The Lost Expedition
by Brett Bixler
The Plot
Magic portals. As old as magic itself, these gateways to other places have provided opportunity for magicians, adventures, and empires alike. Certain mages of the Empire have devoted their entire lives to the study of portals.
The simple, artificial ones can be created and manipulated by many, providing a stable method of travel from one place to another. The wild ones? - Ah, that's another story!
Naturally-occurring portals are extremely rare. Seldom do they remain in one spot for any length of time, nor is their duration guaranteed. A trip through one of these anolomies is most likely to a destination shrouded in mystery and imagination.
When a new, wild portal is discovered, it is a time for cautious celebration. Who knows what may lie on the other side? Riches? A new civilization? A terrible enemy? Something incomprehensible? Recently, celebration indeed took place within the Empire.
Based on the recent experiences with the portal that leads to the Realm of the Spheres, Empire Mages were able to track and temporarily stabilize another roving portal. An expedition was sent through it - but never returned.
You might say, "No big deal; they knew the risks!" Usually, you'd be right. Usually, the Empress' nephew - in disguise no less! - would not have been part of such a high-risk venture.
Thirty days have passed since an emergency was declared. In typical beauracratic fashion, the Empire stumbled over its own protocols in order to "swiftly" assemble a rescue team. You.
Hustled here by some of the Empire's finest, you are now preparing to step through a crack in reality in the desperate hopes of rescuing nobility and common adventurer alike.
You have a brief period to stock up on supplies. Expect NOTHING to be available on the other side.
The Adventure
Rescue the nephew of the Empress by venturing into a hostile land, where darkness rules and sleep is impossible. Time is your enemy in the form of an unstable portal leading home. Along the way you'll meet some new foes, and some new friends.
As you traverse the land, many choices will be be available to you. Do you take this path, or that path? Do you trust an alien technology to assist your journey? More important, can you discover the hidden goal, obtain it, and still make it back through the portal in time?
This short scenario is designed for high-level parties.
Download The Lost Expedition v. 1.0 for the PC (156K).
Questions? Contact Brett Bixler.