Professional Documents
Culture Documents
It can be used as a one shot adventure or as part of an ongoing campaign. This adventure requires at least on character to have Academics religion or occult. Other
useful skills include Linguistics Code and deciphering. This is due to the large amount of puzzles found within. Hollow Earth Expedition Game Studios, LLC
TM
Plot Summary
The Mithraic Mysteries was a mystery religion practiced throughout the Roman Empire. The name Mithras was adopted from the Persian god Mithra. Worshipers of Mithras had a complex initiation system that consisted of several grades. They met in underground temples, which is where this adventure takes place. The Temple of Mithras in London is a real temple. The players explore the temple and if they can rise to the challenge receive the light of truth from Mithras himself. The treasure is left to the individual Game master. Anything can be found behind the massive stone doors including ancient text, treasure, or other plot items.
Skill Challenges
Throughout this adventure there are several puzzles that can require a bit of thought. In order to give hints there are several skill checks available. The easier checks are to give hints on how to solve the puzzle. Also the Game Master may wish to grant a synergy bonus of +2 for solving the easier checks to help solve the harder checks or the puzzle itself.
The Hook
For whatever reason the Game Master sees fit the players are in merry old London. There they hear rumors of excavations in the unfinished subway tunnels. Whoever is doing the digging is up to the game master as well. It is possible for the players to be hired to look for the temple or they could be racing against time to beat someone else from finding it. Whatever reason the players have for looking for the temple they will eventually find the entrance to the Temple of Mithras and that is where this adventure starts
The Key is actually the last puzzle of the adventure. Its important that the players see this part of the temple first to help them get in the mindset they need to find a way to figure out what is behind the doors. Before you is a Statue of Mithras Sacrificing a bull. It is surrounded by several other smaller carvings. Below the carvings appear to be several large plates each with a symbol on them. Behind the statue are two massive stone doors. Any amount of pushing cannot open these doors. Academics Religion or Occult (Average 2) will determine that the carvings on the statue are the zodiac and the symbols under the statue represent the names of planets, or in this case gods. The players are able to press the plates and figure this is the key that opens the massive stone doors behind it.
In order to solve the puzzle the players will have to progress through the initiation challenges. They answer to the key is the order in which the challenges are completed in. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Luna Sol Saturn
their willpower. Remember to award them a Style point though. After this the players fall asleep. However, they do not realize they are asleep. To them they are just enjoying a glass of wine when a strange man shows up. During the course of the adventure the players may experience a death. If they do take them aside or pass them a note. To the other characters they died but they awoke in the room from a dream. The other players appear to be in restful sleep with normal breathing and heart rate. If they try and drink the wine again it is refreshing but nothing else happens. The Old Man speaks to the players. Greetings travelers, what is it that you seek? -The players may not know exactly what they seek but are likely to have several different answers. The old man says after they have given their answers, It seems you do not know what you seek. It is possible I can help you with that. Would you allow me to help you? -The players are going to ask what he can help them with and what will they find. The old man will simply say. You already have the answer to that question ye you are not asking the right questions. I will help you find what we all seek, truth. I will guild you through several tasks. If you can solve each one you will find what you seek. Now if you are ready follow me.
On the off chance they figure out the correct combination to open the doors they do not possess the LIGHT OF TRUTH so the doors will remain closed. The other room of note is where the players will begin their initiation.
The room is covered in cobwebs and dust. On the floor are several tiled pictures with various symbols on them. In the far corner you find a large clay pot and several glasses nearby. The pot is filled with a liquid that faintly smells of honey. Above the pot is some writing. It reads: Those who seek the treasures within must first drink the light of truth. The idea is to get all the players to drink the honey wine. If one or more players seem reluctant to drink the wine it seems to appeal to them and they feel a strong urge to drink the wine. If they still do not want to drink it the game master can rule it a plot device and force them to drink it. It is as if they lose control of
The game master may have to adapt several of the old mans replies to fit within the answers given here. The old man will never give out any information on what behind the doors or how to open them only that they must seek that information themselves. He is just a guide. If the players refuse to go along with the old man then the adventure is over and they wake up in the room still no closer to being able to open the doors.
