## **1. Masquerade Invitation** ``` ──────────────────────────────────── House Vanthelion Cordially Invites You To The Midnight Masquerade At Vanthelion Hall, Kalteo Entry Strictly By Invitation & Mask On The Eve of the Full Moon Doors Open at 19:00 sharp ──────────────────────────────────── ``` --- ## **2. Event Timeline (Player Handout)** |Time|Event| |---|---| |19:00|Doors open, guests arrive| |20:00|Performances, dinner| |21:30|First mask inspection (random guests)| |23:00|Fireworks (security distracted)| |00:00|Mask of Shadows unveiled in Gallery Hall| |00:15|Mask escorted to vault| |01:00|Ball ends, doors close, security doubles| --- ## **3. Player Recon/Planning Sheet** |Role|Player/PC Name|Disguise/Mask/Details| |---|---|---| |Face||| |Muscle||| |Ghost||| |Arcane||| |Inside Help||| |Infil Point||| |Escape Plan||| |Alibi||| - **Known Entrances:** - **Known Exits:** - **Guard Patrols:** - **Notable NPCs:** - **Clues/Passwords Discovered:** - **Disguises/Items:** - **Backup Plan:** --- ## **4. Clue & Rumour Cards (For Table/Print, Example Set)** ``` ╭────────────────────────────╮ │ “A certain chef can be │ │ bribed for access to │ │ the kitchen.” │ ╰────────────────────────────╯ ╭────────────────────────────╮ │ “Someone in a fox mask │ │ has been poking about │ │ near the library.” │ ╰────────────────────────────╯ ╭────────────────────────────╮ │ “The vault’s lock was │ │ changed after last │ │ year’s ‘incident’.” │ ╰────────────────────────────╯ ╭────────────────────────────╮ │ “One of the hounds can │ │ smell magic from two │ │ rooms away.” │ ╰────────────────────────────╯ ╭────────────────────────────╮ │ “A masked peacock is │ │ looking to run away │ │ with their lover.” │ ╰────────────────────────────╯ ╭────────────────────────────╮ │ “The gallery’s alarms │ │ reset at midnight.” │ ╰────────────────────────────╯ ╭────────────────────────────╮ │ “A guest claims there’s │ │ a tunnel out from the │ │ wine cellar.” │ ╰────────────────────────────╯ ╭────────────────────────────╮ │ “The Mask is a fake; │ │ the real one is in the │ │ study upstairs.” │ ╰────────────────────────────╯ ╭────────────────────────────╮ │ “The head guard never │ │ leaves the vault for │ │ more than 5 minutes.” │ ╰────────────────────────────╯ ╭────────────────────────────╮ │ “Gallery glass can be │ │ bypassed by pressing │ │ a hidden catch under │ │ the plinth.” │ ╰────────────────────────────╯ ``` _(Make blank cards for DM custom use, or red herrings)_ --- ## **5. Vault Inscription (Combo Puzzle Handout)** ``` ───────────────────────────── THE MASK’S LOCK INSCRIPTION To guard the Mask, the turnings are fine— Count not just the numbers, but the spaces between. Turn right to the trio and two shades more, Left for the pair and a single whisper, Right to the last feast, with company and some for the road. ───────────────────────────── ``` _(Answer: R 3.2, L 2.1, R 7.2 – see puzzle trail for clues!)_ --- ### **Lady Ravelle Vanthelion (Host, Phoenix Mask)** - **Role:** Archmage, estate matriarch, guardian of the Mask. - **Appearance:** Tall, striking, flame-red mask; regal poise. - **Public Goal:** Host a flawless ball. - **Secret Goal:** Test for traitors, root out rivals, maintain magical supremacy. - **Leverage:** Holds blackmail over several nobles; has “files” on dangerous guests. - **Dialogue Hooks:** - “A mask hides little from those who truly see.” - “Trust is a rare wine—savour it carefully.” - “Enjoy the night, but remember: every shadow is a guest as well.” - **Possible Clues:** Offers coded hints if impressed; might test PCs’ motives in private. --- ### **Inspector Virel (Head of Security, Hawk Mask)** - **Role:** Lawful enforcer, canny investigator, estate security. - **Appearance:** Middle-aged, stern, sharp