What has happened to Drakkenheim is simply a cosmic accident.
It is not the
intentional work of an inscrutable extraplanar being, nor did any chortling demon
lord or scheming evil deity set these events in motion. Instead, it is more akin to
a natural disaster, albeit one caused by the magical forces that underscore the
cosmos. Much like an earthquake, hurricane, or volcano, the calamitous forces that
cause such magical catastrophes are entirely beyond mortal means to control or
reverse. This fact may come as a surprise to players who expect they can simply
defeat some tangible evil entity and save the world. However, the dark fantasy and
cosmic horror literature that inspired this adventure rarely ends in such clear-cut
ways. Instead, the heroic actions of the player characters may avert further
disaster, but will never erase the damage that has already been done.
While outwardly presenting a tantalizing mystery, the meteor functions more as a
catalyst for conflict in Drakkenheim. My players failed to fully uncover the
origins of the meteor during their adventures, but our campaign still had an
immensely satisfying conclusion. In fact, themes of cosmic horror and madness are
greatly enhanced when the real answers are never fully understood.
These six wondrous items were entrusted to the royal council of Westemär. Each
identifies the bearers as important administrative and political figureheads. In
addition to their potent magical powers (described in Appendix D), the seals have
an important purpose in a special coronation ritual that attunes a new monarch to
the Crown of Westemär itself (described in chapter 9). As such, many factions seek
these seals, which are thought lost in the ruins. A few are already in the hands of
several faction agents however! Here's where you can find them though:
Chancellor's Crest. Balrin Barthes failed to escape Drakkenheim, and was
transformed into a monster. This mutated wretch still wears the Chancellor's Crest,
and serves the horrific Duchess deep in its lair below the cistern.
Inscrutable Staff. Adriana Modiera, the Archmage of Drakkenheim, died within the
Inscrutable Tower. This mighty magical staff remains there today. Traditionally,
the Amethyst Academy has the right to determine who holds this staff.
Lord Commander's Badge. Elias Drexel survived the fall of Drakkenheim and spent
years fighting in the Civil War before taking charge of the Hooded Lanterns. He
still holds his original badge of office.
Saint Vitruvio's Phylactery. High Flamekeeper Gregora led the faithful in the
Cathedral of Saint Vitruvio. Her true fate is unknown, but now a monstrous garmyr
priest carries the phylactery in the cathedral. It is traditionally entrusted to
the highest ranking cleric of the Sacred Flame in Drakkenheim, as this item is also
one of the Relics of Saint Vitruvio.
Spymaster's Signet. Spymaster Magdalena Vasari was a half-elf assassin. A loyal
operative through-and-through, Vasari took advantage of her assumed death to
secretly seek any surviving heirs of the royal family during the Civil War. She may
have succeeded had she not been killed and her signet ring stolen by the Queen of
Thieves several years ago.
Steward's Seal. Johann Eisner, the royal steward, became trapped in Castle Drakken
after failing to rescue Ulrich IV. However, he entrusted his young daughter with
hiding his seal as a precaution for this exact predicament. While her fate is now
unknown, the seal is now amongst the treasures of the Crimson Countess in the
Cosmological Clocktower.
