# Epilogue WriteUp *Festival of the Fabled Harvest* The town gets together once a year to celebrate prosperity, good fortune and the year to come. It was a prominent Phandalin tradition, once disregarded when the village was in disrepair and the people struggled to find optimism among their life. But since the players had created a spark in the community, they began the tradition anew. Villagers stop work early and prepare a large communal feast in the town square as dusk descends upon the night. There’s music, laughing, drinking, people enjoying and celebrating the events of the past year. Mourning those lost. Appreciating the time we have with those around us. A makeshift stage is constructed outside the Townmaster’s Hall, where storytellers entertain the feasting crowd under the stars, recounting epic odysseys, weaving tales of harvbest spirits that guard the fields from blight and vermin. But tonight, a different story is being told. In fact, the players are all there, listening to it. You had been invited back to the town where it all started, one to experience the festival again, but to appear as *honored guests* in this special anniversary edition. Five years since the events of the Cragmaw’s and the Fight for the Forge, they are regaling the town with the feats from your adventure (and embellishing a bit) as people jive and cheer with every exclamation. Eventually, the festival comes to a close and the loud rancor of the feasting crowd turns to a hum, as people hug and say their goodbyes, and wish them good fortune. The party eventually finds themselves back at their old cottage, now having been fully repaired, a renovated to modest standards ()considering the state of the rest of the town and the players standing). A bonfire is lit aside the tavern, and you all sit amongst each other (for some, the first time in a long while). You all get the feeling, this might be the last time you all see each other for a long time. Not having much time to talk personally at the festival, you all start telling each other what you’ve been up to since you’ve last seen each other. *And in that case, lets all roll initiative, one last time* *Treat this as a simple conversation between old friends over a warm fire, on an early autumnal night in the crisp night air. Crickets are chirping, fireflies are illuminating the surrounding fields and the smell of firewood overwhelms your senses as you can still hear muffled laughs and shouts for throughout the town’s now numerous streets.* [CHARACTERS GIVE THEIR RP STORY] *And with that, this story comes to a close. But that doesn’t mean (their) story ends. Maybe one day, something or someone will need saving, forcing the group back together again for one last adventure. One last heroic endeavor of epic proportions, one to rival that which came before. But that, would be a story for another time.* Twilight Feast: festival As dusk descends, villagers gather to share heirloom recipes, igniting a friendly rivalry over whose dish holds the true essence of the harvest. ## Mapping 1. Finish Court scene and end with decision by the tribunal. Have characters embrace and briefly explain who (if any) will be leaving and where. 2. Fast-Forward 5 years, spend time describing how the world has changed and what NPCs of note are doing 1. How Neverwinter has changed 1. Neverwinter has, on the outside, remained the same. The internal structure and standard-operating-procedure of many facets of the Lord’s Alliance has been overhauled. They now remain inside the cities less and focus on reinforcing the local communities, hoping to prevent a mirror of the events of the party and Phandalin. They’ve worked with other major cities like Waterdeep to the north to reinforce the roads with lampposts, cobblestone and regular rest stops of small communities (mostly a tavern and general store + a guard tower and barracks) along the way. They regularly patrol to and from them to provide a presence to deter bandits and roadside ambushes. 2. With no leader, power structure, or goal, the Cragmaws largely disbanded. Their mark on the land has begun to heal with the looming shadow of the Spider now gone forever. Life returned to a new normal. 3. OOC discussion, what are some memorable moments? What are some questions you have unanswered? ``` enjoy small town life? It started with a celebration in one of the realms largest cities, celebrating the group and all their accomplishments, mourning the ones they lost in that time, and even promoting one of the players to a higher rank in the faction they were a part of. The party was filled with some of their family members and NPC's that they had met and had grown attached to. Eventually the party had to wind down, and to start an RP prompt, I said something like "As the party begins to come to close, you all find yourselves together in this crisp night air, and you begin to realize that this may be the last time you are all in the same spot together." this