Court Summons
A harried-looking winged imp approaches, clutching a large roll of parchment. It hovers in front of the party as the scroll begins to unroll. And unroll. And unroll. It’s a summons to serve as jury at the nearest infernal court. Such courts are often presided over by the devil that administrates an area. The summons is clearly a long and complicated contract, with intricate clauses and esoteric legalese. Would be worse to accept or reject the summons? It’s hard to say.
Acceptance. The adventurers can choose to accept the summons without question. In this case they immediately encounter the Infernal
Court exploration challenge (see below). They are only charged 2 (1d4) Supply and 100 gold in acknowledgment of their prompt reply.
Only a single check is needed to navigate this challenge. A single Insight or Religion check to properly interpret the summons by one member of the group would determine the best course of action, while a Persuasion or Culture check can allow the representative to bow out with proper social grace and flatteries. A bribe of 500 gold or the equivalent in treasure grants advantage on this check.
Potential Outcomes
Critical Failure. The adventurer either overlooks a vital clause or dawdles too long. The party immediately encounter the Infernal Court exploration challenge, and suffer disadvantage on all rolls made to overcome it. In addition, the party are expected to make an offering of 8 (2d6+1) Supply and 500 gold or the equivalent in treasure for the privilege of attending.
Failure. The adventurer figures out enough to know that they can either attend the court or pay a hefty fine: 4 (1d4+2) Supply and 1d6 x 100 gold worth of coins or precious items for failing to fulfill their “civic duty.” Failure to do so has no immediate consequence, but see the sidebar In Breach of Contract for the likely fallout.
Success. The adventurer figures out that with certain quick filings (provided by the imp) the adventurers can either duck out of this duty or fulfill their “civic duty” and gain favor in the eyes of Hell. If they attend the Infernal Court challenge, they gain an expertise die on all checks to overcome the challenge. Roll on the Boons and Discoveries table once the court business concludes, regardless of the outcome of that challenge.
Critical Success. The adventurer figures out how to navigate the dense legalese and exploit a number of loopholes, allowing them to accept or decline without negative consequence. If they decline, roll on the Boons and Treasure table. If they agree, the adventurers attend the court session without obligation or charge and gain advantage on rolls to overcome the challenge. Roll twice on the Boons and Discoveries table once the court business concludes, regardless of the outcome of that challenge.