BRPG Location: Afflictions of Ashdod’s Marketplace

The Afflictions of Ashdod's Marketplace have cast a shadow over this bustling port town, raising questions about divine retribution.

Name

The Town of Ashdod

Region

Set along the coastal plains of Philistia, Ashdod serves as a bustling port town, where the sounds of merchants and fishermen fill the air. Known for its vibrant marketplace and significant trade routes, this town is also infamous for the recent plagues that have plagued its people since they captured the Ark of the Covenant. The locals whisper of strange occurrences, and the shadows of the past loom heavily over its streets.

QUEST CONNECTION

Within Ashdod, players will investigate the strange afflictions plaguing the city following their acquisition of the Ark. The symptoms appear to be divine retribution for their actions, leading to uncovering the deeper mysteries surrounding the Ark and the Philistines’ relationship with Israel. Locals hold knowledge, and relics may guide players toward their next destination, the Temple of Dagon, where they may learn more about the consequences of their actions.

NOTABLE FEATURES

  • Marketplace of Ashdod

    • Role: Center of trade and gossip.
    • Description: A colorful and bustling area with vendors hawking spices, textiles, and local crafts. The air is thick with the scents of fresh fish and baked bread.
    • Items Inside: Dried figs, olive oil, woven baskets, honey, and rare spices.
  • Temple of Dagon

    • Role: Religious center and site of worship for the Philistines.
    • Description: A large stone structure adorned with carvings depicting Dagon, the fish god. Locals believe the temple is linked to the recent afflictions.
    • Items Inside: Ritual masks, offerings to Dagon, and scrolls detailing the temple’s prophecies.
  • Healing Springs

    • Role: A place for healing and respite for the afflicted.
    • Description: Natural springs said to have healing properties, surrounded by greenery and often visited by townsfolk seeking relief from their ailments.
    • Items Inside: Healing herbs, poultices, water from the springs.

BUILDINGS

  • Merchant’s Lodge

    • Owner: Eliab ben Aharon
    • Description: A large wooden building housing various merchants under one roof. Eliab, a shrewd trader, knows all the recent rumors circulating in town.
    • Items Inside: Rare relics, textiles, and a map rumored to lead to hidden treasures.
  • Healer’s Hut

    • Owner: Rebekah the Wise
    • Description: A cozy abode filled with herbs and potions, Rebekah is a trusted healer known for her knowledge of divine remedies.
    • Items Inside: Healing salves, herbal teas, and scrolls of medicinal recipes.
  • Inn of Rest

    • Owner: Nahor the Innkeeper
    • Description: A bustling inn that offers shelter and meals to travelers. Nahor’s hospitality sometimes includes sharing local tales.
    • Items Inside: Bread, wine, and local delicacies.

NPCS

  • Eliab ben Aharon

    • Occupation: Merchant
    • Description: A middle-aged man with keen eyes and a silver tongue, Eliab is well-informed about the happenings in Ashdod.
    • Dialogue Example: “The Ark has brought nothing but misfortune to us. I’ve heard tales of its great power and the consequence of angering the One True God!”
  • Rebekah the Wise

    • Occupation: Healer
    • Description: An elderly woman with a gentle demeanor, she has seen much in her years and offers comfort to those who seek it.
    • Dialogue Example: “I can brew a potion to ease your pain, but the true healing must come from repenting for your sins against the God of Israel.”
  • Nahor the Innkeeper

    • Occupation: Innkeeper
    • Description: A burly man with an infectious laugh, Nahor believes every traveler has a story worth sharing.
    • Dialogue Example: “If you stay long enough, you might hear the tale of how the Ark arrived here and the plagues it has brought. Sit, and I will entertain you!”

QUEST ITEMS

  • Scroll of Prophecy

    • Location: Hidden within the Temple of Dagon.
    • Obtaining: Players must roll a d20 (DC 15 Intelligence) to decipher the temple’s inscriptions and find the scroll.
    • Importance: The scroll contains prophecies about the return of the Ark and its divine significance.

MARKET

  • Olive Oil – 5 shekels (0.5 gold)
  • Healing Herbs – 3 shekels (0.3 gold)
  • Spices – 8 shekels (0.8 gold)
  • Woven Baskets – 2 shekels (0.2 gold)
  • Ritual Mask – 12 shekels (1.2 gold)

SECRETS AND DISCOVERIES

  • The Hidden Altar

    • How to discover: A successful d20 roll of 18 or higher in Wisdom (Perception) while exploring the Healing Springs may reveal a hidden altar dedicated to the One True God.
    • Relation to the plot: This altar may provide clues about a path of repentance for the townsfolk.

QUEST LEADS

  • Rumors of Dagon’s anger spreading among the populace and seeking divine intervention.
  • The discovery of a hidden altar that may help lift the afflictions.
  • Strange figures seen near the Temple of Dagon during the night, possibly revealing more about the Ark.
  • Local fishermen speaking of bizarre creatures emerging from the sea after the Ark’s arrival.
  • Whispers of an ancient scroll promising restoration, believed to be lost within the temple.

ENCOUNTERS

  • A group of distraught townsfolk pleading for help to rid the town of the plagues.
  • A merchant attempting to sell a strange relic claimed to have been cursed.
  • A wandering prophet appearing in the marketplace, warning of dire consequences if the Ark is not returned.

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