Quest Letter - Issue 5 - Kallio Chapter 5

Get caught up with all of Kallio:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Chapter 5: Devron

The unconscious woman you discovered in the base is Ti. When she regains consciousness, she reveals that she was the one who triggered the resets in Kallio—from the far side of the portal in Devron. Her curiosity led her to step through, but she was swiftly attacked and rendered unconscious before she could make sense of the situation. Ti claims she had no idea that anyone outside of stasis still lived in Kallio.

She is of average height, with smooth ebony skin and neatly curled hair framing her face. Her clothing, though modest in design, is finely tailored and made of soft richly woven fabric that hints at a higher station.

Ti, whose full name is Tisha Everwood, shares her family's history with you. Her parents arrived on Devron from Ro, another world, 32 years ago shortly after getting married. They saw the chance to work off planet for a company called ‘The One Enterprises’ as an exciting opportunity to start their lives together. Her mother (Kate) worked as an accountant, and her father (Tim) was a tailor. Living in the gated community of Upper Devron made it easy for them to overlook the hardships faced by the locals. However, as her mother delved into the company's financial records, she became increasingly aware of the exploitation and mistreatment of the workers.

After two years on Devron, when her mother was pregnant with Ti, they requested to be relocated back to Ro but were denied. The company cited a clause in Kate’s contract, preventing her from leaving if they didn't have a replacement lined up. Ti’s father made garments for the Ro natives who ran all the administrative parts of Devron.  He listened and stayed quiet. Together, Ti's parents pieced together the grim reality of the planet's enslavement.

Over the years, Ti's mother continued to request transfers away from Devron but was always denied. Eventually, she stopped making requests and joined a resistance group known as 'The Many,' covertly gathering and disseminating information to support the workers' cause. Tragically, Kate disappeared when Ti was only 15 years old. Her father suspected foul play by The One Enterprises but urged Ti to keep quiet and stay under the radar for her own safety.

Secretly Ti maintained contact with her mother's old resistance group, all while outwardly portraying herself as a model citizen and worker for The One Enterprises.

Upon reaching adulthood, Ti was assigned a seemingly mundane task of keeping and filing records. However, her perception changed drastically when she was given a significant project involving the reorganization of historical files. While working on this project, she stumbled upon records from the old criminal system, a discovery that would alter her understanding of Devron's history.

To her surprise, Ti found records from way back in 1777 (the current year is 2009), where magic users were not immediately executed.  There was once a program aimed at rehabilitating magic users by erasing their memories and branding them with an anti-magic tattoo. While some prisoners couldn't withstand the effects of magic suppression and perished, others managed to reintegrate into society after attending the Kallio Correctional Facility program.

The policy on Devron changed after the emergence of Felix Scrollscrawl, a mid-level administrator who also possessed magical abilities. Felix orchestrated a daring plan to hijack the correctional facility, attempting to return magic users to Devron for the purpose of overthrowing the oppressive regime. Before he could bring anyone back he was discovered and the uprising was quashed.  Felix paid the ultimate price, facing a very public execution for his defiance.  

Felix's attempted rebellion resulted in the abandonment of the Kallio facility, leaving its prisoners to face certain death while exiled in stasis. Additionally, locals in Devron were barred from ever holding jobs within Upper Devron as a measure to prevent further uprisings against The One's authority.

"The Many" comprises groups similar to Ti's, spread across Devron, united in their goal to seize control and establish a functioning democracy should The One be overthrown.  Though mostly citizens native to Devron, Ti and a handful of others from Upper Devron have joined their cause.

Ti's resourcefulness led her to discover an old manual for the rehabilitation system, which she clandestinely acquired from her workplace.  Next, she broke into the restricted portal building, long abandoned and in a state of decay. Hoping to find help for The Many, and like Felix attempt to overthrow The One Enterprises, she activated the system.  She had no means of confirming whether her attempt to activate the system from her side was successful, or if any of the magical prisoners in stasis for so long still survived.  She jumped through the portal hoping to find help for her people’s liberation, only to be attacked by the Kallio security program.  

Life on Devron

Life on Devron operates on a two-tiered system, where natives of Devron are restricted from holding administrative roles. Instead, they predominantly toil in the mines or the forge, with a minority occupying other positions such as bartenders, shopkeepers, or prostitutes. Wages are meager, opportunities for advancement nonexistent, and education limited to subjects deemed relevant by The One, primarily focusing on mining and indoctrination about The One himself. Manufacturing weapons is strictly prohibited.

