You have been recruited by the freshly appointed Monsignor of Ytarr to investigate the murder of the late Father Wycroft. A servant girl of the local church has been accused as the prime suspect of Wycroftâs murder as she has been the only eyewitness to step forward. Using her frank vernacular, she proclaims her innocence stating that the church is a house of deceit rather than that of reverence. While trying to keep locals at bay, the Monsignor has tasked you along with several other skilled adventurers to investigate the church and discover the truth behind the slaughter of Father Wycroft.
DISCLAIMER: In no way is The House of the Setting Sun affiliated or attacking any religious institutions. This adventure is a fictional work that may be used in one's own adventure or a standalone event. Thank you for your understanding and please enjoy.
This adventure can be customized to any size or level. The House of the Setting Sun can be used as a small side adventure, a standalone one-shot, or a starting adventure for a new campaign. The characters listed below can be changed to your liking for how you would like to run your session.
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Areas of Interest:
Conclave of Union
The Conclave of Union is nestled within the heart of the town of Ytarr. The building is a towering, Greco-Romanesque building adorned with vines of wisteria blooms. A gilded, bronze placard in the shape of liberty scales decorates the frontal frieze. The building acts as the residential courthouse.
Sanctuary of EtherĂŠ
The Sanctuary of EtherĂŠ resides in the Noble district of Ytarr. The building is a Churrigueresque, multiple story building with ornate buttresses and a high bell tower. Attached to the left side of the church is a well-kept graveyard, in which some of the soil seems oddly... fresh.
The Glorious Cabbage
The Glorious Cabbage resides betwixt the Farmer and Noble district of Ytarr. The Tudor-style building serves as both the town tavern and inn for weary travelers. An aromatic column of smoke from the kitchens provides a homey atmosphere for the locals as well as foreigners. The floorplan of the tavern is vastly open, to the point that visitors can have a small glimpse inside the kitchens. The upstairs has an indoor balcony that overlooks the heart of the tavern; along the posterior wall of the upper floor are oak doors to the rentable apartments. Despite the peaceful atmosphere and appearance, the Glorious Cabbage is a well-known spot for patrons that have a night job as thieves and assassins.
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Important Non-Playable Characters:
Monsignor Windsor Alpendusk, Male Half High-Elf
Description: A rather slender man in his early thirties, he is a man of the robe and lives life quite piously. His black hair is peppered with grey streaks on either side of his slicked hair. His eyes are brown and warm, which allude to being awfully innocent.
Personality: Windsor is quite charismatic and caring to all those who grace his presence. He has a bad habit of over-extending himself to help others rather than focusing on his own needs, which makes him prone to exhaustion. The Monsignor is afflicted by bouts of anxiety regarding the well-being and safety of others within Ytarr.
Voice: A bit on the louder side but he is very well-spoken and optimistic despite his anxious episodes.
Monsignor Windsor is the newly appointed priest of the Sanctuary of EtherĂŠ. He was the man to hire you and your allies to solve the murder of his predecessor. The Monsignor is one of the few who believe that the servant girl is indeed telling the truth about the church.
Monsignor Windsor Alpendusk is a protagonist. He is not guilty of the crime, though some have gone so far to suspect him.
Father Garen Wycroft, Male Human
Description: Wycroft was a wiry man in his early fifties who frequently would visit different parts of Ytarr in casual robes when not performing a sermon. His hair was a dark grey that was slicked on top. His eyes were blue and beady.
Personality: On the outside, Father Wycroft was rather caring and gentle. However, he has a secretive side in over-indulgence; ranging from alcohol to lewd exploitation. His secrets were well-kept with the Nobles of Ytarr but there was some discussion, months prior to his death, in regards to having Wycroft step down.
Voice: Tired and ragged from belting in his younger years.
Father Wycroft's body had been discovered at the altar of the Sanctuary of EtherĂŠ. While he was a wiry man, he was by no means unhealthy or ill. His death was unexpected and foul play has been determined in his demise.
Father Garen Wycroft is an antagonist. He played a part in summoning the Lady of Debauchery to Ytarr after making a seemingly "fair" deal with a demon. The deal? Immortal life and a mistress, of course!
Lottie Whitmight, Female Human
Description: Lottie is a well-shaped woman in her early twenties, she wears a maid's attire as she frequently helps clean the church and its property. Her hair is red and silky, which lays to her mid-back when it is not pulled back into a plait. Her eyes are doll-like and hazel.
Personality: Lottie is very warm and outgoing. She is known for being quite outspoken around Ytarr. She has a bad habit of getting too interested in town gossip as she is overly interested in others. As a town native, she seeks to find some form of entertainment in her "dull, monotonous" life.
Voice: More on the high-pitched side but not crass or annoying. Her voice is almost song-like.
Lottie has been accused of the murder of Father Wycroft. She has come forward as the only eye-witness of his death as she had gone around town in a panic describing, "a foul, terrible evil resides in the crypts of EtherĂŠ". The party will have the option to break Lottie out of prison to have her aid you in catching Mara in her true form at night in the crypts.
Lottie Whitmight is a tertiary character. Despite being accused of murder, Lottie is innocent; she did not kill Father Wycroft. Rather, she was the witness of Wycroft aiding Mara in summoning more demons to usurp the Nobles of Ytarr in order for his wish to come true.
Mara Clearhelm
Description: Mara is a slender woman in her late twenties, she dons vibrant robes and antique, wiry jewelry. Her hair is brown and wavy, which caps the tops of her shoulders.
Personality: Mara is shy and reserved on the outside. On the inside, she is quite sadistic and selfish; driven to her own goals of pleasing her own carnal desires. She first came to town 6 months ago and has been the gardener at EtherĂŠ. The truth behind her arrival is that Wycroft had made a deal with her as well as lower-ranking demons to aid him in achieving his own goals. She is a master of manipulation and trickery so gaining the trust of others is easy for her.
Voice: Sultry and full. Her voice can be addictive for some.
Mara has been the groundskeeper of EtherĂŠ for the past 6 months. She will have rare interactions with the players at first as she comes across as "shy". However, she is reserved in her actions and voice because she is analyzing each person and how she can manipulate you into trusting her.
She will help provide you with many details regarding the moments before Wycroft's death and where he was last seen. But she will provide false information on where he actually died and the circumstances around his death. Only after the party either realizes she is lying or has Lottie's assistance will she show you her true form.
Mara Clearhelm is an antagonist and the main battle in the one-shot. Mara's true form is that of a succubus; she is a Lesser Consort to Asmodeus. Her true title is the Lady of Debauchery, as she tricks others into selling their souls for their "Earthly delights and wishes". She is a manipulative combatant, who will regularly charm healers and disabling damage dealers.
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The rewards for defeating Mara will be up to you as a DM. This one-shot can be used as a standalone or could be a Game Zero for the Descent into Avernus or any game involving the Nine Hells.
