TEXT: Mat Oh (order #21130920)
  
   
  Quill Quest 
  The Warlord’s Downfall 
   
   
  A Scenario Supplement for 
  Quill: A Letter-Writing Roleplaying Game 
  for a Single Player 
   
  Written by Tim Snider 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Quill Quest: The Warlord’s Downfall is a derivative of  
  Quill: A Letter-Writing Roleplaying Game for a Single Player by Scott Malthouse 
  (www.trollishdelver.com), used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 
  International License. Quill Quest: The Warlord’s Downfall is © 2017 by Tim Snider 
  (www.savageafterworld.blogspot.com) and is licensed under Creative Commons 
  Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit 
  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO 
  Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA. Cover artwork is “Officer Writing A Letter” 
  by Gerard ter Borch (1617–1681) and is in the public domain. 
   
  Mat Oh (order #21130920)
  
  Your homelands are in turmoil. 
   
  Ten long years ago, Gorkill the Ruthless and his armies invaded The Empire of Edhen. 
  The kingdom was unprepared for such swift brutality, and the crown was overthrown 
  within days. Princess Elyn, the remaining heir to the throne, barely escaped the carnage 
  thanks to the quick thinking of Sir Erik the Bold, the palace’s last-surviving champion. 
   
  For 5 years, Sir Erik has been formulating a plan to take back the kingdom, and it’s 
  finally time for action. For his gambit to work, he requires the services of four persons 
  with very specialized talents: a warrior stout of heart, a rogue deft in slight-of-hand, an 
  expert underworld explorer, and a sorcerer of immense arcane powers. You are Sir 
  Erik’s scribe, gifted with a flair for language; Sir Erik has passed the responsibly for 
  recruiting his team onto you.  
   
  Your research has revealed four individuals who would be perfect for Sir Erik’s quest. 
  You now need to convince each of them to join your master’s crusade to reclaim the 
  lands of Edhen from the grips of Gorkill. And so you now sit down to write four very 
  important dispatches to four very powerful adventurers… 
   
  ◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊ 
   
  Quill Quest: The Warlord’s Downfall is a scenario supplement for use with Quill: A 
  Letter-Writing Roleplaying Game for a Single Player. To use this supplement, the Quill 
  rulebook is necessary and is available at Drive Through RPG. 
   
  In Quill Quest: The Warlord’s Downfall, you’ll be responsible for writing four letters in 
  an attempt to recruit four adventurers to Sir Erik’s cause: Britha the Warrior, Kamron the 
  Rogue, Roinan the Dwarf, and Bartholomew the Wizard. You will need to write your 
  letters to these four characters in the order they appear in this book – do not skip around! 
  Your success (or failure) in each scenario may affect how well you do on future letters. 
   
  Before starting your Quill Quest adventure, you’ll need to create a character using the 
  Quill system. (Refer to the Quill rulebook for instructions on creating a character.) Each 
  letter-writing scenario is presented in a manner similar to the ones in the Quill rulebook, 
  although your goal with each letter is the same – to convince that person to join Sir Erik’s 
  crusade to overthrow Gorkill the Ruthless. 
   
  Each scenario in Quill Quest is very similar to those found in the original Quill game, 
  with some differences (explained later in this section). The scenario begins with the letter 
  recipient’s Name (of course) and their Profile, which are three or four lines that describe 
  the character, their background, what talents they possess, and why Sir Erik wishes to 
  recruit them. You’ll want to refer back to the Profile as you write your letter so you can 
  personalize it for the receiver. This is then followed by this character’s Rules of 
  Correspondence, which are special rules and considerations that may have an effect on 
  the dice you’re allowed to use during play. These change with each scenario, so be sure 
  to follow the correct rules for each scenario. Each scenario also has a special Ink Pot of 
  Mat Oh (order #21130920)
  
  words to use as you write your letter. In each pairing, the first word is the Inferior Word, 
  and the second word is the Superior Word. (Refer to the Quill rulebook for more 
  information on Inferior/Superior Words.) Writing your letter and scoring is performed in 
  the same manner as described in the Quill rulebook. 
   
  However, in Quill Quest, a new feature is added to each scenario: Motivators and 
  Deterrents. Each character you write to is looking for very specific words, terms, or 
  information that may motivate them to join your quest. Conversely, there are certain 
  words, terms, and information that may deter them from joining your quest. It is up to 
  you to determine what each character’s specific Motivators and Deterrents are as you 
  write each letter.  
   