Individuals originating from Ro and their descendants (mostly residing in Upper Devron) except for those in the highest echelons are permanently barred from returning once exposed to life on Devron.  Many comply with The One's dictates out of fear for their own safety and that of their loved ones. All adult residents of the gated area known as Upper Devron are employees of The One Enterprises and if fired are permanently exiled from the city to work with the natives.  Before employment with The One Enterprises, individuals are screened for any signs of magical ability. If detected, regardless of whether they or their ancestors hail from Ro, they face execution, similar to native Devronians.

Contrary to the godlike reverence bestowed upon him on Devron, The One is known simply as Lord Oscar Glimmershard to those from Ro — a wealthy, theatrically inclined dwarven mage who stumbled upon the planet over five centuries ago while experimenting with portals.  Devron being a planet with almost no native magic users, it was easy to conquer.

Ti wants you to join her cause and take out The One.  She knows when he will be in town speaking to the employees, and she knows a gate guard that can slip you in.  

Parting Ways

Ti invites you to stay in a secret room below a tavern in lower Devron so that you can attend a meeting of The Many and you can refine a plan for taking on Oscar Glimmershard.  Unsure of how long she has been unconscious, she says she needs to attend some things in Upper Devron and instructs you to order a dangerous raccoon at the Rusty Pick, which will alert the bartender you are a friend.  She reminds you how dangerous it is to be seen doing any magic on Devron, and before leaving she gives you a handful of coins (20 copper.)  The coins depict The One's face on one side and the familiar swirl emblem on the other. 

Lower Devron

NOTEWORTHY

Any use of magic by a player (even small things like ‘light’ or 'prestidigitation’) in front of Ti or any other friendly NPC will be met with wide eyes and astonished looks as well as a warning: don’t do that here, you could get us both executed!  Others will immediately become hostile and call for help from guards.

The players emerge from the portal into a small, dimly lit space with a damp odor lingering in the air. The layout indicates that they are in a basement, with stairs leading upward.

There isn’t much to discover inside the building; everything of value but the Kallio control panels has been removed, leaving it in a state of decay. Upon exiting, you find yourself in a small town. This town contrasts starkly with Kallio, not only in its atmosphere and aesthetic but also in the color of the soil, which is brown here, unlike the purple soil of Kallio.

In this town, there are no paved streets, only muddy paths, flanked by small, modest housing. Some homes appear well-maintained, with ongoing repairs, while others show signs of neglect and disrepair.  Other than the portal you emerged from, you don’t see any of the technology present on Kallio.  

At the center of the town stands a gallows, though it currently sits empty. A few children play around the base of its platform with a small grey cat.  There is a general store, simply labeled as 'General Store' which serves as a hub for the community, alongside two taverns: the Miner's Delight, which appears newer and better maintained, and the smaller, shabbier Rusty Pick.

The city is dominated by a large church dedicated to The One, its steeple topped with a spiral reaching high into the sky. Posters bearing messages such as 'If you see magic, report it!' and 'The One is watching you' adorn buildings throughout the area, serving as reminders of the danger and consequences of magic. Mining cart tracks crisscross the landscape, leading in various directions to nearby mines, with some carts specifically designed to transport workers to and from their shifts.

At the far end of town lies a gate leading to Upper Devron.  Behind it lie larger, more imposing structures. Each entrance is heavily guarded by soldiers, all bearing the mark of The One on their uniforms.

The general store stocks a variety of supplies including meal drink, flour, salt, potatoes, beans, rope, chain, bolts of linen, needle and thread, copies of The One and You, dishes, silverware, chairs, tables, planks of wood, basic tools, paper, pens, and lanterns. However, they do not carry any potions, armor or weapons.

The Miner’s Delight enjoys greater popularity than The Rusty Pick, not solely due to its selection of alcohol but also because it offers a diverse range of prostitutes catering to various genders, body types, races, and preferences. Patrons are assured of fair prices, hygienic spaces, and the blessing of The One.

Inside The Rusty Pick, only a handful of patrons linger, occupying themselves with card games as they sip on drinks. The sole offering on the menu is a dark ale humorously named "Liquid Coal," priced at a modest 1 copper per serving, with the disclaimer: contains no actual coal.

When you order a dangerous raccoon, the bartender will discreetly glance around the room to gauge the situation before nodding toward a back room. Following her lead, she escorts you to the rear of the establishment, where she reveals a hidden door concealed behind shelving. She tells you you can come and go as you wish, but to be discreet.  The next meeting is tomorrow afternoon.

