Below the City 🎪

Episode 5 of Shadows of the Unnamed - A Dual-Layer Adventure for 3-6 Investigators (Levels 4-6)

“The city celebrates above, while ancient horrors stir below.” - Old Joe

Introduction

Fresh from uncovering the noble conspiracy, investigators must navigate the Spring Festival’s chaos while tracing the cult’s underground network. Two worlds collide: the jubilant streets above and the dark secrets below. And yes, the sewer alligator rumors are absolutely true.

Part I: Festival of Fools 🎭

The Celebration Begins

Streets overflow with color and music as the annual Spring Festival transforms the city.

Festival Features: - Masked performers - Food vendor lanes - Parade preparations - Street musicians

Investigation Elements: “Watch the parade routes carefully. They’re drawing something across the city.” - Street Performer’s whisper

Festival Queen’s Procession

The beloved Festival Queen leads her court through adoring crowds.

Hidden Patterns: - Procession routes - Guard positions - Street blockades - Vendor placements

Part II: Finding the Way Down đźš°

Surface Investigation

Multiple entrance points hide in plain sight.

Key Locations: - Main square fountain - Merchant basement - Old well system - Storm drains

Meeting Old Joe

The legendary sewer keeper becomes an unlikely ally.

Key Dialogue: “Lived down here thirty years. Them gators? They’re the least scary things below nowadays.”

Part III: The Underworld 🌊

Initial Descent

The sewer system reveals its secrets.

Environmental Challenges: - Water level variations - Gas pocket dangers - Navigation puzzles - Patrol avoidance

Ancient Architecture

Beneath modern sewers lie older structures.

Discovery Elements: - Roman-era tunnels - Void-touched stonework - Ritual markings - Sacrifice preparations

Part IV: Dual Pursuits ⚔️

Above Ground Chase

Through festival crowds and celebrations.

Chase Elements: - Parade float jumping - Market stall crashes - Street performer chaos - Crowd manipulation

Underground Pursuit

Water-filled tunnels and ancient passages.

Pursuit Features: - Boat navigation - Alligator territory - Rising water - Ritual interruption

Running the Adventure 🎲

Managing Two Worlds

Above Ground: 1. Atmosphere - Festival music - Crowd noises - Performance sounds - Celebration chaos

  1. Timing
    • Parade schedule
    • Guard rotations
    • Performance times
    • Crowd movements

Below Ground: 1. Environment - Echo effects - Water sounds - Ancient whispers - Ritual chants

  1. Dangers
    • Water levels
    • Gas pockets
    • Void energy
    • Alligator zones

Key NPCs

Old Joe
Festival Queen

“Smile, dear citizens! Today we celebrate life itself!” - Public beloved - Secret cultist - Perfect facade - Deadly purpose

Inspector Hayes

Location Details 🗺️

Festival Layout

Underground System

Combat Encounters

Festival Cultists (CR 3)

Void-Touched Alligators (CR 4)

Ritual Guards (CR 5)

Critical Moments

The Revelation

“Below the celebration, below even the sewers, something ancient watches and waits.”

The Choice

Hayes witnesses the truth. His reaction shapes future events.

The Sacrifice

Time runs short as the ritual begins.

Resolution Paths

Success Conditions

Failure Consequences

Campaign Impact

Immediate Effects

Future Hooks

“As above, so below - but below holds the darker truth.”

A vibrant Victorian-era street festival scene with colorful parade floats and costumed revelers. In the foreground, the Festival Queen waves to the crowd, her beautiful mask hiding sinister intent. Investigators blend with the crowd while cultists move in elaborate festival costumes. Style: Dynamic oil painting with rich colors, festival atmosphere, hidden darkness.
Ancient underground chamber with Roman architecture, partially flooded. Void-corrupted symbols glow on the walls, while several robed figures perform a ritual. Corrupted alligators lurk in the water’s shadows. Style: Dark fantasy meets gothic horror, eerie lighting, water reflections, ancient stonework detail.