Museum Piece
A one-shot system-agnostic module for role playing games for 2-6 players of any type
A mysterious exhibit. A murdered curator. Discover the Museum of Truth and Beauty
Draft version
The images below are drawn by me and are the best I can manage on my own. If there is enough interest out there it will be time to hire a professional to redraw them.
System Agnostic Construction
This module is designed so that no meaningful combat is needed to resolve the story, nor are any special abilities required. As such, it can be dropped into any setting to provide a quick side quest or it can be played on its own.
Introduction
You suddenly find yourself at an open door and being summoned inside by an elderly guard: “Come quick! The curator is dead!” You have an odd feeling that the door appeared suddenly and as soon as it did so, it had always been there. The curator’s body lies in a pool of blood in the opulent foyer of the museum. The aged guard entreats you to help find the killer and bring them to justice. What do you do?
Foyer
Two statues face each other across an exquisite white marble floor. The walls are rose marble veined with gold, the ceiling arched obsidian inlaid with quartz stars.
On the left, a sculpture of a winged warrior with a shining spear alights on the prow of a warship. On the right, a nude warrior armed only with a sling stands on a rock.
Between the two statues, a large map of the gallery shows exhibits shaded in different colours (white, yellow, green). It is lit from within.
There is a coat check on the right and an information kiosk on the left. Two entrances to the exhibit are on the far wall behind screens, one on the right and one on the left.
The Map
The map is in the centre of the wall opposite to the door. It glows from within, shedding a pearly light. It displays a top view of the exhibits inside, some shaded in yellow or green. There is a plaque at the base in an unfamiliar language.
Information Kiosk
This cubby is to the left of the entrance in the corner. There is a desk, chair, garbage can and a shelf with a couple of dusty books on it. On the extreme left is a shelf half-filled with scrolls.
Winged Triumph
A depiction of the Goddess Nike alighting on the bow of a ship of war. She reaches to the sky in a victorious gesture. In her left hand is the Spear Aspirant.
Coat Check
Located to the right of the main entrance, it features a counter, coat racks, cubbies and hooks. There are a lot of coats and jackets, enough that all the hangers are filled and some are piled up in corners.
Ludovico’s David
This masterpiece embodies the essence of courage. The young man faces down his gigantic enemy, his own fear and the forces of destiny with naught but a sling and his own resolve, burning so brightly that it banishes the dark.
The Adventure Begins
You hear the massive main doors close behind you. Through the windows the view has changed. Instead of where you just came from, there is now only a shifting void. You hear unearthly winds howling outside, even through the thick oak doors, and realize you may be here for a while…