Session Narrative
The road from Bremen to Goosefeather passes through the Amber Vale, a stretch of countryside famous for its autumn colours and its history of strange encounters. The party is three days out of Bremen when they meet the merchant.
He is travelling alone, which ought to be the first warning. His cart is old but the wheels are sound, and it is piled with goods covered by oilcloth. He introduces himself as Timothy Tatterling, dealer in curiosities, and he has a special offer today — just for heroes of their obvious quality. He produces a lacquered box inlaid with astronomical symbols and opens it to reveal a deck of oversized tarot-style cards that shimmer faintly even in daylight.
The Deck of Many Things, Tmothy explains, is perfectly safe in the hands of the worthy. Each card drawn reveals a destiny. He has found, in his travels, that brave people cannot resist knowing what fate has written for them. He is, as usual, correct.
Bambi draws The Flames. The card ignites briefly in her hand before going cold. Somewhere far away — or perhaps not so far — a devil named Lork Darkness opens his eyes. Lork is a mid-ranking devil of aristocratic bearing who takes personal offence at being assigned an enemy who hasn’t even offended him yet. He will make her regret the card. Eventually.
Elora draws Euryale, the serpent-haired card. A cold sensation passes through her as a subtle curse settles into her bones — a -2 to all saving throws until the curse is broken. She smiles thinly. She has faced worse.
Xander draws Balance. His alignment shifts. The Raven on his shoulder tilts its head and says nothing, which is somehow worse than if it had commented.
Maevis draws Vizier — a rare and valuable card. She may ask one question and receive a truthful answer. She pockets this knowledge carefully. The right question, asked at the right moment, is worth more than any sword.
Timothy Tatterling packs up his deck, tips his hat, and drives his cart around a bend in the road. When the party follows to ask him something, the road is empty in both directions.
Key NPCs
- Timothy Tatterling — Travelling merchant of uncertain age, ambiguous allegiance, and very good shoes. Always turns up when someone is about to make a questionable decision. May be an agent of fate, a devil, or just a lucky salesman.
- Lork Darkness — Devil. Mid-ranking. Considers himself sophisticated and is annoyed to have been assigned a nemesis without being consulted. Appears later with elaborate grievances and a surprisingly good tailor.
Loot & Rewards
| Item | Notes / Value |
| The Flames (drawn by Bambi) | Lork Darkness becomes a persistent enemy. He will arrive in a future session with minions and a personal grudge. |
| Euryale Curse (on Elora) | -2 penalty to all saving throws. Requires Remove Curse (5th level or higher) or a specific story resolution to lift. |
| Balance (on Xander) | Alignment shifts one step. DM to determine direction based on prior play. |
| Vizier (held by Maevis) | One use: ask any one question and receive a truthful, direct answer. No save, no deception. Single use. |
DM Notes
The Deck should feel momentous. Give each draw a visual and sensory beat — don’t rush through them. Lork Darkness is a long-game villain; he should appear at the worst possible moment and be insufferably polished about it. Maevis’ Vizier card is best used when the player chooses, not when the DM decides. Let it sit. The player will find the perfect moment.