Aredvi’s Rite

A fantasy adventure for lvl 7 characters

By Anna Castro

You, as a maiden, reside in the continent of Zakhara in one of the city states/nations that exist under the rule of Shagraid and pay taxes to its majesty, the greatest city of the age which is ruled by Sultan Kefennu, who is now upwards of 80 years of age.  His father conquered the surrounding desert lands years in the past, but Kefennu is the one who is said to have founded the previously hidden city of Shagraid - secret no more, as around 6 years ago, It’s location was made public by the Sultan’s ambassadors (it is speculated that it was at the Crown Prince Ammon’s urging to do so, as he had become a very public figure in his explorations of the territories in the years previous, and has a great vigor for life.  The Crown Prince is in his 40s, and has many other siblings, but as he was chosen heir, they do not reside where he does).  

You have heard that Shagraid is a wonder to behold, built within the safety of two large mountain ranges fed by two rivers that flow along either side.  It can only be found after traversing a desert meridian where compasses fail and one of the two great rivers that border the mountains.  Since its location has been revealed, safe pathways and border towns of trade have been established, but entry to the city is still highly guarded and inspections abound.  It is said that Shagraid is fully independent, and has no need of the outside territories, but desires to spread its prosperity to its vassal regions, to the benefit of all - for in the desert, it is best to exist in large groups. Many however, speculate that once again, it is really the Crown Prince’s wishes to expand and explore that spur on commerce and trade between nations, and that the Sultan would be just as happy to remain inside the beautiful paradise and isolation of Shagraid, protecting it from the rest of the world.

The Rite of Aredvi has been celebrated by the peoples of Zakhara for generations under different names.  The goddess Aredvi was also known as Sune, the goddess of fertility in many forms - of love, land, mind, and power - the latter two became wisdom and horses, which are of utmost importance to the people of the desert. After opening Shagraid, the Crown Prince took the Rite of Aredvi from a small village festival to being a national competition which showcases elegance, skill, and might of his people - to this end, the Crown Prince never competes, he only judges.  Not all approve of the Rite in its newest form, as It is said that the Prince’s love of women is usurped only by his love of horses… Some families have refused to allow their daughters to go for this reason, while many more urge them to go for the same.

Those who are his favored selection gain these vital 3 benefits in the coming year:

1 - Horse breeding rites for both parties to choose one stallion from the other side to breed with their mares.

2 - When the stallions are traded, they will be kept at the respective cities location until the first mare foals, requiring a retinue of people from both locations to reside onsite and partake in the ruler’s dinner table - these people then double as ambassadors and advocates.  This means the winner’s people get a direct, prioritized line to the Crown Prince’s ear.

3 - Riches of the winner’s choosing: gold, food, or other materials totalling 50k gold pieces.

As a maiden who has been invited to Shagraid, you have already competed at qualifying events, and know that this is your final stage and will be judged by how well you display the 3 attributes the Crown Prince is looking for.  You can decide who you are, and the why and how of being on this journey - these are the only parameters:

1 - you must be a humanoid creature.

2 - you are a level 7 character, dual classing is allowed.

3 - you must flavor whatever your choices are with an “arabian fantasy” feel, with the why/how they would exist in the setting detailed above - think 1001 Nights meets the magic of Harry Potter. 

Your horse will take the stats of a basic warhorse EXCEPT - you may choose to switch these attributes with each other to better suit your build:  STR/DEX, CON/CHA, INT/WIS:

The horse can be of any breed you choose, as long as it makes sense.  For purposes of the competition, your abilities score mods will be added to your horse’s mods when performing together.

As long as they are within this range, I am open to pretty much any options for classes/background/race (Volo, Mordenkainen’s Tashas…).  If you want something homebrew, just reach out to me.