The Thorns Beneath

About the adventure

The Thorns Beneath – A Gritty Political Intrigue Campaign Ardendale gleams with gilded spires and perfumed gardens, but beneath its finery, the Realm festers with secrets. Nobles vanish after midnight banquets, allies turn to traitors over whispered promises, and every rose in the court hides a thorn sharp enough to draw blood. You are no hero, no crowned heir—you are one of the Queen’s chosen agents. Bound by oath, desperation, or blackmail, you serve as her hidden hand in a city choking on pageantry and poison. When lords and ladies sip wine above, you will tread the shadows below, unmasking conspiracies and cutting away corruption before it devours the throne itself. But the more you dig, the more dangerous the truths become. Every name on your list has teeth, every favor costs blood, and every choice carves the Realm’s future. In this Realm, survival isn’t about honor—it’s about knowing which mask to wear, and when to draw the blade concealed beneath your cloak. The Story Ardendale is a city of roses, where silk hides daggers and feasts hide graves. Queen Adelynn, striving for reform and progress, finds herself surrounded by vipers who would rather strangle her vision than see it bloom. Disappearances among noble houses, whispered alliances in candlelit halls, and strange symbols appearing across the districts speak to a conspiracy deeper than any single lord or lady. To counter this, the Queen’s advisors have called upon you: a small, untrusted circle of agents. Spies, sellswords, knights, and reluctant conspirators—bound together to pry into the lies choking the Realm. But every investigation uncovers another knot of intrigue. To tug on one thread may unravel a dozen lives. And the further you go, the more you will learn: in Ardendale, there are no innocents, only players in a game where the stakes are crowns, kingdoms, and heads on pikes. Midnight tolls. The Queen waits. And her thorns seek purchase. What to Expect: 🗝️ Political Intrigue & Secrets – From hidden alliances to whispered scandals, you’ll navigate a web of lies, backroom deals, and deadly bargains. ⚔️ Swashbuckling Action – Duels in candlelit halls, rooftop chases across tiled spires, and blades flashing in shadowed gardens. 🕵️ Mystery & Conspiracy – Disappearances and coded letters hint at something darker lurking beneath noble squabbles. 💔 Hard Choices, Harder Consequences – You may need to make hard choices to protect the Realm Campaign Details: 🎲 Systems: Daggerheart ⏱️ Campaign Style: First act 20 sessions, steeped in intrigue, investigation, and swashbuckling drama ⏳ Duration: 2–3 hours per session ⚔️ Player Level: 1 – Ideal for those who thrive on political maneuvering, secrets, and blades in the dark 🌈🤝🏽 Inclusive Environment: A safe, supportive space for all, especially LGBTQ+ and BIPOC players. 🤝🏽🌈