Unlocking the mysteries

In the shrouded realm of the Stonemasons of Ertha, lies an enigmatic universe of secrets; secrets etched in the stones of castles above and dungeons below, and cryptic pathways known only to the select. There’s an undeniable allure about these secrets, which whisper tales of power, sacrifice, and an intricate heritage that binds them all. In this deep dive, we unravel the narrative of this secretive operative sect that has left their mark on every stony monument, castle, and dungeon – the fabled Stonemasons of Ertha.

The Legacy

These architect-artisans have constructed every castle towering above and each dungeon cloaked below within Ertha. Few chosen Stonemasons bear the knowledge of secret passages incorporated within each castle and dungeon. Sworn to secrecy, they are forbidden from divulging any of this clandestine knowledge to the uninitiated. Even guild members who have graduated and been inducted into the Stonemasons guild have access to limited information, as complete understanding is a matter of time and trust. Imagine possessing the wisdom to decipher every symbol, to evade carefully set traps, or to quietly navigate in and out of any castle. The architects of these grand stone edifices indeed hold the keys to all kingdoms, albeit at a substantial cost.

 

 

Shaped by secrets

The impact of these secrets takes a darker turn as we dive into the historical chronicles. After the catastrophic Great War of the First Age, the onset of the second age was marked by the Reformation, a determined vow not to repeat the atrocities of the past. However, despite the best intentions, the third age saw the rise of house wars, where countless lives hung in the balance. At every conflict’s core, there was always an avenue of escape, but only for those capable of deciphering the symbols and unlocking the doors. Sadly, the knowledgeable often stayed silent or fell victim to the war themselves, their precious knowledge buried with them.

 

An Oath Shattered

In response to the escalating crisis, the guild convened a meeting to make a decision. The Stonemason Elders of Ertha decreed that one among them had to willingly break their oath to save many. A young member stepped forward to bear the heavy toll, prepared to sacrifice himself for the greater good. Armed with the knowledge required, he plunged into the heart of the looming house war. He became the living embodiment of selfless bravery, saving countless lives through the wisdom passed down through the ages.

 

Price of a Broken Oath

With the end of the house wars and the introduction of new laws, the self-sacrificing Stonemason faced his final task. As the sun set on the Third Age, he paid the ultimate price for breaking his oath at the golden hour. The typically impassive Arbiter demonstrated unexpected emotion as he helped guide the sacrificed soul to the afterlife. The Death Toll was paid, and for the first time, an Arbiter showed emotion.

 

The name of this young Stonemason of Ertha was stripped from the records, and replaced with the one who gave everything as a statement, that the ultimate sacrifice was made by one so young, a life not lived, to allow the older and wiser, to stay alive, to help shape the future. His deeds became the cornerstone for what ultimate sacrifice looks like, as the birth of the Fourth Age was upon us all at sunrise.

 

Cursed Forbidden Knowledge

From the onset of the Fourth Age, all who possessed the secrets borne out of the broken oath met untimely and mysterious ends. This broken oath knowledge was deemed as tainted or cursed, feared by many, and coveted by some who sought it for personal gain.

Such actions were strictly against the guild’s laws, and as prescribed in the guild codexes, breaking an oath and partaking of the forbidden knowledge carries a hefty price. Since then, the knowledge obtained from the broken oath has once again, been lost.

 

GM Tips

The Stonemasons of Ertha are more than architects; they are keepers of a rich and dangerous heritage. As a GM, you can weave their story into your campaign to enhance the mystery and intrigue of castles, dungeons, and the history of Ertha itself. Use their secretive nature to introduce plotlines, puzzles, and morally complex decisions that challenge players.

 

Create Secrets Within Secrets

 

Every structure built by the Stonemasons is layered with hidden pathways, traps, and coded symbols. Consider:

Placing hidden routes or chambers in key locations that only those with the knowledge or tools to decipher the Stonemasons’ symbols can access.

Using the guild’s secret passages as both lifelines and potential hazards, depending on how much knowledge the party possesses.

Introducing NPCs, such as defectors or apprentices, who can guide players—at a cost—through the labyrinthine designs.

 

Leveraging the Oath and its Consequences

 

The Stonemasons’ oath is a cornerstone of their guild and its narrative impact. As a GM:

Present scenarios where players must decide whether to compel a Stonemason to break their oath for the greater good, mirroring the historical self-sacrifice of the young guild member.

Explore the ramifications of broken oaths. Perhaps cursed knowledge taints the minds of those who learn it, leading to paranoia, obsession, or betrayal within the party.

Introduce factions or individuals who seek forbidden knowledge, adding layers of intrigue and danger to the campaign.

 

Incorporating Symbolism and Mysteries

 

The Stonemasons’ symbols are a rich source of puzzles and challenges:

Scatter symbols throughout ruins, castles, and dungeons, requiring players to study and interpret them to advance. These symbols could reveal safe routes, activate mechanisms, or warn of traps.

Tie these symbols to the guild’s history, forcing players to learn about past conflicts, the house wars, or the Voidborn to unlock their meaning.

Introduce magical or spiritual components to the symbols, such as requiring certain spells, artifacts, or alignment with the golden hour to activate them.

 

Exploring the Myth of the Broken Oath

 

The tale of the young Stonemason who broke his oath is ripe for thematic exploration:

Use his story as a source of inspiration or moral dilemmas. Introduce descendants or guild members who revere or resent his legacy, influencing their interactions with the party.

Place remnants of his sacrifice, such as tools, symbols, or artifacts, in key locations. These relics could grant players limited access to the forbidden knowledge, but at a cost.

Weave myths about his spirit lingering, perhaps as a spectral guide or as a tormented figure warning against repeating his actions.

 

Balancing Knowledge and Danger

 

The forbidden knowledge of the Stonemasons is both a boon and a curse:

Tempt players with the power to bypass seemingly insurmountable obstacles by uncovering the secrets of the Stonemasons, but pair this with dire consequences, such as cursed items, NPC suspicion, or metaphysical repercussions.

Use the cursed knowledge as a narrative thread throughout the campaign. Players who pursue it might gain significant advantages but also attract unwanted attention from powerful enemies or guild enforcers.

 

Building Emotional and Historical Stakes

 

The history of the Stonemasons is deeply tied to the First Age and beyond. Incorporate this history to add depth:

Create NPC Stonemasons who carry the weight of their guild’s legacy, offering opportunities for roleplay and exploration of the guild’s complex moral code.

Use the Stonemasons as a lens to explore larger themes, such as sacrifice, loyalty, and the costs of power.

Tie their legacy to major events in Ertha’s history, such as the First Age War or the Reformation, giving players a personal connection to the broader world.

 

Encouraging Player Exploration

 

Encourage players to engage with the mysteries of the Stonemasons:

Design side quests where players help protect the guild’s secrets or uncover hidden truths.

Introduce rival groups, such as treasure hunters or rogue Stonemasons, who seek to exploit the guild’s knowledge for their own ends, creating tension and conflict.

Allow player ingenuity to shine. Clever interpretations of symbols, thoughtful decisions about oath-breaking, and creative use of Stonemason-built passages can provide rewarding gameplay moments.

 

By incorporating the Stonemasons of Ertha into your campaign, you can create a rich tapestry of mystery, danger, and moral complexity. Their legacy offers endless opportunities to challenge players, deepen the lore of your world, and craft unforgettable adventures.