  NOTE: These are to be read AFTER you’ve written your letter to a recipient! To 
  keep you from accidentally cheating, these sections have been placed in a mirror-
  image format. You’ll need to hold a mirror up to the text to read these reversed 
  sections AFTER you’ve written your letter to determine how well you’ve done! 
   
  After your letter is written and points are scored and tallied, you’ll need to refer to that 
  scenario’s Consequences where you’ll learn the final result of your attempt to recruit that 
  adventurer. Will they join your quest? Have your words motivated them to offer 
  additional benefits to the team? Or have your words insulted and enraged them so much 
  that they are driven to sabotage any future letters you’ve written? Each letter’s point 
  value may also bestow Quest Points toward your final Quill Quest outcome. You’ll want 
  to keep a running total of your Quest Points as you play Quill Quest, as your final Quest 
  Results score reveals the final outcome in Sir Erik’s confrontation with Gorkill! 
   
  ◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊ 
   
  “Have you begun?” 
   
  Startled by the voice, you glance up from your reading to see Sir Erik standing at your 
  tent door, a stern scowl on his face. You hurriedly close the tome and toss it aside. You 
  grasp your quill, rapidly dipping it into the inkwell, as you adjust the parchment on the 
  desk before you. 
   
  “Apologies, my liege. I was just starting the first letter,” you reply. 
   
  Sir Erik’s brow softens. “That’s fine. I’m just anxious to get started. With each hour, 
  Gorkill’s forces gather at his stronghold. Once he amasses enough power, he’ll sweep 
  the lands and all other realms in his path will fall – just as Edhen fell.” His eyes meet 
  yours. 
   
  “We’re all that stands between him and absolute victory. Understand that our kingdom’s 
  fate – the world’s, in fact – rest within that pen you now hold.” With that ultimatum 
  hanging in the air, Sir Erik turns and leaves. The importance of this mission and your 
  place in it defined, you place your quill onto the page and begin to write… 
   
  Mat Oh (order #21130920)
  
  Britha the Warrior 
  Profile 
  Britha is a powerful enforcer whose tactical prowess is matched only by her savagery on 
  the battlefield. She is well-trained with a variety of weapons, preferring to use her cutlass 
  “Blackfang” in combat. Britha is rumored to be a niece of Gorkill himself, but anyone 
  who asks her of the family connection is cut down where they stand. 
   
  Rules of Correspondence 
   Britha respects others who have experienced combat. Knights gain an extra Heart die 
  in this scenario. 
   Britha isn’t impressed by fancy calligraphy. If you possess the Illumination skill, you 
  may not use it in this scenario. 
   
  Ink Pot 
  Sword / Cutlass 
  Make Good / Redeem 
  Brawl / Confrontation 
  Fame / Renown 
  Lands / Kingdom 
  Strength / Power 
  Fighter / Warrior 
  Stories / Legends 
  Protector / Champion 
  My Master / My Liege 
   
  Motivators and Deterrents 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Consequences 
  Less Than 5 Points: Britha is enraged at your insolence. Not only will she not join Sir 
  Erik in his quest, but she sends her own dispatch to her uncle, warning him of your plans. 
  Subtract 1 Quest Point from your final Quest Results score. 
  5 to 7 Points: Although she understands your plight, Britha is unmoved by your letter. 
  You neither gain nor lose any Quest Points for this scenario. 
  8 to 10 Points: Britha is moved by your plea. She sends a message that she’ll join Sir Erik 
  on his quest in 1 month. Add a Quest Point to your final Quest Results score. 
  11+ Points: Your letter motivates Britha into immediate action. She grabs Blackfang and 
  races to join you and Sir Erik. Add 2 Quest Points to your final Quest Results score. She 
  also contacts Kamron the Rogue on your behalf and asks him to join your crusade. You 
  can reroll one Language test for that scenario when you write your letter to him. 
  Mat Oh (order #21130920)
  
  Kamron the Rogue 
  Profile 
  Kamron is a “master acquirer” whose fleet-of-foot and sleight-of-hand skills are said to 
  border on the supernatural. He prides himself on his ability to move unseen via disguise 
  and subterfuge rather than using brute force and violence. Kamron is reaching the end of 
  his career, and he wishes to pass along his years of experience before he retires. 
   
  Rules of Correspondence 
   A worldly man, Kamron appreciates those who are passionate about their causes. 
  Courtiers gain an extra Heart die in this scenario. 
   Kamron sees those of noble birth as nothing more than buffoons and easy targets. 
  Aristocrats lose the use of one Penmanship die for this scenario. 
   
