If you have not noticed I am trying to do more adventures that explore real-world issues. A Shaggy Dog Story while it does touch on animal rights is ultimately a story about one of the more depressingly common consequences of the marginalization or the apparent marginalization of any group of people. It only takes one silver-tongued individual with no moral compass and a half-assed ideology to turn individuals of said group to violence for said individual’s benefit.

Recently the papers and airways around Boston town have been filled with a fight between the citizenry and the state of Massachusetts about zoning laws. For those not from the Bay State, the state introduced a law in 2023 that required towns to change the zoning around Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus stops, subway, and train stations so that more multi-family housing could be built, Towns must comply to continue to receive certain grants and other forms of funding from the state. This was meant to be a means to resolve the ongoing housing crisis in the greater Boston area. However, in the affluent suburb of Milton, a bunch of wealthy people took offense at the law for the same reasons that rich people always oppose measures to zone more multi-family housing. There was an election a month ago and the town voted to not change the zoning around the town light rail and bus stops.

This got me inspired to create some new adventures that look at urban redevelopment and gentrification. It also gave me a chance to show off Maeve’s more unsettling side as a selfish self-centered brat. Here are the first two adventures the third to be released shortly.

Background

For centuries, the capital city of Sliberberg remained a haphazard collection of structures, each with its unique architecture and design. King Frederick, consumed by grief and depression for an extended period, paid little attention to matters of urban planning. The city’s growth was organic, resulting in a chaotic urban landscape that became a hallmark of Sliberberg. Dirt streets wound through a mishmash of fairy-tale keeps, fantastical towers, and whimsical structures, creating a city that was as charming as it was disorganized.

The status quo shifted with the arrival of Princess Maeve, betrothed to the lovestruck King Frederick. Fueled by her desire to rule a picture-perfect fairytale kingdom, Maeve sought to transform Sliberberg into her ideal vision. The city’s medieval design and mostly dirt streets fell far short of her aspirations. Seizing the opportunity presented by King Frederick’s emotional state and the city’s recovery from the goblin army occupation, Maeve embarked on ambitious plans for urban redevelopment.

However, her grand designs faced numerous obstacles. The chaotic nature of Sliberberg’s growth posed challenges, and the diverse array of structures became a hindrance to Maeve’s vision. Frustrated by the lack of progress, she turned to King Frederick’s closest friends – the players – seeking their assistance in realizing her fairytale kingdom dreams.

The players find themselves caught in the midst of political intrigue, fey machinations, and the clash between tradition and modernization. As they navigate the complexities of Maeve’s plans and the resistance from the city’s inhabitants, they must strike a delicate balance between progress and preservation.

The adventure begins

The grand court of King Frederick bustles with activity as the players find themselves amidst the ornate surroundings. The air is filled with a mix of conversations, laughter, and the distant melody of minstrels. Whether drawn to court by official duties, personal matters, or simple curiosity, the players stand on familiar ground.

As they navigate the grand hallways, Princess Maeve, adorned in regal attire, approaches them with a radiant smile. With a tone of endearment suited to each player’s character, she greets them warmly, as if they were dear friends. Her demeanor is that of a sweet airhead, concealing her true adeptness at manipulation.

“Darlings!” Maeve exclaims, clasping her hands together with feigned innocence. “I’ve been simply dying to see you. I hope you’re finding the court to your liking. Oh, King Frederick is positively enchanted by your presence.” She giggles, fluttering her eyelashes.

Leaning in closer, Maeve lowers her voice as if sharing a secret. “Now, my dears, I’ve been working tirelessly with Frederick to elevate our dear city. However, there’s a teensy-weensy issue with one of our projects—a new sewer system for the entire city. Dreadful, I know!”

She glances around conspiratorially before continuing. “I hate to impose, but it’s a matter of utmost urgency. Would you be ever so kind as to venture down to the Grand Fey Marketplace? Seek out the city’s chief engineer, Eloise Greenbough. Find out what’s causing the hold-up and see if you can’t sweeten her disposition towards progress. We can’t have our city in such disarray, can we?”

Trouble at the Grand Fey Marketplace

Trouble at the Grand Fey Marketplace

As you approach the Grand Fey Marketplace, the air is thick with tension. On one side, a sea of protestors waves signs adorned with slogans like “Protect our Roots!” and “Save Our Marketplace!” Their shouts echo through the market, expressing fears of impending destruction. Across the way, a group of determined dwarves, goblins, bugbears, and formorians stand resolute, their tools at the ready, seemingly ready to forge ahead despite the opposition. In the middle, a gnome with disheveled hair and a troubled expression attempts to mediate, her voice lost in the tumult.

