’s weaknesses.

• • Challenge: This approach was risky, as any failure could alert the Steel Veil to their plans. Additionally, the Syndicate didn’t have a clear picture of the Veil’s technology, so there was no guarantee their methods would work. If caught, they could face severe retaliation.

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

•  Solution: Use diplomacy to negotiate a temporary truce.

The Echo Collective believed that violence should be a last resort. They proposed sending a diplomatic envoy to the Steel Veil’s leaders, hoping to reach a temporary truce. They believed that by opening a channel of communication, they could at least buy time, potentially finding common ground to avert full-scale invasion. The Echo Collective argued that appealing to the Veil’s leaders could prevent bloodshed.

• • Challenge: This plan required a lot of trust, and many feared that the Steel Veil could not be reasoned with. Additionally, if diplomacy failed, it might leave the Crossroads vulnerable to a sudden assault, giving the enemy insight into their leaders and resources.

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

•  Solution: Set traps and use the land’s natural defenses to repel the invaders.

The Green Hand proposed using the environment as a weapon. They suggested setting traps and manipulating the natural terrain, such as creating pits and barricades from fallen trees, to make the Crossroads’ borders difficult to navigate. Using stealth, biowarfare, and guerrilla tactics, the Green Hand hoped to frustrate and deter the Steel Veil without resorting to direct combat.

• • Challenge: This approach required significant preparation time, and if the Veil advanced too quickly, they might overrun the traps before they were fully ready. Additionally, this method would involve taking significant risks, with many members having to work alone and close to the enemy’s lines.