blue eyes behind a hawk mask. - **Public Goal:** Ensure the Mask’s safety, catch thieves, maintain order. - **Secret Goal:** Expose corruption; has doubts about Ravelle’s methods. - **Leverage:** Can call on estate guards, has magical monocle for detecting illusions/disguises. - **Dialogue Hooks:** - “You seem out of place. Perhaps a few questions?” - “Many a mask is worn for the wrong reasons, friend.” - **Possible Clues:** May warn or subtly threaten; keen to test PC alibis. --- ### **Jaxel the Jester (Harlequin Mask, Rival Thief)** - **Role:** Entertainer, chaos agent, thief-for-hire. - **Appearance:** Bright, multicoloured motley and mask; quick, wiry frame. - **Public Goal:** Amuse the guests. - **Secret Goal:** Steal the Mask, embarrass Inspector Virel, impress a hidden employer. - **Leverage:** Knows secret passages, has dirt on staff. - **Dialogue Hooks:** - “The world’s a stage, but the best tricks happen backstage.” - “Isn’t it wonderful how everyone’s someone else tonight?” - **Possible Clues:** Offers to swap favours or betray the rival crew. --- ### **Reynard “The Fox” (Vexing Vagrants, Face)** - **Role:** Suave negotiator, rival crew leader, master liar. - **Appearance:** Elegant red fox mask, silk gloves. - **Public Goal:** Flirt, mingle, “help” other guests. - **Secret Goal:** Steal Mask, double-cross the party, recruit PCs for bigger heists. - **Leverage:** Knows the patrol schedule, has bribed a guard. - **Dialogue Hooks:** - “Why steal alone when you can split the prize?” - “A little deception makes the world go round.” - **Possible Clues:** Trades info for info; might sell the PCs out. --- ### **Sable “The Cat” (Vagrants, Pickpocket)** - **Role:** Stealth specialist, cat burglar. - **Appearance:** Sleek black cat mask, quiet step. - **Public Goal:** Blend into the crowd, steal anything not nailed down. - **Secret Goal:** Plant evidence on PCs or a rival, frame them for the theft. - **Leverage:** Fastest hands in the hall. - **Dialogue Hooks:** - “Some things are better lost and found.” - “Careful, that’s not where you left your coin purse…” --- ### **Olly of the Kitchens (Mouse Mask)** - **Role:** Head chef, estate spy, king of the servants. - **Appearance:** Small, round, quick-witted, always eating. - **Public Goal:** Keep food flowing, prevent scandal. - **Secret Goal:** Make coin on the side; knows every secret passage. - **Leverage:** Controls staff loyalty; can “lose” evidence for a price. - **Dialogue Hooks:** - “You look hungry, but I can see you’re here for more than pie.” - “A little gold keeps the kitchen quiet, if you get my meaning…” --- _(Expand all other named NPCs in this manner if requested—let me know if you want the whole 30 in gallery style.)_ --- # **Expanded Event & Encounter Tables with DM Guidance** --- ## **A. Social Encounters Table (d12) – with DM Notes** |d12|Encounter|DM Guidance/Follow-Up| |---|---|---| |1|Guest mistakes a PC for a long-lost friend|Improvise awkward/funny details. Can use as cover.| |2|Lord Grell loudly boasts of a scandal|PCs can use this to blackmail or win Grell’s trust.| |3|Baroness Vilda asks for help poisoning a rival’s drink|If the party helps, they owe her a favour/complication.| |4|The peacock-masked lover gives a note, asks for help escaping|Helping could open escape route or trigger a chase.| |5|The Whisperer offers a secret for a favour|Use as an info “market”—open up plot options.| |6|Inspector Virel interrogates a PC|Skill challenge: DCs as above, failure raises suspicion| |7|Dame Giselda drunkenly confides a (maybe false) rumour|Roll randomly if true/false. Adds drama, red herring.| |8|Twins start a prank, crowd distraction|Use as a moment for the party to act unnoticed.