The Explosive Secret

Workshop · Quests

other

The Explosive Secret

Lvl 33 to 5 players3 to 4 hours· medium

“Love is in the air, but black powder is in the box.”

— Hook · other

QuestgiverCaptain Ruby Thorne

Other

D&D 5E

Medium

Lvl 3

3 to 5 players

3 to 4 hours

3 NPCs

1 encounter

The Opening

“Please, I cannot face him myself, my station is far too lowly. Take this gift to Captain Halloway at the guardhouse and tell him it is from his Devoted Shadow. This gold is yours if you ensure it reaches his hands personally.”
— Hook · other

Set the Scene

The party is relaxing at a dockside tavern when a woman in a heavy, salt-stained cloak approaches their table, clutching a silk-wrapped box.

Patron

Questgiver

Rosie (Captain Ruby Thorne)

She acts bashful and avoidant, claiming to be a tavern maid who has fallen for the Captain of the Guard. She offers 100 gold pieces upfront and 100 more upon confirmation of delivery.

On the Streets · In the Books

Rumours

d3 · table

01
Captain Halloway has been receiving anonymous flowers for a week.
02
A red-haired woman was seen scouting the guardhouse blueprints at the archives.
03
The Crimson Wave pirates are looking for a new hideout since the old one was raided.

Stakes

If the bomb detonates, the Captain and several guards will die, leaving the city docks lawless. If the party is caught with the bomb, they will be charged with attempted regicide or terrorism.

Ticking Clock·The bomb is set to detonate ten minutes after the box is opened or thirty minutes after it is handed over to the party.

Background Lore

Captain Halloway has been remarkably effective at seizing pirate shipments, nearly discovering Ruby Thorne's main warehouse. Ruby has decided to eliminate him using a clockwork bomb disguised as a gift.

What the World Knows

A shy admirer wants the party to deliver a token of affection to the local Captain of the Guard to bridge the social gap between a commoner and an official.