  Ink Pot 
  Kill / Assassinate 
  Hide / Conceal  
  Guild / Syndicate  
  Tools / Lockpicks 
  Skill / Proficiency  
  Disguise / Masquerade 
  Rumors / Whispers 
  Knack / Artistry 
  Dagger / Dirk  
  Thief / Cutpurse  
   
  Motivators and Deterrents 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Consequences 
  Less Than 5 Points: Kamron sees desperation (and an easy mark) in your letter. A week 
  later, members of Kamron’s Guild steal everything of value from your camp, leaving Sir 
  Erik woefully underfunded. Subtract 1 Quest Point from your final Quest Results score. 
  5 to 7 Points: Kamron sends a polite letter wishing Sir Erik well but stating he wants no 
  part of this suicidal scheme. You neither gain nor lose any Quest Points for this scenario. 
  8 to 10 Points: Kamron is interested in the challenge your quest presents, replying he’s 
  ready for “one last adventure.” Add a Quest Point to your final Quest Results score. 
  11+ Points: Kamron joins your crusade and brings the Guild’s most talented docent to 
  assist with Gorkill’s downfall. Add 2 Quest Points to your final Quest Results score. He 
  also gives you a small bag of precious gems to enclose with your letter to Roinan the 
  Dwarf. You can reroll one Penmanship test for that scenario when you write to him. 
  Mat Oh (order #21130920)
  
  Roinan the Dwarf 
  Profile 
  Roinan is a rough-and-tumble brawler from the realm of Khireruhm—a land that Gorkill 
  previously conquered. Roinan’s knowledge of the cavern system under Edhen would 
  permit stealthy invasion of the kingdom, catching Gorkill off-guard. Although he’s proud 
  of his dwarven heritage, Roinan despises those who speak to him in a patronizing manner. 
   
  Rules of Correspondence 
   Roinan appreciates creative verbosity and those who can speak and write elegantly.  
  Both Poets and Scholars may reroll one Language Test in this scenario. 
   However, Roinan dislikes it when someone blathers on needlessly. Lose the use of 
  one Heart die in this scenario. 
   
  Ink Pot 
  Retake / Usurp 
  Underground / Underdark 
  Cave tunnels / Cavernous network  
  Jewels / Gemstones 
  Great axe / Battleaxe 
  Hairy / Bearded 
  Courageous / Stouthearted 
  Rage / Frenzy 
  Stout / Barrel-chested 
  Sneak in / Infiltrate 
   
  Motivators and Deterrents 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Consequences 
  Less Than 5 Points: In his reply, Roinan refuses to join your quest, but he “helpfully” 
  encloses a map, explaining that it marks a hidden way into Edhen. Following it, the party 
  becomes lost for weeks. Subtract 1 Quest Point from your final Quest Results score. 
  5 to 7 Points: Roinan has far better things to do than join a hopeless fight against a 
  powerful adversary. You neither gain nor lose any Quest Points for this scenario. 
  8 to 10 Points: Roinan replies that he’d be honored to contribute to the downfall of the 
  man who conquered his own realm. Add a Quest Point to your final Quest Results score. 
  11+ Points: Roinan spreads word amongst the dwarves that Gorkill’s destruction is 
  imminent, upping their morale across the lands. Add 2 Quest Points to your final Quest 
  Results score. Roinan also suggests an alternate route by which to send your letter to 
  Bartholomew the Wizard. Gain an additional Heart die when you write your letter to him. 
  Mat Oh (order #21130920)
  
  Bartholomew the Wizard 
  Profile 
  Bartholomew is a powerful sorcerer able to wield arcane energies that warp the very 
  nature of time and space. However, he has been a recluse for years who rarely, if ever, 
  meddles in worldly affairs, seeing himself above such trivialities. Former apprentices 
  have said Bartholomew’s driving ideology is “Chaos must always be balanced by justice.” 
   
  Rules of Correspondence 
   Bartholomew respects those who have a philosophical nature, seeing them as kindred 
  spirits. Monks gain an extra Heart die in this scenario. 
   Bartholomew’s reputation is both legendary and awe-inspiring. Intimidated by the 
  tales surrounding this archmage, you may not use any of your Skills for this scenario. 
   