Beyond the door lies a descending stairwell that transitions into a narrow tunnel. Traversing its length brings you to a modest room adorned with a table, chairs, and scattered books. Alongside these are crates containing rudimentary weapons and a handful of cots.

Meeting The Many

Everyone introduces themselves at the meeting.  There is Ti (human) from Upper Devron, Charlie (human) and Gary (dwarf) from Lower Devron, Ana (dwarf) from the farming district, and Dalvin (human) who lives at the mansion where Lord Glimmershard’s events are hosted and works as the butler.  

Ti knows that Oscar will be in town in two days to address top level employees.  Dalvin tells you that you can probably walk into the mansion without a second glance if you are dressed appropriately but you need a ticket to get into the actual room where he will speak.  He provides a sketch of the building layout and some clothing, and tells you not to acknowledge knowing him if you see him working the event.  

Together they tell you that regional managers often bring an assistant regional manager and after the speech they all have a meal.  They also know that Oscar is seldom around long before or after these events, and the next one isn’t scheduled for another 6 months.  You are told that other than Dalvin, there will probably be two cooks and the maid, Molly, who lives on site working the event that day.  There will also be quite a few security brought in just for the occasion.  Dalvin will tell you that the maid and cooks are all friendly and helpful.  Though not members of The Many, they are certainly sympathetic people that may have more information than him.  He doesn't personally know most of the security, as they are only brought in for special occasions.  

Ti knows that almost all of the Upper Devron security employees are working that day, and she knows that Michael (the soldier guarding the gate she will direct you to) is a member of The Many and will let you through if you say ‘dangerous raccoons’, the passphrase.  

Beyond that they don’t know how to help you actually get into the room with The One. They might suggest that tickets can be found in the office on site, but assume it will be guarded on the day of the event.  Though there will be people there tonight and tomorrow, it won’t be as heavily guarded as the day Lord Oscar visits.   

Ti will personally assure you that, should Oscar be overthrown from Devron, inhabitants of Kallio would be welcome here, regardless of magic.  Her and The Many would welcome them back into society.  You are also welcome to stay and help lay the foundation for a new fair life for all the people on Devron.  

Upper Devron

Before you venture into the gated area, Ti offers a reminder: though many residents of Upper Devron may indeed be complicit, many were lured to Devron under false promises and are essentially prisoners themselves, albeit in a more comfortable setting. They are constrained by the threat of reprisal against their families if they fail to comply with their assigned tasks.

Oscar Glimmershard, the enigmatic figure known as The One, typically lodges in a mansion reserved for such occasions often hosting dinners and gatherings. Some individuals, such as a maid, cook, and Devlin (the buttler) reside there permanently so the place is always ready to receive him.  Others such as the security and city manager have offices there, but only come to the house when there is an event or other business to attend to.  The other buildings in the gated area are owned by The One Enterprises, with employee housing assigned based on the company's determination of their worth.  

If you manage to engage Molly the elven maid (one of the oldest employees in Upper Devron) in conversation you will learn that Oscar and his half brother Clearwater used to visit quite often, particularly Clearwater.  But nowadays Oscar only comes a couple times a year and Clearwater hasn't visited in a couple hundred years: ‘Since they executed that magic fella’.  She will also tell you that the mansion is sometimes used to host events even if Oscar isn’t in the city, something that has only started in the last 100 or so years.  If asked how long she has worked here, she can tell you that she used to be a kitchen server back in the early 1600s, but has been head maid since 1777.  If you ask her about returning home, she will look briefly scared, and then change the subject.  

If you make conversation with one of the cooks you might learn that the assistant cook has only worked there for two years.  The woman who worked there before him (Helga) just disappeared entirely after another one of Oscar’s visits, but nobody has dared to ask Oscar about it.  This may also be a topic of gossip amongst the other attendees.  

Ti suggests that your best chance of gaining access to the meeting with The One is to adopt the guise of an upper-level employee from one of the smaller cities on Devron and attempt to blend in. This approach may get you close to The One without setting off too many alarms.

As players approach the mansion, they'll notice increased security, with guards stationed strategically along the streets leading to the building. However, players can confidently enter the mansion alongside other high-level employees, blending in seamlessly with the crowd.

Upon entering the mansion, players are greeted by a familiar face, Delvin, who works as a butler.  Immediately to the left there is a bustling kitchen where the day's meals are being prepared. If players venture inside, the kitchen staff is friendly and chatty, though often interrupted with requests.