Objective: The players must navigate the delicate situation and find a resolution that allows the sewer construction to continue without causing irreparable harm to the Grand Fey Marketplace’s iconic tree-based structure. The encounter is intentionally open-ended, and the players should be made aware that their choices will significantly impact the outcome.

Key Points:

1. Protestors’ Concerns: The protestors believe that the sewer installation will destroy the intricate root system of the living trees that form the iconic structure. They fear that the paving process will further harm the roots, and the disruption will severely impact their businesses.
2. Eloise Greenbough’s Struggle: Eloise Greenbough, the city’s chief engineer, is caught in the middle. She’s taken steps to mitigate damage to the trees but struggles with a stutter that impedes her ability to communicate effectively.
3. Potential Solutions:
   • Diplomacy: Engage in conversation with representatives from both sides. Learn about their concerns and find common ground. The players can use persuasion, intimidation, or charm to sway opinions.
   • Investigation: Examine the plans for the sewer installation. Look for ways to reroute or adjust the construction to minimize the impact on the tree roots. This might require a successful Intelligence or Wisdom check.
   • Magical Intervention: If the players possess magical abilities, explore options to magically reinforce or protect the trees during construction. This could involve casting spells like Entangle or Stone Shape.
   • Public Address: Convince Eloise Greenbough to overcome her stutter temporarily and address both groups. Her reassurance could alleviate fears and provide crucial information about the measures taken to protect the marketplace.

Time Limit: The tension in the marketplace is palpable, and if the players do not reach a resolution within a set time limit (e.g., 30 minutes of in-game time), emotions boil over into violence, and the situation escalates. The next encounter will then commence, with potentially dire consequences for the Grand Fey Marketplace and the city of Sliberberg.

Fruits of Discord

As the tension in the Grand Fey Marketplace reaches its peak, a single tomato arcs through the air, striking Eloise Greenbough square in the face. Gasps of shock ripple through the crowd as the first fruit marks the beginning of chaos. Within moments, the air is filled with a barrage of fruits – apples, oranges, and more tomatoes are hurled in every direction. The protestors, now a seething mob, are pelting the construction crew with whatever produce they can get their hands on.

Objective: The players must intervene and restore order before the riot spirals further out of control. Roll a d20 to determine the number of rioters engaged in the confrontation. Utilize the commoner stat block with an added “Tomato Throw” ability.

Tomato Throw Ability: Tomato Throw: The rioter can make a ranged attack with a tomato. On a successful hit, the target must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw or be restrained until the end of their next turn as they struggle to remove the sticky residue.

Key Points:

1. Restraint and De-escalation: The players can attempt to restrain the rioters using non-lethal means, such as grappling or disarming. Diplomacy and persuasion can also be employed to convince the rioters to calm down.
2. Eloise’s Safety: Eloise Greenbough is in immediate danger. The players should ensure her safety by escorting her to a more secure location or providing a barrier against the flying produce.
3. City Guard Arrival: Depending on the players’ actions, the city guard may arrive to assist in restoring order. However, the longer the chaos persists, the more challenging their task becomes.

Conclusion

Resolution without Riot: If the players successfully resolved the issue before the riot erupted, the Grand Fey Marketplace returns to a state of calm. Construction on the sewer continues, and the vendors express confidence that every effort has been made to protect their businesses and the iconic trees. The city flourishes with a renewed sense of progress, and the citizens appreciate the careful balance struck by the players.

Resolution with Riot: If the players had to intervene during the riot, the city guard arrived within 15 minutes, wielding authority to restore order. Paddy wagons roll in to round up the rioters, and the marketplace is left in a state of disarray. Construction on the sewer persists, but the public perception of the Department of Public Works (PWD) sours. The city faces increased tension, with citizens questioning the methods employed by the PWD in their pursuit of progress.

Maeve’s Gratitude: Regardless of the resolution, Princess Maeve is thrilled with the players’ efforts to resolve the issue. In gratitude, she presents each player with 10 gold pieces and a small piece of pink stationery. On the paper, written in flowing handwriting, is a promise from Maeve that she owes the players one favor.

