The Holy Roller’s Embrace
In the complex interplay between the shadows of House Alkozomier—commonly known as the Thieves Guild—and the unyielding light of the House of the Holy Rollers, an eternal dance unfolds. This is not a simple conflict of lawbreakers versus enforcers; it is a delicate, nuanced exchange that defines the moral and operational landscape of Ertha. When the elusive thieves of Alkozomier cross paths with the steadfast Holy Rollers, the stakes are always high, and the outcomes ripple across the guild and its operations.
When Shadows Are Caught
For a thief captured by the Holy Rollers, the descent from freedom to confinement is jarring. The clang of prison bars signifies more than a loss of liberty—it represents a challenge to the very principles upon which the Thieves Guild is built. The Holy Rollers’ rigorous adherence to the Star Chamber’s laws is absolute. They strip away ambiguity, forcing the thief into stark transparency, where their identity and actions are laid bare. This confrontation is more than personal; it becomes a trial for the guild itself. Every capture is a test of House Alkozomier’s resilience, loyalty, and resourcefulness. Their response must be swift, strategic, and flawless.
Strategies of House Alkozomier
The guild does not forsake its own. Under the command of the Shadow Chancellor, intricate rescue missions are planned. These operations rely on the guild’s extensive network of informants, allies, and safe houses to orchestrate daring recoveries. Each mission is tailored to the specifics of the capture—location, severity of charges, and the personal history of the detained member.
The Dance of Deception
Deception is the guild’s most potent weapon. Savvy negotiators with deep knowledge of Holy Roller protocols are deployed. These individuals exploit legal loopholes, fabricate airtight alibis, and present seemingly irrefutable evidence to absolve the detained thief. The art of deception is elevated to a near-spiritual practice within House Alkozomier, with each success reinforcing their reputation as masters of the unseen.
Scapegoats and Diversions
When the stakes are too high, or the imprisoned thief’s freedom jeopardizes the guild at large, scapegoats or diversions are employed. While morally fraught, these tactics are seen as necessary evils in a world where survival often takes precedence over ethics. The House’s Code of Shadows dictates these measures must be used sparingly, with full consideration of their consequences.
The Holy Rollers’ Perspective
The Holy Rollers, under the mantle of The Council (Judiciary Guild), are unwavering in their pursuit of justice. Their methods are direct, their resolve absolute. However, they are not immune to manipulation. They operate within rigid frameworks of law, which the thieves exploit. The interplay between these two forces creates a dynamic tension that defines their coexistence.
GM Tips
Incorporating the Holy Roller Conflict into Your Campaign. The eternal waltz between House Alkozomier and the Holy Rollers provides a rich vein of narrative and gameplay opportunities for GMs. Here’s how you can use this dynamic in your campaigns:
Player Engagement in Rescue Missions
Design heist-like scenarios where the party must infiltrate Holy Roller facilities to rescue an imprisoned guildmate. Include layers of complexity, such as shifting guard rotations, magical wards, and moral dilemmas (e.g., freeing other prisoners vs. leaving them behind).
For Dicesongs campaigns, lean into the resources of Alkozomier, such as the network of safe houses or the influence of other guilds like the Outlaws Guild or the Cartel of Chance.
Tension with the Holy Rollers
Introduce NPCs from The Council who have personal vendettas against House Alkozomier. Create intricate cat-and-mouse scenarios where players are hunted, forced to rely on their wits and alliances to stay ahead.
Add moral ambiguity by showcasing the Holy Rollers’ internal struggles—corruption, zealotry, or a schism between members who question their methods.
Dynamic Player Choices
Challenge the players’ ethics. What happens when rescuing a guildmate puts an innocent bystander in harm’s way? Let their decisions ripple through the campaign, shaping their relationships with both the guild and the wider world of Ertha.
Introduce opportunities for betrayal or redemption. A captured guildmate could offer information in exchange for their freedom or double-cross their rescuers.
Blurring the Line Between Law and Chaos
Highlight the similarities between House Alkozomier and the Holy Rollers. Both operate under strict codes, though their goals differ. Present opportunities for players to question where justice ends and tyranny begins.
Introduce scenarios where the guild and the Rollers must work together against a common threat, forcing players to navigate uneasy alliances.
Leverage Guild Alliances
Use other guilds like the Apothecaries (House Chla-Drothrow), who may craft potions to aid in infiltration, or the Navigators (House Zend-Wynn), who could provide escape routes. These alliances can enrich the campaign and offer players creative solutions.
Final Thoughts
The intricate relationship between House Alkozomier and the Holy Rollers offers endless potential for storytelling, strategy, and moral complexity. Whether running a Dicesongs campaign or adapting these elements into another system, GMs can craft a world where every choice has weight, every shadow hides a secret, and every dance with the law teeters on the edge of chaos. Ertha’s underbelly is rich with opportunities—will your players rise to the challenge, or will they succumb to the unyielding embrace of justice?
