The Bards of the Grand Game were formed as a secret organisation in Haransmir during the time of King Aphostes' reign of terror over Mereen, his tyranny was spread across the whole realm, even affecting Haransmir which was independent from Mereen in this time. The Bards and those who follow the teachings of this network use their talents of secrecy and forgery to keep the capital safe from outside influences. But with recent infighting over leadership and how the network should be managed, it is a perilous time to be a part of this faction.
You might not be a bard, but if you serve the Grand Game, your goals are to spread freedom and inspire hope—or, in time, revolution—in the hearts of the oppressed. Keeping Haransmir free of tyranny is your ultimate goal.
- Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Performance
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of musical instrument, Forgery Kit
- Languages: You know Undercommon and one other language of your choice.
- Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a forgery kit, a musical instrument of your choice, a gold-plated bracelet with red inlay on the inside of it, and a pouch containing 15 gp
All those who partake or follow the Grand Game have different phrases pertaining to the Red Road, they can be used to alert others to danger; find shelter or announce your presence in the room. Choose a favourite phrase or roll on the Favourite Phrase table.
| d6 | Phrases of the Red Road |
|---|---|
| 1 | May Lesilien pave the way to the red. This is to wish any other followers of the Grand Game luck in the vicinity. |
| 2 | May Maraxes wipe the red clean from your heart. This refers to information being leaked by someone or that an area is not safe to be sharing secrets. |
| 3 | Imshael dances on your winding path. This phrase is used to signal any other followers present that you are present. |
| 4 | The road ahead is long and red. This is used as a warning for followers to leave where they are in quick fashion. |
| 5 | My path is ending and I can no longer see red. This is used to find shelter for those who also are followers, be weary then can be enemies! |
| 6 | By Sparx, the red has gone. This is used to notify others you are short on time for a task, they can aid but also hinder you! |
Like everyone who follows the Grand Game, you know how to find a hideout. In any city of 10,000 people or more in the City of Haransmir or in any of the other great cities of Meoyorath, you can mention the “Red Roadl” in a major tavern or inn. Someone from the Grand Game will find you and give shelter to you and any companions you vouch for. This shelter might be discontinued if it becomes too dangerous to hide you, at the DM’s discretion.
This feature must be used with caution, for not all who know of the Red Road are your friends. Some are traitors, counterspies, or agents of tyranny.
Suggested Characteristics
Bards and followers alike are trained in the art of secrecy and innuendo, and are skilled at hiding in plain sight by being the loudest and brightest person in the room. Their skills in subterfuge and combat lend themselves well to an adventuring lifestyle, and traveling with mercenaries and treasure hunters creates a convenient excuse to journey through lands bent under tyranny. Some take to travelling to foreign lands, but many choose to stay in Haransmir to keep the lands safe from such a ruler as King Aphostes from influencing the lands again.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I love the spotlight. Everyone, look at me! |
| 2 | Give me a drink and I’m your friend. |
| 3 | Talk to me about yourself. I’m a hell of a listener. |
| 4 | I hate to start fights, but I love to finish them. |
| 5 | I can’t sit still. |
| 6 | I’m always humming an old tune from my past. |
| 7 | When I don’t have a reason to smile, I’m miserable. |
| 8 | I’m lucky like you wouldn’t believe. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Revolution. Tyrants must fall, no matter the cost. (Chaotic) |
| 2 | Compassion. The only way to make a better world is to perform small kindnesses. (Good) |
| 3 | Justice. A nation built upon just foundations will uphold freedom for all. (Law) |
| 4 | Expression. Music, joy, and laughter are the keys to freedom. (Good) |
| 5 | Power. This faction has the power to rule Haransmir in the shadows, I will rise to the top. (Evil) |
| 6 | Vigilance. A free people must be carefully taught, lest they be misled. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I lost someone important in a fight protecting Haransmir from tyranny. Those in that regime will fall. |
| 2 | The first people to be hurt by this war will be the common folk. I need to protect them. |
| 3 | Music helped me through a dark time in my life. Now, I’ll use music to change the world. |
| 4 | I will be known as the greatest spy who ever lived. |
| 5 | All life is precious to me. I know I can change the world without taking a humanoid life. |
| 6 | The elite in their ivory towers don’t understand how we suffer. I intend to show them. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’ve never lied once in my life. What? No, I’m not crossing my fingers! |
| 2 | I do everything big! Subtlety? I don’t know the meaning of subtlety! Oh, that’s a problem? |
| 3 | Being a spy in wartime is painful. I’ve seen so much suffering, I think I’m losing my mind. |
| 4 | I can’t focus on my mission. I just want to carouse and sing and play! |
| 5 | Yeah, that’s my name. Yeah, I follow the Grand Game. Who cares about staying undercover? |
| 6 | I can’t afford to trust anyone. Not. Anyone. |
Comments