DM’s Reference: The Arrival at Fallen Flamekeep
This note covers the sequence of events from when the party arrives at the outskirts of Flamekeep to the session’s cliffhanger ending. The primary goal is to reveal the new, hostile status quo and establish the party as fugitives in their former home base.
The Big Picture (DM’s Eyes Only)
This is the background context for what has happened in the three weeks the party was gone:
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The Schism: Lira returned with the corrupted Heart of Radiance, presenting it as a new, more powerful connection to the Flame. Her “miracles” (fueled by Bel Shalor) created a powerful faction, splitting the Church.
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Jaela’s Choice: Seeing that a holy civil war was imminent, Jaela Daran made a choice based on the Flame’s core tenet: to protect the innocent. She publicly announced she was stepping aside to “avoid bloodshed,” framing it as a retreat into meditation.
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The Resistance: Jaela and her most trusted loyalists (the party’s old contacts) have gone underground, retreating to a fortified, secret location within the city. They are watching and waiting.
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Lira’s Narrative: Lira is now the undisputed “Acting Voice of the Flame.” The official story is that Jaela wisely stepped down. The party has been branded as dangerous traitors who tried to steal the Heart, justifying the city’s new, heightened state of security.
Running the Scene: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. The Approach from a Distance Begin as the party crests the final hill overlooking the city. This is their first look at the changed Flamekeep.
Description: “Flamekeep looks almost the same, but something is off. The familiar banners of the Silver Flame that once fluttered from the walls have been replaced. These new banners are stark and severe. The silver flame upon them is no longer a gentle, dancing light; it is a sharp, angular spearhead of pure white, perfectly symmetrical and outlined in stark black thread. It feels less like a symbol of hope and more like a declaration of unyielding, absolute judgment.”
2. The Gatehouse Observation The party will likely want to scout before walking in. As they get closer, describe the atmosphere at the main gate.
Description: “The usual chaotic, joyous bustle of the main gate is gone. The massive portcullis is down, forcing all traffic through a single, narrow wicket gate into a slow, silent, single-file line. The templars here are not the weary but good-hearted soldiers you remember. Their plate armor is polished to a flawless mirror sheen. Their faces are impassive and cold, their eyes scanning every traveler with a flat, judgmental intensity. Every person is stopped, their papers scrutinized by a templar and their name recorded by a grim-faced scribe.”
3. The Revelation (The Wanted Posters) This is the emotional climax. While observing the gate, their eyes are drawn to a large, freshly-posted notice board.
Description: “Plastered on the board, impossible to miss, are several pieces of pristine parchment. The sketches are magically rendered and uncannily accurate—they are your faces. Beneath them, in bold, severe letters, is the word ‘TRAITORS’. The text below accuses you of heresy, conspiracy against the Church, and attempting to steal the holy Heart of Radiance. A substantial reward of 5,000 gold pieces is offered for any information leading to your capture. The notice is signed by ‘Prophetess Lira, Acting Voice of the Flame.‘”
At this moment, the party’s goal must shift. They are not here to report in; they are here to survive and infiltrate.
4. The Cliffhanger End the session with the party grappling with this new, immediate problem. Choose the option that best fits your session’s timing and energy.
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Option 1 (The Plan):
“You pull back into the shadows of the treeline, the images of your own faces on the wanted posters burned into your minds. The city gates are a trap. Your old contacts are likely gone or in hiding. You are alone, outside the walls of a city that now hunts you. What do you do?”
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Option 2 (The Patrol):
“As you hide and try to formulate a plan, you hear the sound of horses. A patrol of Lira’s templars is riding out of the city, checking the roads and surrounding woods. They are expanding the search. Their path will bring them right past your hiding spot in a matter of moments. What do you do?”