MYSTERIOUS LIGHTS IN ABANDONED LIBRARY?
Local residents reported flickering, otherworldly lights from the dilapidated Rookmoor Library late last night. Authorities found no source, but whispers of rogue Fae activity abound. Officials from the Concord declined to comment, though their presence was noted. Is it a hoax, or a deeper truth hidden between the pages?
—Rookmoor Gazette
In a world where the magical Fae hide in plain sight, the River of Books flows between dimensions, a repository of forgotten lore and forbidden secrets. This campaign invites players into a blend of urban fantasy and intrigue, where ancient forces and modern lives collide.
The Rivers world takes place in the mid-2000s, well after the events of the original 1880 adventure. What began as a single, secretive bookshop has grown into the Concord, a global organization dedicated to protecting the delicate balance between the Fae and the mortal world. The devastation of World Wars I and II allowed the Fae to stay hidden, but it also ensured that other factions—some long thought dormant—remained in the shadows. Now, more than a century later, the world has changed, and so have its players. What secrets have the intervening years buried, and how have these factions adapted to a modern era of technology, war, and progress?
This is an open-table, drop-in style game where each session starts at a "Dungeon Entrance" and is mostly self-contained, aside from the overarching story. It’s perfect for players who can’t commit to every session but want to dive into a thrilling, evolving narrative.
The Rivers
- The River of Books is a mystical library, housing infinite knowledge—and infinite peril.
- The Fae coexist with humanity, hidden by glamours and the Concord’s efforts.
- Magic in this world is powerful but discreet, often requiring subtlety over force.
- Threats arise from rogue Fae, human conspiracies, and secrets best left forgotten.
Heart of the World
At its core, this game is a blend of investigation, mystery, and moral ambiguity. Players delve into a world where secrets lurk in every shadow and the lines between good and evil blur. The tone is inspired by the chilling dread of Lovecraftian horror, fused with the modern vibrancy of urban fantasy and the complexity of political intrigue. It’s a game where every choice carries weight, every mystery leads to deeper questions, and every revelation could reshape your understanding of the world.
Each session is a journey into the unknown. You might find yourself piecing together cryptic clues from ancient texts, tracking rogue Fae through the bustling streets, or unraveling conspiracies within the Concord itself. The challenges you face are rarely straightforward: solving a puzzle might reveal truths you wish had stayed hidden, and negotiating with powerful factions often requires uneasy compromises.
The moral ambiguity of the world is reflected in its factions and conflicts. The Concord operates with noble goals, but their methods can be ruthless. The Fae courts embody both grace and danger, with their enigmatic motives often at odds with mortal understanding. As players, you’ll need to navigate these gray areas, deciding who to trust, what to protect, and how far you’re willing to go to preserve the balance of the world.
This is a game for those who enjoy peeling back layers of mystery, embracing the thrill of danger, and exploring the intricate relationships between characters, factions, and the larger story. Expect puzzles that test your intellect, moral choices that challenge your values, this is a story that stay with you long after the session ends.
Your Investigator
Players take on the role of agents working for the Concord, a secretive organization tasked with maintaining the fragile balance between the mortal world and the hidden Fae realm. The Concord’s mission is twofold: to keep the existence of the Fae a secret from humanity and to protect both mortals and Fae from threats that could unravel their coexistence. Whether investigating rogue Fae activity, containing dangerous magical artifacts, or negotiating delicate truces, your role is vital to preserving order.
Characters can be one of the following:
- Human Investigators: Ordinary mortals with extraordinary skills—sharp minds, honed reflexes, or deep knowledge of the supernatural. Humans often serve as the Concord's eyes in the mundane world.
- Changelings: Individuals caught between worlds, born of both mortal and Fae heritage. Their dual nature gives them unique insight but often leaves them struggling to belong fully in either realm.
- Glamoured Fae: Full-blooded Fae who use powerful magic to disguise themselves and live among humans. They bring magical prowess to the team but must carefully maintain their hidden identity.
Players have the option to create a new character tailored to each session, focusing on the specific challenges of that mission, or develop a consistent persona who grows alongside the evolving story. Both approaches are welcome and encouraged, allowing flexibility for players and creativity in crafting unique narratives.
Your character will bring their own strengths and flaws to the Concord’s cause, whether as a sharp-tongued negotiator, a cunning detective, a combat specialist, or a magical prodigy. Each session offers opportunities to explore your character’s background, uncover personal mysteries, and confront their place in a world where magic and reality collide.
The River of Books is a campaign that thrives on its blend of magic, mystery, and humanity. Every session uncovers a new chapter, a new secret, and a new challenge. Step carefully, think quickly, and remember: the River flows for those who seek it—but it may not carry you back the way you came.