| |9|Masked guest asks for escort to garden (tryst or exchange)|Could lead to secret, blackmail, or a trap.| |10|Lady Ravelle announces a riddle contest|See riddles, winner gets a clue or token.| |11|Drunk noble spills wine on a painting; staff panic|Use as impromptu distraction for sneaking.| |12|Orchestra’s enchanted instruments go awry—mayhem!|Chaos; stealth and social checks have advantage briefly.| --- ## **B. Investigation/Heist Complications (d10) – with Twists** |d10|Complication|DM Guidance/Consequence| |---|---|---| |1|Lock/ward jammed; needs new approach|Add time pressure, rival crew may catch up.| |2|Servant stumbles in—must be bluffed/intimidated|If failed, servant alerts guard/raises alarm.| |3|Guard rotation changes, catching party off-guard|PCs may be boxed in, need to create distraction.| |4|Hound on patrol sniffs at a PC|If magic disguise, risk being exposed!| |5|Rival crew appears, tense standoff|Could become negotiation, chase, or fight.| |6|Mask display alarm triggers (bells/light)|Guards rush; party must hide or escape.| |7|Magic glyph triggers illusion—panic or cover|Use to separate party or create temporary chaos.| |8|Guest notices PCs in restricted area, offers silence for a bribe|Price starts at 20 gp. Can be threatened.| |9|Staff gambling den (secret room)|Info source, distraction, or social challenge.| |10|Chandelier sparks/falls (hazard/distraction)|Acrobatics DC 14 to avoid; creates escape window.| --- ## **C. Rival Crew Moves (d8) – with Notes** |d8|Move|DM Guidance/Effect| |---|---|---| |1|Offer to “split the take”|PCs can agree (temporary alliance) or be double-crossed.| |2|Plant evidence to frame PCs|On discovery, may clear or further implicate the party.| |3|Discuss secret escape route; can be overheard|PCs gain new route/shortcut if successful.| |4|Dove drops a clue in a PC’s pocket (or message for help)|Use as plot hook for side deal.| |5|Bull starts a brawl as cover for break-in|Stealth easier, but guards distracted.| |6|Cat pickpockets a PC|Sleight of Hand contest!| |7|Crow uses illusion to lure guards away|PCs can follow or exploit the distraction.| |8|Fox tries to seduce or recruit a party member|Could become a double agent, or gain info.| --- ## **D. Escalation/Chaos Table (d8) – with Triggers** |d8|Event|DM Guidance/Trigger| |---|---|---| |1|Magical blackout—wards and magic flicker|Can only be triggered once, use for climax or chaos scene.| |2|Hound breaks loose, hunts “intruder scent”|If alarm or magic used too much.| |3|Fireworks outside start a blaze|Use at 23:00, creates natural chaos, cover for escape.| |4|Guest collapses—poison, spell, or drama|Use as false alarm or to frame a rival.| |5|Lady Ravelle demands a random mask reveal|PCs must make Cha save/DC 15 to avoid magical exposure.| |6|Mask of Shadows is missing early|Start the final chase!| |7|Assassin strikes target, chaos erupts|Insert if party lingers too long or for a final complication.| |8|City Watch appears at gates|Ultimate complication—improvise police/guard actions.| --- ## **E. Rewards/Clues Table (d8) – with Effects** |d8|Reward/Clue|DM Use| |---|---|---| |1|Disguised servant hands over real staff key|Entry to kitchen/staff areas| |2|Find coded note with part of vault combo|Essential for success!| |3|Guest reveals secret passage out of wine cellar|New escape route| |4|Gain a magical token (adv. on next social check)|Minor magical charm, see Mask of Shadows| |5|Acquire map fragment showing guard patrols|Used to time heist/avoid detection| |6|Noble owes the party a favour|Cash in to escape or access locked area| |7|Overhear password for magical ward on vault|Needed for bypassing Arcana check| |8|Win a contest/riddle, gain private audience|Can gain critical info from Ravelle or Virel|