Academics Religion (Tough 3) The staff is Caduceus, the mystical staff of Mercury Linguistics Deciphering or Academics Occult (Average 2) figure out the signs on the floor are zodiac signs (Tough 3) Will figure out the elements related to each zodiac. Fire Water Earth Air Sagittarius Pisces Taurus Aquarius Aries Scorpio Virgo Libra Leo Cancer Capricorn Gemini Linguistics code (Vary Hard 5) to figure out the correct pattern to solve the puzzle. Aquarius, Gemini, Libra
The players must figure out which tile represents an air symbol. (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra) That is the safe path to take. Only the player holding the staff may walk onto the tiles. If the player steps on the wrong path give them an Acrobatics check (Hard 4) to keep from falling through. If the players fall through the floor they appear to fall to their death to the other players. The staff reappears in the rack where it started. Academics Religion (Average 2) The raven is a servant of Mercury. Academics Occult (Tough 3) Mercury is ruled by the element of air.
Linguistics Code (Very Hard 5) to figure out a male character must take the veil of the statue place it on, drink the honey wine, then pick up the lamp and the glass of water. He then must walk to the statue of Mithras poor the water on the statue place his hand in the statues hand and pledge himself to Mithras.
The mighty beast rears its heads in a final attempt to fight back then falls to the ground dead. A statue appears. The statue is wearing full roman military dress and a wreath upon its brow. Its sword is pointed down with a wreath upon it as if it is offering it to you. On the base of the statue is an inscription that reads: Mithras is my wreath and the only wreath I need.
To solve the puzzle the players defeat the Chimera and refuse to take the wreath. If any player takes the wreath he is found not worthy and is killed He awakens in the beginning room.
The Spear is the only weapon that can be used to defeat the Chimera. Any other weapon used will not hurt it. The helmet grants a +2 Defense bonus to any player wearing it.
Spear: Damage 3L, Strength 2, speed A, weight 9. A spear can be used as a melee or ranged weapon with a range of 10. Perception (Average 2) to realize there is a symbol on the helmet
Chimera Follower 3 Archetype: Style: Primary Abilities: Body: Dexterity: Strength: Secondary Abilities Size: Move: 1 7(14)** 5 Base 5 2 2 Initiative: Defense: Stun: Levels 5 1 4 6* 6 5 Rating 10 3 6 (Average) 5 2+ 3 5 2 5 Charisma: Intelligence: Willpower: 1 2 3 Mythic Beast 0 Motivation: Health: Survival 9
Academics Mythology or Ancient History (Average 2) To know that the beast is a Chimera. If the chimera defeats any of the players they awaken in the room where they drank the wine while the rest of the players sleep still. Once the players defeat the Chimera read the following.
Survival Talents
Flurry -2 per attack for each attack in a full attack Quick Reflexes +2 Initiative* Flaw Bestial cannot use tools or communicate
Rating 3L 2L 3L
Size -1 -1 -1
Perception (Average 2) The Lion has a symbol on its brow. Academics religion or Occult (Average 2) the symbol is Jupiter.
**When on all 4 a chimera can move twice its movement rate **Chimera can also fly at its normal movement rate ***A chimera is able to breath fire in a 20 ft cone once every 4 rounds Its Breath Weapon is fire damage and area of effect Hollow EarthExpedition pg 127 If a character is caught in the flame they will catch fire and take fire damage until put out
Read after the player has chosen to drink the water or the wine and kneel before the Lion. Water: You drink from the jug that contains the water. You kneel before the lion. The Lion breaths fire upon you. You are engulfed in flames and burnt to ash. Wine: You drink from the jug that contains the Honey wine. You kneel before the lion. The statue of the lion breaths fire upon you. It engulfs you cleansing you of any wrongs you have committed.
To solve this puzzle the players must drink the wine and kneel before the statue. It breaths fire and engulfs the players in flame. If they drank the water they are killed.
Investigation Search (Average 2) there are scorch marks around the lions mouth. Investigation Search (Tough 3) There is a pressure plate where you would kneel before the lion. Academics Religion or Occult (Average 2) Fire is purifying in many religions Academics Occult or Religion (Hard 4) Water is hostile to fire and will not allow the fire to clean your soul.
