Publisher's blurb:
A side adventure that is perfect for dropping into that big fantasy metropolis! This adventure is system and edition generic but is easily compatible with the more popular fantasy role playing systems and their various editions and spin offs. Important equipment is discussed, allowing the Game Master (GM) to quickly flesh out needed stats. Values of found treasure are mentioned in the standard copper/silver/gold format, with the 100/10/1 ratio in mind. Many things that the characters will find are commodity items that have been stolen from passing caravans before being traded to Falgimus the crooked fence. The author has intentionally left these values out as some of the more popular games have set commodity price values for most of the goods. The GM should be able to guess an overall worth for all of this if they do not have pre-existing values on hand.
Abode of the Footpad Fence is designed more for lower level characters who have had at least one or two lesser adventures under their belt. There are a few notable encounters mixed into the estate’s 21 numbered locations. There’s also a number of traps that can mess up the party’s chances of an easy success. While considered a “side adventure” the location offers enough to allow the GM to run this as a full fledged single setting adventure. Combine a complex and dangerous cavern system to the connected underground passage then a trip to the fence’s abode could lead to many an evening of gaming!
The treasure to be had from this place might be on the high end of typical value for a group of lower leveled explorers. Like most things on the adventurer’s trail there’s a catch or two. First, a fair amount of the valuable items to be discovered are bulky. This is the kind of stuff that is stored in crates and barrels and loaded up on a trader’s wagon.
The cavernous passage out of the cellar (area 21 on the map) ends after a couple of squares. It is up to the GM to decide how far away from the building that this passage goes and how complex it is. The passage could be a simple 1 to 3 mile tunnel that leads to a small cave opening near one of the main trail routes. In such an event the travel through the cavernous tunnel might be safe and relatively uneventful. It could be equally as possible, however, that the cavernous tunnels is connected to a complex serious of underground rooms, passageways, sewers, and crypts that exist below the city and beyond. In such case the underground entrance/exit of the abode could allow the characters to journey into a much greater series of adventures… possibly even an entire campaign!
Background:
Claiming to be a semi-retired spice merchant, Falgimus the Fence was able to set up operations several years ago without bringing in too much suspicion to himself. Whenever the authority did start to take note the silver tongued scoundrel would pay off crooked watchmen to look the other way and proclaim the fence’s innocence to the ruling authority. Naturally, when needed Falgimus is not above hiring a cut throat or even getting his own hands dirty…
The estate of the fence has a key advantage as its cellar connects to a series of underground passageways. The various footpads and scoundrels that associate with Falgimus use this passage system to deliver goods after a successful caravan robbery. It also allows potential customers to come and go without drawing the attention of the local authority. Though the estate’s main entry is a storefront of sorts it is rare to actually see any customer or peddler go in. The bold, the desperate, and the discreet rely on the tunnel system to handle their regular illict business with the fence. Naturally, you need to be on working terms with Falgimus before you can use this method. After all, there is a required password to get in through the cellar doors.
Though Falgimus preaches moderation and caution to his associates he is not the direct employer over most of the footpads, robbers, and scoundrels. The folks that do business with Falgimus are responsible for plotting and carrying out their own heists. Falgimus merely purchases stolen goods at a rock bottom rate and then sells the goods to unsavory caravan owners at a price that undercuts honest market rates. When times get tough the thieves that sell loot to the fence tend to get a bit sloppy and greedy along the city’s major trade routes...