Introduction: The Ministry of Heroes
None of you had a clear idea what you signed up for, or how dangerous your missions would be. The Royal Family announced the Ministry of Heroes a few years ago, but were vague on the details for the types of missions you would be sent on. The only thing you have been told so far is that one day you will have to face the Emperor's Agents of Darkness. Some of you joined an apprentice program for training, while others have already learned your skills in the hard school of life. All of you have been interviewed and put through additional training at the local Royal Guard Garrison in your home town, along with many other people hoping to be a part of the Heroes. But only a few of you were chosen.
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Town Garrison
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All of your testimonies are the same at this point: As the days of training progressed at the Royal Guard Garrison, gradually the initiates were weeded out until only a small group remained. Then, one day, members of the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of the Most High showed up, along with members from the Royal Court of Magicians. All the remaining initiates were lined up and the Monks and Magicians walked back and forth looking at you. No questions were asked, just a long and awkward look into your eyes followed by whispered conversations. Finally, the Monks declared who was chosen, and the Royal Guard Captain dismissed all the others. You were then given an advance in payment and told what merchants to visit to purchase some supplies and weapons as needed, and that you should enjoy one last meal in the city. Then you were instructed to gather on the following day at the local Monastery to receive your first mission.
Town Monastery
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This is how the meeting went:
"Men and women of D'nashk Re'at", began the Captain of the Royal Guard, "the King and Queen send their gratitude for this great service you are about to embark upon. As you know, there are terrible forces of darkness that dwell to the north and to the east of our kingdom, and the Royal Family is convinced that these forces are bent on our destruction. Unfortunately, there are many powerful Agents of Darkness that exist, and in many different forms. Some are Dragons, some are Wraiths, others are Shape-Shifters. Many are Demonic in nature, and still others we cannot imagine yet. It is your calling, Heroes of D'nashk Re'at, to go forth and meet these creatures in battle wherever and whenever they may present themselves."
"How can we stand up against such enemies?" the group asked.
"The Royal Court of Magicians has brought forth magic items of great power, items that you will receive today to help you on your mission against the Dark Magic of the Undead, " answered the Captain, and he turned toward the members of the Royal Court of Magicians who had come to the meeting, "you may bring the items out now."
Two Magicians carried a wooden chest into the middle of the room and opened it. The group of initiates gathered around to look, and in the chest were a number of amulets with an engraving of the Kingdom's Herald Symbol, and each attached to a silver chain. Then, a Monk from the Monastery joined the group and reached in to pull out one amulet at a time, give a blessing over it, and place it around each Hero's neck.
"Behold, " continued the Captain, "the King's Seal. We are not sure ourselves just how powerful these items are, but they are yours to keep and to protect, and they in turn shall protect you."
"If I may, sir?" asked the Monk, and the Captain gave him audience. "These items are a gift from the Most High given to the Head Practitioners of the Royal Court of Magicians at Kel'Calathorn. They are the answer to the Emperor's Agents of Darkness. Though the Agents are powerful and frightening, these Seals will give you the strength you need to fight them. They will protect you against becoming one of the Undead and cause you to heal very quickly (* see GM Note below). You can go longer periods without sleep, food or drink and you will not lose your strength as quickly as others. And most important - if you should fall in battle, it will bring you back."
At this, all of the Heroes gasped in amazement and held the amulets for a closer look.
"Now, " said the Captain, "we think it may take as long as a day, or maybe half a day, for the amulet to revive you - assuming the amulet stays attached to your body. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that whenever one of you falls in battle, the others stay with your body and make sure the amulet has time to do it's great work of healing."
"Heroes, " he continued, after giving your team a moment to ponder what has already been said. "You are under orders from the Royal Family to keep these items a secret, as much as you can, for the Emperor does not yet know of them, and we want to keep it that way. Do not take it off for any reason from this point forward. Only show it to members of the Royal Guard, the Royal Court of Magicians, or the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of the Most High. This should be done discretely to prove that you are on mission for the King and Queen. And whatever you do, do not lose them, for there are only a few in existence and you will not receive another."
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* GM Note: Heroes can still become "infected" with the curse of the undead which should at least cause a penalty when fighting against Undead, Shape-Shifter or Demonic creatures. But Heroes who bear the Seal will not "convert" into the Undead over time or upon death - for the Seal will heal them...
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Some Example Heroes:
