You are Hanataz

This is for the Red Star Rising campaign. Chapter 1 is The Darkest Dream which features a sandbox Carnivalle with many encounters and mini-games for players to explore at their own pace. The plotline will have the players take them into the forest and dungeons crawling with monsters. The players are Hanataz (traveler) young adults who are charged with working security for the last Carnivalle of the season. However, this is no ordinary Carnivalle as the Hanataz uncover dire and vile schemes in their efforts to protect their troupe.

Adventure Introduction

You have been with the Hanataz troupe known as the Blue Veil for as long as you can remember. Some of you were born here… some were brought. Some may have even been purchased or traded for. Whatever your circumstances, you are now Hanataz – and will be so for the rest of your life.

The Hanataz… wayfarers… “Carnivaliers.” Road travelers with no homes save for the wagons, and no kin save for the troupe. It is the life of a vagabond. Many of the folk of the north believe your lives are cursed. Some say you bring ill fortune. Some say you carry a shadowed taint.

In truth, many of you do… for when the Blood-Touch of the Abyssal, Fey, Elemental, Draconic, or others are detected in a child, the parents often give such children to the Hanataz. They do this to avoid having the children be ostracized, imprisoned, or even killed by superstitious and fearful people in their hometowns. Some parents even do this if their child is a Half-Elf or has been stricken with a disease or affliction that disfigures or cripples them.

But, even though the Hanataz are regarded with suspicion, your
arrival on the outskirts of a town or village causes the locals to flock to your camps and see the shows you put on, which are called “Carnivalles.” These events are popular among the common-folk, who come to watch your women dance, cheer your performances, and gasp at your freaks. All while they eat your spicy foods and drink your strong “spirits.”

Oftentimes, the “Townies” will bring their local champions and wager on them in wrestling matches against your stout-folk, or in contests of skill with bow and blade. Gambling is also common at a Carnivalle, and there are always games of chance being run for those willing to place their bets. Lastly, and perhaps the most popular of all, the people come to hear the portents of their futures from your Seeress.

You never stay long in one location. Someone always blames you for a picked pocket, or starting a fight, or some evil happening that seemed to arrive with your coming. Most priests decry your arrival saying you bring immorality, debauchery, and drunkenness; that your women are whores, and your men thugs and thieves. And so, you travel… from the outskirts of one settlement to another. Never welcome in the town proper… but seemingly always greeted by those who would seek out your particular, and unique offerings.

It is the 12th day of Dezu’un. The last month of the year… in the annum named the Year of the Rogue Moon. In just two weeks, the month of Dezu’un will give way to Jazu’un and the new year. Soon after, the true cold of the northlands will come screaming like a banshee from the Icingraez and drive into the very bones of all who dwell in the Central and northern territories of the continent of Verdestia.

You will set a “hard camp” before then, likely within the vicinity of the city of Dragon’s Cross, and there will be no more traveling for nearly three months. Not until the first of the Winterblooms push through the melting snows to spread their red petals… and flutter in the spring breezes like newborn butterflies.

As Dezu’un comes to a close, Wintersdance will soon be celebrated in the cities, towns, and villages of Verdestia – and indeed across most of the world of Zyathé. This festival begins on the 20th of Dezu’un. Wintersdance is a time of great joy with many parties and much revelry… coupled with gift-giving and all manner of festivities. The celebration is long… extending to the first day of the new annum 16 days later.

Some, however, do not welcome the arrival of the new year. There are whispers that the days that are coming will bring times of great evil. That the prophecies of powerful sages speak of a time of great fears and horrors that rapidly approaches.

Indeed, even the name of the coming annum is ominous. For it is called… The Year of Dark Dreams.

If the sages of old are to be believed, this year will bring great turmoil to the world; horrible wars, deadly plagues, and many, many deaths. Some in the troupes say it is the “end of days” and that the Seeresses know it… but will not speak of it. These fears lie upon you as shadows in your minds – with the unalterable fact that time is moving slowly forward towards the inevitable. Whatever it may be. You have more immediate concerns, however. The Carnivalle is soon to begin. It is nearly highsul on the 12th day of Dezu’un… Darktide’s Eve… which is the night before the 13th day of the 12th month. Beginning this evening, and lasting until Sulrise on the 14th, is a time of evil omens.

It is also the last day of this Carnivalle – and the last Carnivalle of
the season. A good thing, too… the Blue Veil has been running the festival outside the town of Nevermore for the better part of a week, and tensions are getting uncomfortably high. Though the common folk love the shows that your troupe puts on… as always… the leaders of the town are predictably less enthusiastic about your offerings. Beyond the all-too-common bigotry, however, there have already been two visits by the Townsguard, and more than one accusation of theft placed upon your people.

Nevertheless, Borag and Calnassé have been determined to make one final day’s profits before moving on. Everyone is busy prepping for the show. The last day of Carnivalle is typically the most stressful, as it is almost always very well-attended. The younger Frenta are busy watching the Yunstas; though, thankfully, you have passed that stage as the children are a handful to be sure.

Your group, known affectionately and sometimes with exasperated sarcasm as the Zatis, or “Helpers” in the common tongue, are capable enough to assist directly with the Carnivalle. Your primary tasks are to patrol between the wagons and tents to provide security for the troupe. If past experience is any indication, you’ll spend the day breaking up fights, making sure the locals don’t get too familiar with the dancers, watching for thieves, and generally keeping things peaceful and profitable until evening comes and the Carnivalle is closed up for the night.

In the course of your rounds, you are expected to help out wherever needed throughout the day. And, if you have a little extra time, no Hanataz is forbidden from picking up a few Silvs…

Despite your youthful restlessness, you’re happy Borag and Calnassé trust you to help – and you are, perhaps, even eager for a dust up or two.

How to Join

You can access the game via the Discord and sign up for the Darkest Dream Session 0. Set for the first Tuesday of every month. Once 3+ people are signed up we will schedule the session 0 and schedule future weekly/bi-weekly sessions from there.

Play Locations

Online via Foundry and Discord
Curio Cavern in Springfield
Your Hobby Place in Alexandria
Dragons Concord in Fairfax
Arlington Central Library in Arlington