A-to-Z Challenge Day 23 Psi (Ψ): Psalteries of Vice and Virtue

Entry 23 for The Lost Catacombs of Kadmos

For information on the "dual track" encounters below, see Upsilon (Υ): The Paths of Vice & Virtue. Please note, the choice of paths has been phrased in such a way as to make it ambiguous which path is the path of virtue and which path is the path of vice (from the POV of the PCs).

Psi (Ψ) Encounter on PATH OF VICE This 30'x30' room is generally featureless, save for the short doric pedestal in the middle of the room, topped by a plainly made psaltery, a harp-like instrument with strings, pegs, and a simple wooden triangular frame. After a moment, it begins to speak in a soft and sensuous feminine voice whose words flow with warmth. “Greetings, friends. Be not afraid for I have knowledge which Kadmos has deigned be yours. Come closer so that I speak softly and strain not my voice.” You feel drawn in by the voice. New Magic Artifact: Psaltery of Vice This talking instrument radiates a curse that causes all living creatures within a 50' radius to make all "to hit" rolls and saving throws with a -1 penalty (no saving throws; does not affect undead). If it is removed from its proper place on the pedestal in this chamber of the catacombs(or is otherwise threatened), it can summon 1d4 skeletons up to 5 times per day to defend it and/or return it to its proper place in the catacombs. If the characters move in closer, the psaltery will speak the following words: "Nought from the Greeks towards me hath sped well. So now I find that ancient proverb true, foes' gifts are no gifts: profit bring they none." If questioned about the path (vice or virtue) on which the PCs find themselves, the psaltery will say nothing more than suggest the PCs look to their experiences thus far and decide for themselves. If questioned about Kadmos, the psaltery will simply make one of the 12 statements as the face outside the tomb (per result of 1d12; e.g., "Kadmos is the father of the alphabet.") If questioned about anything else, the psaltery will just start "playing itself" and humming along with the tune. Psi (Ψ) Encounter on PATH OF VIRTUE This 30'x30' room is generally featureless, save for the short doric pedestal in the middle of the room, topped by a plainly made psaltery, a harp-like instrument with strings, pegs, and a simple wooden triangular frame. After a moment, it begins to speak in a stern and sober masculine voice whose words seem laced with wisdom. “Greetings, trespassers. Be advised for I have knowledge which Kadmos has deigned to be yours. Come closer so the words I share do not fall upon the ears of the unworthy.” You feel a bit put off by the voice. New Magic Artifact: Psaltery of Virtue This talking instrument radiates a blessing that causes all living creatures within a 50' radius to make all "to hit" rolls and saving throws with a +1 bonus (no saving throw necessary; does not affect undead). If it is removed from its proper place on the pedestal in this chamber of the catacombs(or is otherwise threatened), it can summon 1d4 skeletons up to 5 times per day to defend it and/or return it to its proper place in the catacombs. If the characters move in closer, the psaltery will speak the following words. "Knowledge must come through action; you can have no test which is not fanciful, save by trial." If questioned about the path (vice or virtue) on which the PCs find themselves, the psaltery will say nothing more than suggest the PCs look to their experiences thus far and decide for themselves. If questioned about Kadmos, the psaltery will simply make one of the 12 statements as the face outside the tomb (per result of 1d12; e.g., "Kadmos is the father of the alphabet.") If questioned about anything else, the psaltery will just start "playing itself" and humming along with the tune.