Shadows of Discontent

The Adventure Begins

The grand court of Sliberberg is alive with activity as the players find themselves amid bustling nobles and courtiers. The atmosphere, however, takes a somber turn as Princess Maeve approaches with a scowl that could curdle milk. Instead of her usual sweet airhead persona, the true bratty nature of Maeve is on full display.

“About time you got here,” she huffs, tapping her foot impatiently. “It’s an absolute disaster! The Sliberberg Beautification Society headquarters, my society, has been vandalized! Windows smashed, walls defaced with that cursed magical paint. Unacceptable!”

Maeve’s anger is palpable, and she continues with an edge to her voice, “I will not tolerate such disrespect. I need you to track down those vandals and bring them to justice. I don’t care how you do it, just get it done. There will be a reward, of course, a substantial one. Now, off with you! I want results, not excuses!”

With that, Maeve storms off, leaving the players with a sense of urgency. The Sliberberg Beautification Society headquarters, once a symbol of Maeve’s vision for the city, now stands marred and violated. The players must unravel the mystery behind the vandalism and navigate the complexities of discontent in Hillside Crossing, all while dealing with Maeve’s demanding and bratty demeanor.

Shadows on High Street

The corner of High and Market streets houses the Sliberberg Beautification Society, a once-proud symbol of Maeve’s vision now marred by vandalism. The giant tree building, recently remodeled with Victorian touches, stands as a testament to the city’s ongoing transformation. However, the second floor bears the scars of the recent crime. Broken windows and shattered window boxes hint at the destructive chaos that unfolded.

As the players enter the building, the atmosphere is tense. The air carries the magical residue of the permanent paint used to deface the walls, and the once-lively tree is filled with a diverse collection of animals, some of which are awakened and others that witnessed the vandalism.

Objective: The players must investigate the crime scene, gather information from witnesses, and trace the source of the magical paint to uncover the identity of the vandals.

Key Points:

1. Animal Witnesses: Some of the awakened animals within the tree witnessed the crime. The players can attempt Animal Handling checks or use magical means to communicate with them. The animals reveal that the vandals were a bunch of teenagers in hoods and masks.
2. Magical Paint Analysis: Examining the graffiti, the players discover that the magical paint used is uncommon and similar to that which King Frederick uses in his paintings. This knowledge narrows down the places where the vandals might have obtained the paint.

Market Chase

As you make your way through the bustling streets of Hillside Crossing, the atmosphere shifts noticeably. The neighborhood sits at the foot of a steep hill, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the upper city perched above. Once ravaged by the battle against Vasrock, Hillside Crossing has undergone a dramatic transformation. Victorian architecture now dominates the landscape, casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets below. Gone are the remnants of destruction, replaced by upscale boutiques and expensive shops catering to the city’s elite. The air is perfumed with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the tinkling of wind chimes adorning meticulously manicured gardens.

The players find themselves standing outside the last shop on their list, the Hillside Crossing neighborhood buzzing with activity around them. After what seemed like a wild goose chase, they finally hit pay dirt. The shop owner, a refined gentleman with a keen eye for detail, reveals that he has indeed been selling a significant amount of uncommon magic paint to a teenage art student.

As if on cue, the player’s attention is drawn to a group of teenagers passing by the shop, their faces obscured by hoods. Among them walks a young art student, his hands stained with paint and a look of defiance in his eyes. The shop owner nods discreetly, pointing out the student to the players. Then also if on cue the vandals take off down the street.

As the players give chase to the teenage vandals through the streets of Hillside Crossing, they quickly realize that the suspects are skilled parkourists, effortlessly navigating their way through the urban environment. The players must use their agility and quick thinking to keep up with the acrobatic teens and apprehend them before they escape.

Obstacles:

1. Narrow Alleyways: The vandals leap across the rooftops, using narrow alleyways as their makeshift pathways. The players must make Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks to balance along the narrow ledges or find alternate routes to avoid falling behind.
2. Wall Runs: The vandals execute impressive wall runs, propelling themselves upward to gain height and distance. The players must make Strength (Athletics) checks to perform similar feats or find ways to bypass the obstacles by climbing or using nearby structures for leverage.
3. Gap Jumps: The vandals leap across wide gaps between buildings with ease, their movements fluid and precise. The players must make Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks to successfully clear the gaps or find creative solutions such as using nearby objects for momentum or swinging across on hanging vines.
4. Obstacle Courses: The vandals lead the players through complex obstacle courses, including crates, barrels, and scaffolding. The players must make quick decisions and use their skills to navigate through the obstacles, making Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks to avoid tripping or getting entangled.
5. Roof Hopping: The vandals dart across the rooftops, leaping from one building to the next with daring agility. The players must make Strength (Athletics) checks to jump across rooftops or find ways to intercept the vandals by cutting them off or anticipating their movements.
6. Crowded Market: The chase leads the players through a bustling market square, filled with stalls, carts, and unsuspecting bystanders. The players must make Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks to weave through the crowded marketplace or use their charisma to persuade the crowd to part ways and clear a path.