kicked off some nice RP, and then I went around the table, had them roll initiative one last time, and each read their personal epilogue in initiative order. I loved hearing each of them read about the dreams and ambitions that their characters could now accomplish, and what their plans were, many of them involving NPC's that I had created and grown attached to. It was overall one of my favorite sessions we ever played. I will say, though, that I ended it with a bit of a tease about something that happens a few years after they finished this campaign, just in case they want to bust these characters out someday for one more final run with these characters that we had grown attached to. I mean, in a fantasy world, does the opportunity for adventure ever really go away? Anyway, thanks for the video, it made me feel better about how I handled that last session. It was scary since there isn't a ton of info on epilogues like this. I just wish you had released it a week earlier! ``` ## Characters ### [ X ] Felix - Felix continually pushes his luck post campaign, gets increasingly reckless - But he wants to help the little guys, get back to his roots of helping out those in need while doing it in his own way - Felix believed he was nigh untouchable towards the end of the events of the campaign, he felt his skills couldn’t go to waste. - However, seeing the good his work did, he didn’t want to indulge his own interests, he sprang back to work how he knew how. Stealing from the rich, and giving to the poor. - Eventually, his deeds caught up to him, and he was set to be hanged (at the immense financial pressure of the nobles from whom he stole), until a certain insectoid Noble and well-respected Soldier intervened on his behalf. - His sentence was reduced to reeducation courses on why stealing from people is bad, and mandatory community service at the nobles’ estates (this was also changed to Phandalin at Sildar’s request) - Having learned nothing, but still wanting to reduce drama in his life, he began offering his services as a *security consultant*, advising those on how best to prevent thievery. Providing new systems integrated with magical locks and sensors, his services became very lucrative and successful. (Oddly enough though, he seemed to always have access to a skeleton key for each of his customers) - **Where does Felix want to take this journey in the future? How does he feel about the way his life has gone? What things can he accomplish now? Does he miss the party and the days of their adventures?** ### [ X ] Bumi - Bumi goes back with Ash to her druid circle to learn more about his powers, their origins and capabilities. Having never felt a connection to the druidic part of his identity, he’s able to find it among the members of Ash’s circle. - Eventually, Bumi wanted to go back to Phandalin and run for Townmaster. Since nobody wanted the job, Harbin still was running unopposed all these years. *He can either have already run for mayor and won or be **going** to run for mayor after the epilogue*. - He’s seen some members of the party over the years (mainly Ash, but sometimes Myth when he visits Phandalin), and maintains his relationship. He’s possibly even helped her on some of her “search-and-rescue” operations? (Up to you) - **What does Bumi want to get out of being Townmaster? How does he feel about his role among each of the communities he belongs to? Does he have a desire to pursue answers about the destruction of his village? Does he miss the party and the days of their adventures?** ### [ X ] Myth - Myth still values helping people and wanted to continue adventuring with Phandalin remaining a big part of her home. - She eventually starts helping Mirna with her work with refugees, using her Strength and Athleticism for rescue efforts (physical demeanor and combat prowess are used as a deterrent) - She has maintained a steady relationship with Elsa, and has also been serving as an escort for the convoys to and from Wave Echo Cave (that contain magic item shipments and gold) - Having learnt about trust and bonds, boundaries and the like, Myth goes back and confronts her family and kingdom at one point. Although they were unable to fully grasp her reasoning, they’ve agreed to not pursue her for her role as future Queen. They allow her to keep all titles and privileges, but have since ceased all catch-and-return orders (also partially because they all kept getting maimed or killed). - Has not seen much of Ne’ith since the events, but whenever they do meet, a strong sense of trust and knowing radiates from both. Two unlikely acquaintances, having learned the value of trust, forgiveness and humility together. - **Was the solution with her family enough to give her closure? Does she still feel a duty to return? How does she find fulfillment in helping out in these ways among the townspeople? Does she miss the party and the days of their adventures?