Urban Quake
The buildings all around begin to shake as the ground roils and the world trembles! The earthquake lasts for 5 (1d10) minutes. Dozens of townsfolk mill around in a panic—can the party save them?
Dangerous Debris. At the end of every minute pieces of building come loose and hurtle towards the party! Each creature in the area makes a Dexterity saving throw or it takes 5 (2d4) bludgeoning damage.
Safe Spots. A Nature check reveals that earthquakes are more scary than dangerous, but can cause problems for buildings, and the safest place to stand is in a corner or doorway. Anyone that does so has advantage on saving throws made against Dangerous Debris.
If the adventurers save no townspeople, they trigger a critical failure. If they save fewer than 5, they trigger a failure. Saving between 5 and 10 is a success, and more than 10 is a critical success. Each check below takes one minute and saves 1d4 townspeople.
- An Engineering check (or a check made with tools the Narrator deems appropriate) to brace buildings that are shaking loose.
- A Persuasion check to direct townsfolk to safety.
- A Strength (Athletics) check to physically support a precarious building.
Potential Outcomes
Critical Failure: Dozens of townsfolk are killed and buildings destroyed. Inflation quickly sets in, doubling the prices of goods and services in the settlement.
Failure: Several buildings are damaged and townsfolk injured.
Success: The townsfolk and their settlement survive the earthquake without much incident.
Critical Success: The adventurers are lauded for their heroism by grateful townsfolk who do all they can to help the party. Roll twice on the Boons and Discoveries table.