Possible Skill Checks:

• Dexterity (Acrobatics): Balancing along narrow ledges, performing precise jumps, and navigating through tight spaces.
• Strength (Athletics): Climbing walls, clearing gaps, and pushing through obstacles with brute force.
• Charisma (Persuasion): Persuading bystanders to assist or clear a path, gaining information from onlookers, or rallying support from nearby allies.

Cornered Rats

As the players finally corner the vandals in the narrow alleyway, the air crackles with tension. The vandals, facing capture, refuse to go down without a fight. With gritted teeth and determined glares, they ready themselves for the impending confrontation.

Setup: The alleyway is dimly lit, with tall buildings looming overhead, casting ominous shadows. Trash and debris litter the ground, creating makeshift barriers and obstacles. The vandals stand defiantly, their backs against the alley wall, with only one exit leading back onto the main street.

Enemy Details:

• Vandals (x7): These disgruntled youths are armed with improvised weapons such as broken bottles, pipes, and makeshift clubs. Though they lack formal training, their desperation and determination make them formidable foes in close-quarters combat.

Combat Dynamics:

• Insults and Taunts: As the fight ensues, the vandals hurl insults and taunts at the players, revealing glimpses of their personal backstories. They speak of families torn apart, homes lost to gentrification, and dreams shattered by the city’s relentless march of progress. These verbal attacks can serve as distractions or emotional triggers for the players, adding depth to the combat encounter.
• Terrain Utilization: The cramped confines of the alleyway present both challenges and opportunities for tactical maneuvering. Players and vandals alike can use the environment to their advantage, seeking cover behind debris or leveraging elevated positions for ranged attacks.
• Desperation: As the fight progresses, the vandals’ desperation grows, fueling their aggression and resilience. They fight with reckless abandon, willing to risk life and limb to defend their cause and evade capture.

Vandal Stat Block:

Medium humanoid (human), chaotic neutral

Armor Class: 13 (leather armor)

Hit Points: 13 (3d8)

Speed: 30 ft.

STR: 12 (+1)
DEX: 14 (+2)
CON: 10 (+0)
INT: 9 (-1)
WIS: 11 (+0)
CHA: 8 (-1)

Skills: Athletics +3, Stealth +4

Senses: Passive Perception 10

Languages: Common

Challenge: 1 (200 XP)

Actions:

Multiattack: The vandal makes two melee attacks.

Melee Weapon: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage (based on weapon used).

Special Traits:

Desperation: When reduced to 6 hit points or fewer, the vandal gains advantage on attack rolls until the end of their next turn.

Insulting Taunts: As a bonus action, the vandal can hurl insults and taunts at a target within 30 feet that can understand Common. The target must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or become enraged, suffering disadvantage on attack rolls against the vandal until the end of their next turn.

Conclusion

As the last echoes of battle fade away, the surviving vandals are subdued and carried away by the watch, leaving the players to grapple with the aftermath of their confrontation. Despite emerging victorious, a somber atmosphere lingers in the air, as the players reflect on the consequences of their actions.

Maeve, true to her word, follows through on her promise to reward the players for their efforts. However, the gesture feels hollow in the wake of the moral ambiguity surrounding their pursuit of justice. As Maeve treats the players to a lavish shopping spree at her expense, she flaunts her vision for the city with unabashed pride, parading them through High Street, Hillside Crossing, and other gentrified shopping neighborhoods.

Though the players may enjoy the spoils of their victory, the weight of their actions weighs heavily on their conscience. The memory of the cornered rats, driven to desperation by circumstances beyond their control, should serve as a haunting reminder of the human cost of progress in the Märchenweltgrenze.

As they wander the streets, surrounded by opulence and extravagance, the players can’t shake the feeling of being both scumbags and tools in Maeve’s grand design for the city. The shopping spree, once a symbol of reward and celebration, now feels like a bitter reminder of the moral ambiguity that permeates their world.