** ### [ X ] Ash - Ash (along with Bumi) goes back to her druid circle, both looking for answers. Ash shows Bumi how to attune with his druidic powers and explore their origins and capabilities, while Bumi helps her connect with her community better and begin to feel truly like a part of them. Both having felt like outsiders in their own ways, each begin to feel at home. - She eventually begins her own little cottage community among the woodland creatures, creating a “witches circle-esque” picture where magical and esoteric travelers, and animals of the forest all live in harmony. - She focuses on creating potions, elixirs and other apothecaries to help both aspects of her life (humans and animals). She provides healing when natural disasters happen, nurses wounded creatures back to health and (along with Bumi) acts as a guardian of the wilderness to all who would threaten it. - All the while, she still has the Mace of Lathander sitting on her wall, calling to her. **What do its mysteries hold? Why was she chosen for this weapon? Who is Lathander and what do followers of his faith strive for? Does she miss the party and the days of their adventures?** are questions she hasn’t been able to answer yet. ### [ X ] Xyrana - After the events of the campaign, Xyrana pours himself into his studies about himself and his past, and why his memories have still not returned. He’s able to get glimpses, fleeting moments or visions of his “past life”, but nothing that seems to provide any meaningful avenue of discovery - He spends much of his time at the College of Neverwinter, studying ancient tomes regarding the mind and how to manipulate it, the deities and forces associated with thoughts and memories. - He still sees Gwyn from time to time, who helps to point him in the right direction, but unfortunately nothing seems to work. - When he’s not studying at the college, he’s traveling the realm in search of answers. Becoming a pseudo-archaeologist, he procures magical artifacts, lost libraries, and uncovers forbidden rituals in the pursuit of knowledge. (Maybe he makes a pact with something) - Eventually, he comes back to Phandalin as he heard the group was convening on the 5th anniversary - Lets them know he heard about something linking the far realms and the concept of the mind. Says he’s going to ‘follow a lead, maybe consult with Oscar first since he’s native to that plane’ - **What does finding his memories mean to him? What does he hope to gain? Is he worried what he might end up remembering? What does he hope lies in wait at the precipice? Does he miss the party and the days of their adventures?** ### [ X ] Raf-i-L - After the events, Raf primarily goes back home to spend time with his kids and family. Even though he enjoyed adventuring, he enjoys his life at home more. - However, he does need to make ends meet, and the proceeds from the monthly mine payments are fully enough, so he occasionally does mercenary work (all he knows how to do) - He gets a taste of how his old life used to be, daring exploits, heroic quests, etc. - He frequently visits the town with his family now that things are settling down, and in fact, frequently runs into Droop and his community on their travels. His kids and Droop’s kids have a semi-close relationship - **What does Raf intend to do with the other part of his life? Does he have any wants or desires? What brings him fulfilment? Does he miss the party and the days of their adventures?** ## NPCs ### [ X ] Mirna Mirna has reserved herself to a quiet, peaceful life since the events of the Fight for the Forge. Her son Nars left to join the Lord’s Alliance in Neverwinter (with recommendation from Sildar) and Nilsa has come into her own as a fierce and intelligent young woman. She appreciates how mundane her life is now, but she does miss the spark of excitement conflict brought to it. Doing what she can to honor Thel and keep moving forward, she has started an outreach program for refugees from various conflicts and disasters. The Thundertree Catastrophe of which she herself was a victim of, the orphans of the Rule of the Cragmaws, and countless others have been yearning for a sense of stability and a place of belonging. She does her best to provide that or guide them to a place that can. The Sleeping Giant inn has been providing temporary room and board to them while she gets their affairs in order. ### [ X ] Droop After the events of the Fight for the Forge, Droop heard of the Cragmaws disbanding, and was able to take his family and village out of hiding. While their reputation as Goblins started off rocky with the surrounding towns, once they understood the Cragmaws were essentially a group of bandits, and not reflective of Goblins as a whole, their relationship thrived. His village was able to resume their merchant caravan ways, with small outposts set up inside the confines of the surrounding towns, such as Conyberry and Phandalin. His main role amongst the townspeople has been providing a