A Question of Istus: An Adventure Seed

[Ubiquitous]

:Date: Fri, 16 July 1999 06:08 PM EDT
:From: Samovar3

I got inspiration for this adventure seed and wrote it up. Basically,
I've had a bit too much time to think, so my thoughts wandered to free
will and other such fun philosophical questions. On a whim, I wondered
what those in Greyhawk would think about such things, and the idea of
Istus hit me. I'd been considering her nature for a while, and if she
has control over fate and destiny, then there isn't really any free
will in Greyhawk, which lead to some frantic typing and this seed was
born. It's very combat light, though it's pretty open and can go any
direction. Enjoy!

A Question of Istus

A new movement among the people has begun. This movement is unusual in
that it cuts across all social classes and professions. The movement
wishes to disband all governing bodies, working on the principle that "We
have no free will and merely live out our predestined paths." The leader
of this movement, Traladaris, is quite charismatic and his words have
drawn the diverse group together. The members identify themselves by
wearing a bit of gray thread, woven to affect a web.

Background

This concept is hardly new. Philosophers have debated it for years and
years, even in our world. But, on Oerth, there is someone who can
definitively answer this question: Istus. She is little worshipped
outside the Baklunish lands, but she is not unknown. Most who wonder
about the concept of free will fall into depression and apathy when they
consider that the Lady of Fate does exercise control over the fates and
destinies of those on Oerth.
However in this case, Traladaris did not. He was instead filled with an
urge to share his insights. Most of his followers embrace his teachings,
though there are those who see personal opportunities in the disbanding
of governments. His followers haven't turned violent yet, but it seems
to only be a matter of time.

The Present

The members of the Pre-Destined Movement (AKA the PDM) are getting
restless. After all, they know that it's predestined that the
governments will accede to their demands, so why don't they just save
everyone some trouble and fold now? A few of the more intelligent (or
cynical) ones have figured that it doesn't matter what they do if
everything's predestined, but they're still supportive of Traladaris'
movement because he has shown them the truth.
There have been a couple of barely diverted conflicts involving PDM
members and government officials, but these incidents are coming more and
more frequently. It is only a matter of time before blood is shed.
Depending on what sort of official is assaulted, the PDM may either gain
(say, if it was a tax collector) or lose (if it was a beloved public
figure) support.

The different organized faiths (excepting Istus) are none too pleased
with the rise of the PDM. For one thing, it seems to imply that the gods
are mere pieces on a chessboard that are manipulated by Istus! Worse,
some members of the PDM have had the gall to try to convert some priests
to their cause! Even normally peaceful faiths are ready to crack some
skulls, while the members of the more warlike religions tend to heft
their weapons menacingly when the PDM comes into contact with them. Some
of the clergy may come into conflict with the PDM before the PDM lynches
the government. The followers of Istus are unconcerned with the PDM,
though they have been reaping the rewards of an increased congregation.

Thrown into the middle of this, of course, are the PCs. Whether they
come into contact with the PDM by request of the government or church, by
reference from friendly NPCs (either for or against the PDM), or by
inquiry into the new fashion accessory, the PCs will meet them. The
discussion of the PDM may split the party over what to do, some may
support the PDM's goals and some may be horrified at the thought of them.
Chances are that the PCs never considered the concept of free will.

The PCs should be able to attend one of Traladaris' speeches. Here, they
can hear the PDM's ideas straight from the head of the organization. He
is quite an excellent speaker, and his charisma and bond with the
audience should be emphasized. Moreover, he has quite logical reasons
for everything he believes in. PCs who were expecting a wild-eyed
fanatic should be completely taken aback by the well groomed, logical
figure who passionately believes in what he says. His arguments and
presence may sway some PCs over to his side. He is not using any magical
means to influence the crowd, though the PCs may not necessarily believe
that. Supposing that the PCs don't cause trouble at the rally, they
should be able to meet Traladaris, either by presenting credentials from
the government or church or by recognition for their past deeds. In
private conversation, Traladaris is just as potent a speaker and dashing
philosopher as in public. He is troubled by the thought of violence, but
it would merely be following a pre-destined path. Of course, it may be
other's pre-destined paths to prevent violence, which he will mention.
Barring any sort of magical control or Istus showing up and saying, "You
mortals do have free will," it is unlikely that the PCs will be able to
convince him that he is wrong. Traladaris is quite well versed in logic
and can pick apart other's arguments.

The PCs should also be attempting to defuse any situations between the
PDM and either the government or the churches. Diplomatic characters
will be invaluable in this respect, though occasionally it may be
necessary to pound a bit on people to get them to stop acting stupid. If
the PCs are representative from the government, they may get lynched by
the PDM! Add to this the fact that some organizations (such as the
Thieves' Guild, perhaps the Assassin's Guild, smugglers, or any group
that wants to stir up either hatred or chaos) are using the PDM to cover
their own activities, and the PCs may be forced proving that the PDM
isn't responsible for the death of that government official or the
strident priest of St. Cuthbert.

It is unlikely that the PDM will actually cause the disbanding of any
government, barring any action by the players to help them with their
goal. Instead, the PDM will most likely to continue to be a part of the
power structure, perhaps even spreading to other lands where they will
attempt to bring down governments. Should Traladaris be murdered, he
will become a martyr to the cause and his death may very well whip up
support that will help topple the government. Of course, if he is saved
by the PCs, he will consider himself in their debt, and while he won't
renounce his beliefs, he may be convinced to become a little less
strident in promoting them.

Rogue's Gallery

Traladaris (CN human male 0-level human; hp 7; Str 11, Int 18, Wis 18,
Dex 10, Con 13, Cha 18) is in his mid 40s and quite an accomplished
sage/philosopher. He is area of specialty is religion, especially Istus'
faith. He is quite happy to explain his ideas to anyone and doesn't
hesitate to slow down and explain further if his audience is lost. As a
result, his public speeches are much more elementary than he would like,
but he feels that this is the price of spreading his ideas to the public.
He has an amazing voice that can convey whatever emotion he chooses. Of
course, he really does believe in what he says, and wouldn't manipulate
people. He has a neatly trimmed beard and looks every bit the dashing
and passionate philosopher.

Any comments or questions are welcomed.

Samovar3


--
"Right now, the president is not solving the budget chaos because he
doesn't want to cut federal spending. That's the truth. And the spinners
are misleading you. They are lying to you. That makes me angry. So you
saw that and will most likely see it again in the future."
-- Bill O'Reilly