Across from the kitchen, players will discover living quarters for permanent staff, along with bathroom facilities and an office. This hall is being patrolled by two soldiers.  

Within this locked office, they'll uncover records pertaining to The One Enterprises' operations on Devron.  Among the records players will find  logs of daily ingot exports to Ro spanning several centuries, as well as details of imported supplies and employee records. Notably, an investigation roll over 16 will reveal Ti's mother's record.  You can also find a small stack of printed passes to Oscar’s presentation in a desk drawer if you do any investigation at all.  The door leading to the office requires a lock picking tool check of 10 or higher.

Further down the hall lies a spacious dining area, currently occupied by several regional managers attending the event.  Some have tickets to see Lord Oscar, while others are not deemed significant enough to warrant inclusion in the meeting. Some may even jest about clandestinely attending the meeting.  They mention needing a special pass to get inside.  Molly the maid flutters between tables, cleaning up after all the guests.

At the end of the main hall, two doorways beckon. To the left, a hallway leads to a room for coordinating soldiers and a holding area for prisoners. To the right, a door opens into The One's meeting hall, featuring a stage and seating for employees. Another door in this room grants access to Oscar's private quarters.  The doors leading to the office requires a lock picking tool check of 20 or higher, and to not be seen.   

The meeting hall is full of employees waiting for Oscar to make an appearance.  There is a sleeping cat on one of the seats, nobody having the heart to move it.  

Upon arriving Oscar delivers this address:
Audio performance by Bertrand Lucat

My valued employees,  I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you, for without your tireless efforts, our remarkable success would remain but a distant dream. In this quarter, we have achieved unprecedented heights in our exports, setting new records that speak volumes of your dedication and hard work. These exports, vital metals forged from the depths of Devron, will play a crucial role in bolstering our ongoing endeavors to quell the unrest that plagues our homeland. Your contributions are paving the path to peace for countless souls.

As a token of appreciation for your unwavering commitment, I am pleased to announce several upgrades aimed at enhancing your working environment. We will be increasing imports of delectable snacks from Ro to stock your break rooms, provided to you free of charge to elevate your work day experience. Additionally, a ping-pong table will be installed in all building break rooms, offering a delightful outlet for relaxation and camaraderie. Furthermore, our commitment to providing top-tier coffee to all employees remains steadfast.

Regrettably, my time here is brief, but I leave you in the capable hands of my personal chefs, who are diligently preparing a sumptuous feast for your enjoyment in the dining room. Once again, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your dedication and contributions to our collective success.

Oscar then exits the room.  Either after his exit and behind closed doors, or during a potential fight with players, Oscar will teleport home to Ro.  

There is a separate jail map the players will awaken in if they engage Oscar and his guards and are unsuccessful and knocked out, or surrender.  Here they will await execution.  

Depending on how this encounter plays out the cat (Leaf) will play a different role.  If the players never engage Oscar the cat may follow them back as they report to Ti, claiming they looked suspicious.  If they do engage Oscar, she may heal them or help them escape.  Or, if they are taken out by the guards, she will help bust them out of jail by putting the guards to sleep and bringing them the key.  She can also appear as another animal, depending on where the players end up to help them along in the story.

Regardless, the cat will at some point reveal herself to be Leaf, from the Grove of the Moon, on the planet Ro.  She tells the players that their interests in taking down Oscar Glimmershard are aligned, and that perhaps they could help each other.  Until a week ago they had no idea Devron even existed, but received an anonymous tip they followed.  Whenever you are ready she will take you to speak with the archdruid.  

Leaf can transport you to her home planet of Ro, the same planet Oscar and the Upper Devron employees are from.  She can give you a brief overview of Ro but leaves any major explanation about it to the Archdruid.  She will transport you using ‘Transport via Plants’, ideally with an outdoor tree, but in a pinch she will pull a barely big enough potted tree from a bag of holding and use it.  

If the players prematurely attack the cat or try to dispel it in some way, Leaf will appear sooner and negotiate with them in a way suitable for how she was treated by them, while still trying to become allies.  

If questioned why she is there, Leaf can explain to you that the grove was tipped off to investigate a particular spot on the Glimmershard properties on Ro when she discovered a small portal importing bars of metal.  Though the portal was too small for a person to pass through, she shapeshifted into a rodent and passed through only to find herself here on Devron, a place nobody on Ro even knew existed.  She plans to return home, not just to introduce you to the Archdruid, but to give her a full report of what she has found.