mechanism to turn *decanters of endless water* into hydropower. His early prototypes (along with the machine work of Kada and her now eager to help son Bori) were enough to spring the town forward in technological advancement. His hopes for the new model are to surpass that of even the capabilities of Neverwinter’s Blacksmiths Guild. ### [ X ] Sildar & Iarno *Presumably Iarno doesn’t get heavy prison time or death penalty, but they have to have some form of retribution and punishment, so he’s sentenced to work as a community servant in Phandalin as penance* Sildar has basically become second-in-command to the Townmaster, overseeing town security and logistics (especially with vetting magic items and would-be customers/sellers). Him and Iarno at first still had to pretend to just be acquainted through business, but after a few months of carrying out his community service sentence, they moved in together and stopped pretending. They have thrived since then and own a beautiful cottage near the old “edge of town”, and have become even more active in the community. It took a bit for Iarno to be accepted, but now, among his other duties, he helps with the local school and oversees and provides maintenance on the magical wards around the city when Gwyn is away. He was one of the first mages to begin helping with the farming process, using spells and magical ingenuity to streamline it and increase production two-fold. He has since been encouraging other aspiring entreprenuers and contrators to settle in the town–regardless of magical affinity. The couple has become close with Mirna and her family, becoming almost surrogate uncles along the way. Sildar has taught Nilsa how to effectively wield a sword and shoot a bow and arrow, while Iarno believes she may be a fine magical prodigy (much to her delight). Their time spent with her and other children throughout Phandalin have them considering adopting a child of their own soon. ### [ X ] The Town With the nearby mine generating crazy amounts of revenue and foot traffic (and magic items at that), along with the help of Iarno and [Player Characters?], the town has seen a massive increase in urbanization, with the town’s buildings now encompassing the fields that used to sit at the outskirts, the roads are now smooth cobblestone, many of the houses have been built up from humble cottages. Tresandor Manor has been rebuilt and repurposed into a city watch command center that overlooks the town. Guardposts have been established at points of interest around the now small busting city, with magical wards put in place with the help of Iarno and Gwyn protecting the city. ### [ X ] The Mine & The Rockseeker Brothers The mine has been doing fairly well for itself, filling a niche that no-one knew was empty. Simple/Common magic items immediately saw a huge increase in supply and thus have become available to a much larger variety of people. The Rockseeker brothers have done what they can to memorialize their younger brother, dedicating the mine and their mission to ensuring no one ever has to meet the same fate again. “He Was the Best of Us” they say. That didn’t stop them from endeavoring into new schemes from time to time, but they were much busier than usual making sure they were restoring the mine and the surrounding area to a place of peace and prosperity. ### [ X ] Elsa & The Edermaths **Elsa** actually partnered with her sister and the Rockseeker Brothers to open a common magic item store in town, providing items that could give small quality of life to the villagers, and also creating a point of interest within the town as a magic item vendor. Her sister helped choose, appraise and subsequently protect the items while the skills Elsa learned in her time as a barmaid at the Stonehill Inn turned her into a cunning saleswoman. **Gwyn** in her spare time helps her sister with “*Edermath Apples & Artifacts*”, but otherwise she has continued in her studies at Neverwinter College, and is thought by many to be groomed for her role as the next archmage. ### [ X ] Oscar Oscar has been thriving in his totally brand new position as Arbiter of the mine. A small portion of his role sees him escorting visitors throughout a small subset of the facility, with his historical recap including when the mine was heroically saved after it was overrun and almost repurposed for nefarious purposes. This group of daring adventurers, who are also partial owners, have been exceedingly generous and are still giving back to the local community by *kid tries to touch something on the mine exhibits* “**eye ray focuses on the child and begins charging up** *shakes his head* oh haha sorry, uh, child, you are not authorized to disturb the artifacts please cease this at once or risk petrification” Anyway, they give have given back to the local community many times over, and have become close friends with the mine owner and myself. Maybe you could learn a thing or two from them *points to kid*