Threshold: The Mystery (Patreon)

As I'm writing this, it's still too close to know whether we'll have the Fury or the Good Boy (Update: the Good Boy squeaked to victory), but there's a substantial lead for the Mystery, so I'm moving forward with that. Here's what we know. 

The Mystery is an enigmatic Tairnadal warrior who never removes their mask. They are here for a purpose they won't yet reveal, but while this mystery unfolds they are willing to put their deadly blades to use defending the town; they never back down from a good fight.

As I've mentioned in comments and on the Discord server, the point of this character is to BE mysterious and for there to be room for long-term speculation about their motives. Unlike the Tailor—where we as players have knowledge the characters don't—I want the Mystery to remain mysterious even to YOU. The facts we will establish in this poll tell us their capabilities and provide clues. If you play the Mystery you'll receive clear goals for the session—you want to kill this bandit leader—and those are further clues as to their motivation. But the point is for the Mystery to be dropping breadcrumbs, not spilling the beans. We know they have a reason to remain in Threshold, that they have a reason to help their fellow adventurers, and that they won't remove their mask. These things aren't in question. But the mystery that drives them. 

Our first clue is their class. The Horizon Walker ranger can sense planar portals and manifest zones, and will develop the power to slip between planes. Could they be an agent of Dolurrh's Queen of the Dead, or another planar power? The Monster Slayer ranger is focused on defeating supernatural threats—do they know of a long-term threat to Threshold? The Oath of Glory paladin receives unusually strong guidance from their ancestor, channeling that power as divine force. Why did their ancestor send them to Threshold?

The next question is their ancestor. The Mystery won't remove their zaelta, the mask that hides their face. The general purpose of this is that all glory goes to their ancestor, who's identified by their zaelshin amulet. While most of the people of Threshold can't identify a Tairnadal zaelshin, the Scholar surely can. So what does the zaelshin tell us? Is it tied to a well-known ancestor, which we'll determine afterward? Are they wearing a zaelshin tied to an unknown ancestor—which could mean that they are one of the only revenants tied to this ancestor? Or are they not wearing a zaelshin, meaning that they profess a tie to no ancestor—which could be because they've shamed their line or because they have sworn loyalty to some other higher power? 

Beyond this, the Mystery is carrying an ancient weapon. This isn't their only weapon, but it is likely tied to their ancestor and their mystery, and may be reflected by their fighting style. What is it? 

Another clue comes from their background. As an outlander they are entirely enigmatic, and made their way to Threshold living off the wild and with minimal contact with others. If they are an entertainer, they possess remarkable musical talent that they've shared at inns along their path; their ancient and haunting melodies are known throughout the region. If they're a folk hero, they have helped innocents throughout their journey across Khorvaire, and many respect this mysterious stranger. 

Finally, we don't have any FACTS about the Mystery, but we have RUMORS. The rumor that's chosen is one that is actively known in Threshold, and that the Mystery won't confirm or deny. Only time will tell if there's any truth to it, but it tells us how the townsfolk see this stranger. 

The poll will run for 48 hours. Thanks for your support!