Vineyard RPG: Director's Blog #2

A sneak peek of Aisling Rovehnna

The genderfluid BBEG really is a piece of work. Check out our preview of the head of the Vineyard!

Aisling is a tempter in whatever form is necessary to wring the secrets from mortals. A whispered voice that can be taken for one’s subconscious - a beautiful vision - a set of recurring dreams. Aisling will become anything to anyone and give them just what they want… if they serve. Everyone serves Their Majesty in the end.

Motive: Obfuscate their return and ascend to Godhood once again.

Flaws: Mortal form, reliance on scarcity of appearance, and ambitious subordinates.

Strengths: Lack of morality, skillful manipulation, and immense arcana knowledge.

A sub-plot:

• Aisling has been running a centuries-long con on the God of Wealth, presenting themself as the divine entity of Beauty.

  • The God of Wealth and those loyal to the temple have been unintentionally funding the Vineyard.

  • The God of Wealth’s influence and power has waned as Aisling’s grew, resulting in the Vineyard expanding into this economic gap.

Short bio:

Aisling’s unification with the spirit of the Undead God of Secrets was crafted by the wishes of wizards seeking lichdom. Every secret incantation, murmured ritual, and inhumane deed done in the search for immortal power had its essence tucked away by the encubus. After a century of ritual, these notes manifested into the budding next cycle of the undead deity. The Wandering Mother harnessed this process to give life to a new people in the Guts - the Whisperborne - who contributed to the rise of Aisling’s metaphysical power. Given enough time: Their Majesty will acquire enough power to unlock the Undead God’s prison and coalesce into Godhood.

Dialogue options:

Combat

“You’ll make for a fine example.”

“After I have broken you, the shell that remains will serve me.”

“You believe that you’re heroic, don’t you?”

“You may tell me your secrets now - or I can rip them from your corpse.”

“You cannot destroy me - I’m the embodiment of this City. I am the avarice of your people. I am every hope and whispered bit of grief they know.”

Diplomacy

“You must remember: Everyone serves Their Majesty in the end.”

“Debts can be collected. Always.”

“Do not fool yourself into thinking there is something I do not know.”

Transition Into Encounter

Aisling stands slowly, their robes of charcoal ruffling, form drifting between the shapes of a hundred different persons before settling. The air is suddenly sharp with the scent of sulfur. A splatter of sizzling ink gathers at their feet in a pool - grasping hands reach out from the depths to worship them.

[Ask the players to describe the person they love the most. Tell them “That is what you see in Aisling.” If they do not give an adequate response, tell them “You see yourself.”]

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