The Old Man speaks. Heliodromus is the courier of the sun. As he rides his chariot across the sky he brings dawn with him, but after the day comes night. Prove you are worth to be true Servants of Mithras. Bring the dawn of a new day. The idea is to win the chariot race against the darkness. The empty chariot has room for 2 people, one to drive it and the other to defend and attack. Inside the chariot are two sets of Lorica Segmentata armor a gladius a shield and 3 javelins. Lorica segmentata armor +2 Armor Str 2; Roman Shield +2 armor Str 3; Gladius 2L Str 2 speed A; Javelin 2L Str 2 25 ft range Rate 1 speed A
Giant Bull Statue Archetype: Style: Primary Abilities: Body: Dexterity: Strength: 5 2 3 Charisma: Intelligence: Willpower: 0 0 2 Guardian 0 Motivation: Health: Survival 8
The chariot is horse Drawn with 2 horses. It has a maximum speed of 19. Its normal operating speed is 16. It has a defense of 6 Size of 1 and a Structure of 7. It has a handling of +1 Performance Degration Structure 4 -2 Handling Structure 3 -4 Handling
Speed 14 Speed 9
Secondary Abilities Size: Move: Perception: Skills Brawl Stealth Survival Talents Diehard Weapons Rating Size Attack Average 1 5(10)* 2 Base 3 2 0 Initiative: Defense: Stun: Levels 5 0 6 2 6 5 Rating 8 2 6 (Average)
Players may attempt to throw Javelins into the chariot. However, when attacking from the side of from the front the driver and the defender have +2 Defense from cover. There is no cover bonus when attacking from the rear. Players suffer a -1 to attack when throwing or attacking from a moving chariot. Evasion Action A Player may try to take evasion actions to avoid damage. This is an opposed drive roll vs. the attackers roll. If the drive roll is grater then the attack roll then the driver of the chariot has avoided the damage. If the attack roll is greater than drive roll the extra successes are damage. Side Swipe A player may attempt to sideswipe the other chariot. Make a drive check vs. Defense. If the attack is successful the defender drive roll equal to the amount of damage or lose control. Full Speed A character driving the chariot may make a full round action and move at full speed.
Hornes Kick
10L 8N
Players may wish to attack the horses. This is only possible while the chariot is in front of the horses of beside the other chariot. The Horse has a defense of 6, Health 6, and a stun of 3. If one of the horses is killed or stun the chariot loses control and wrecks. Secrets of the Surface World pg 147 The Race is 1 lap winner takes all. If the players loose the race they may try again as long as they are still alive. Have the characters in the chariot roll initiative. At the start of the race have the drivers roll drive checks. Whoever rolls more successes plus the handling modifier of the chariot plus the speed pulls into the lead. For example at the start of the race chariot A has a speed of 16 +1(handling) +3 drive successes = 20, Chariot B has a speed of 16 +1(handling) +2 drive successes = 19. Chariot A would be in the lead this round. The chariots then act in initiative order. They may attack, evade, or do a full speed action. In order for the chariot to gain the lead from behind the other Chariot it must move faster than the other. The Dark Chariot Driver has stats as follows: Health 4; INIT 4; DEF 6(+2 armor) Drive 4 The Dark Chariot Defender has stats as follows: Health 4; INIT 4; DEF 8(+2 armor, +2 Shield) Melee 4, Athletics 4. Gladius 9L, Javelin 9L
After the players sacrifice the bull: The light is searing bright and then you are awakeYou are in the room where you drank the honey wine. It was all a dream as far as you can tell. Mithras is no longer in the room with you. If the players go looking for the rooms where the trials took place: Any of the rooms you were previously in you are unable to find. The only other thing you can find is the statue with the strange key and the massive doors behind it. They may not realize it but the order in which they completed the rituals is the key to the door. If they need a push in the right direction have the players make a perception roll (Average 2) to help them remember their dreams. What is behind the doors is up to the Game Master. It could be anything from alantian artifacts to ancient roman treasure. Or it could be only more puzzles and clues to lead the players to their next adventure.
10