  Ink Pot 
  Wizard / Magus 
  Secrets / Mysteries  
  Students / Apprentices 
  Spellbook / Arcane Codex 
  Magic / Sorcery 
  Hermit / Eremite 
  Balance / Symmetry 
  Fear / Misgivings 
  Order / Justice 
  Spell / Invocation 
   
  Motivators and Deterrents 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Consequences 
  Less Than 5 Points: Your letter has the opposite effect on Bartholomew, convincing him 
  that “Chaos will always win over justice.” He offers his services to Gorkill, becoming his 
  second-in-command. Subtract 1 Quest Point from your final Quest Results score. 
  5 to 7 Points: You never receive a reply from Bartholomew. (He truly is above such 
  trivialities, it seems.) You neither gain nor lose any Quest Points for this scenario. 
  8 to 10 Points: Bartholomew’s reply politely declines your offer to join the quest, but he 
  encloses several magical scrolls for Sir Erik to use in the upcoming showdown with 
  Gorkill. Add a Quest Point to your final Quest Results score. 
  11+ Points: There is a thunderclap, and Bartholomew now stands by your side! Add 2 
  Quest Points to your final Quest Results score. He mutters an esoteric chant, and time 
  reverses. You may now replay any previous scenario to improve your score, if you wish!  
  Mat Oh (order #21130920)
  
   
  Quest Results 
   
  Add up the number of Quest Points you’ve accumulated from each scenario and compare 
  your final total with the results listed here for the final outcome of Sir Erik’s quest for 
  justice: 
   
  Less Than 4 Quest Points: In spite of your best efforts, Gorkill was prepared for your 
  feeble attempts and launches a preemptive counterattack. The allies you mustered to your 
  side are quickly dispatched or captured, and Sir Erik and Princess Elyn are both taken 
  prisoner. You fear they will be made examples to the populace, and the citizens’ spirits 
  will forever be crushed once they witness the horrors that befall them. And just as Edhen 
  fell, so too do the neighboring kingdoms. Gorkill’s hordes sweep over the lands, 
  controlling all. As for your fate, Gorkill has special plans for you and your writing skill. 
  You are forced to bear witness to Gorkill’s splendor, recording all he says and does. Your 
  writings will one day become the basis for a book titled Gorkill the Ruthless: The Glory 
  of His Magnificent Majesty. 
   
  4 to 6 Quest Points: With your meager forces assembled, Sir Erik launches his attack 
  upon Gorkill and his minions. Gorkill is far stronger and better prepared than expected, 
  and he is able to thwart most of your frontal assault. But Sir Erik’s plan for a secondary 
  rear attack is successful, and side barely manages to break through Gorkill’s lines of 
  defense. Gorkill’s fortress stronghold eventually falls and is retaken. Casualties are high 
  on both sides, with many Edhen subjects wounded or killed. Most of your gathered party 
  members are badly wounded, and none will adventure again. Disturbingly, Gorkill is 
  nowhere to be found amongst the rubble, having escaped before the invading forces 
  overran the fortress. Although the Kingdom of Edhen has been liberated, you know that 
  Gorkill is somewhere out there, biding his time until he can rebuild his forces to retake 
  the Kingdom in a bloody, lengthy coup. Princess Elyn asks you to recount Sir Erik’s 
  efforts to thwart Gorkill, so you put quill to parchment and begin the manuscript that will 
  one day become a book titled The Retaking of Edhen: The High Cost of War. 
   
  7 to 8 Quest Points: Sir Erik is pleased by the powerful allies you’ve recruited, and they 
  set off to confront Gorkill in his fortress stronghold. From high on his battlement walls, 
  Gorkill’s hubris contributes to his downfall, as he laughs at the paltry band of adventurers 
  gathered to oppose him. His laughter catches in his throat as Sir Erik’s team makes short 
  work of Gorkill’s most powerful enforcers, and they storm the fortress’s portcullis. 
  Gorkill descends to confront these nuisances personally, meeting the party in the fortress 
  ward. A violent battle is joined, but Gorkill is no match for the dominating band of heroes 
  you’ve assembled. Gorkill fights to the death, and Sir Erik himself strikes the killing 
  blow, shouting “For Edhen!” as he does. Gorkill’s forces scatter when their leader falls, 
  and Edhen is free from tyranny once more! The champions you’ve recruited remain close 
  friends for years to come, and you are renowned throughout the kingdom as the author of 
  the historical treatise titled The Quill Is Mightier Than the Sword: A Tale of Victory. 
  Mat Oh (order #21130920)
  
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