Tipping the Scales

Approaches

---

Social Manipulation. Leverage Kiefth’s entourage, including Turk or Aluri O’Rell, to gather information.   Stealth and Espionage. Investigate the Purveyor's Plaza or shadow Kiefth to find evidence of his illicit dealings.   Direct Confrontation. Set a trap, bait Kiefth into an admission, or secure evidence through coercion or force.

Key Players

---

Brother Cristos. A zealous but pragmatic member of the Covenant faith. He is appalled by Kiefth’s desecration of dragonkind but fears the consequences of his exposure.   Kiefth Dahlword. A well-loved noble with a secret passion for dragon scales. Always surrounded by an entourage, he hides his crimes behind charisma and public adoration.   Baron Druceff. The foremost authority in Dondarian. Loyal to Kiefth but unwilling to protect him if irrefutable evidence is presented. Druceff is opportunistic and will use the scandal to boost his own house.

Kiefth’s Entourage
Turk. A kind-hearted bugbear. Trusted by all but easily influenced by charm and humor. Turk knows most of Kiefth’s secrets and loves to impress others.   Aluri O’Rell. An elven Covenant follower and childhood friend, trying to convince Kiefth to reform. Aluri is perceptive and will interfere with plans that might expose Kiefth publicly.

Locations

---

Cristos’s Basilica. Brother Cristos offers a silver dragon scale to bait Kiefth. The basilica is also where Cristos conducts secret training that could be exposed if Kiefth learns of his involvement.  

• DC 14 Charisma (Deception). Use Cristos’s silver dragon scale as bait to lure Kiefth into exposing his obsession.

Locations (cont.)

---

The King's Respite. A popular inn where Kiefth frequently purchases House Dahlword’s apple brandy. Insight into his habits and entourage can be gained here.  

• DC 13 Insight. Learn of Kiefth’s excess drinking and discover his entourage’s growing frustration with him.
• DC 15 Persuasion. Convince Turk to speak openly about Kiefth's secret collection. Humor makes him susceptible to flattery.

---

Aluri O’Rell’s Interference. If the characters openly investigate Kiefth or attempt to question Turk, Aluri will subtly redirect conversations, downplay accusations, or suggest innocuous explanations for suspicious behavior.  

• DC 14 Insight. Aluri is steering the conversation.

  If the characters fail to overcome interference, they gain no useful information from the entourage and raise suspicion.

---

The Purveyor's Plaza. A bustling market with hidden trades. Evidence of trafficking can be uncovered.  

• DC 15 Stealth. Shadow a buyer or seller to hidden transactions.
• DC 14 Deception. Pose as a buyer to gather direct evidence.

Outcomes

---

Success. Irrefutable evidence is presented discreetly. Kiefth is punished, Cristos remains safe, and the group earns favor.   Partial Success. Weak or incomplete evidence creates damaging rumors. Kiefth avoids formal punishment but suffers social shame. Cristos remains unscathed but frustrated.   Failure. Cristos’s role is exposed, Kiefth escapes, or the scandal becomes public, drawing ire from House Dahlword and tarnishing Cristos’s name.

Rewards

---

The characters’ rewards depend on the mission’s outcome and their chosen approach.   Success
Brother Cristos

• Silver Dragon Scale (100 gp): Usable as a spell focus.
• Favor with the Covenant: Unlocks future opportunities or assistance.

  Baron Druceff

• Writ of Favor: Grants waived taxes, expedited services, or minor protections.
• +1 Weapon: longbow, staff, sword, or dagger.

  Partial Success
Brother Cristos

• Small Reward: 50 gp and minor healing or supplies.

  Baron Druceff

• Token of Appreciation: Rare Dondarian apple brandy (25 gp) or a letter of safe passage.

  Failure
Brother Cristos

• Consolation: Future Covenant assistance, though may be limited.

  Baron Druceff

• Minor Reward: Small pouch of coins 25 gp

  Assisting Kiefth
Kiefth Dahlword

• Monetary Reward: 100 gp or luxury goods
• Favor with House Dahlword: Noble connections and assistance in future intrigues.

  Aluri O’Rell

• Healing Word Scroll: Discreetly gifted.

Roleplaying Brother Cristos

---

Personality Trait. "I speak carefully and with purpose."
Ideal. "The Covenant. My religion maintains the peace of Dromaria."
Bond. "I will follow the teachings of the past to prevent future problems."
Flaw. "Magic does it better."

Roleplaying Keifth Dahlword

---

Personality Trait. "I'll buy you a drink for a moment of your time."
Ideal. "Charm. A friendly smile and the right attitude go a long way."
Bond. "If we’ve become friends, I’m going to trust you implicitly."
Flaw. "Collecting illegal objects excites me in ways I can’t describe."

Roleplaying Baron Druceff

---

Personality Trait. "I'll do my best despite the weight put on me."
Ideal. "Legacy. My house's standing means my family's success."
Bond. "I would follow the King anywhere."
Flaw. "I am in charge, and you should listen to me."

Roleplaying Turk

---

Personality Trait. "Hey pal, you just met your new best friend!"
Ideal. "Humor. I’m not the prettiest fella but if I’m making jokes people don't seem to notice."
Bond. "Show me kindness and I’m by your side."
Flaw. "I have this god's damned itch on my back and it will not go away."

Roleplaying Aluri O’Rell

---

Personality Trait. "You’re going to have a rough time trying to pull a fast one on me."
Ideal. "Hustle. Never give up. Earn loyalty and respect and you're golden."
Bond. "I shelter my friends from unmerited scrutiny."
Flaw. "I’ve never had a real defeat and fear what will happen when I do."