You are escorting a sentient sword to an event.
You… (roll 1d6 or decide)
- Want to be here. Your ambition is to be a hero worthy of a sword like this, or you want to meet someone at the event, or you've just never been to things like this. How exciting!
- Have to be here. You're a member of the hero's family, a descendant of their inner circle, the sword's official keeper at the castle, or otherwise obligated to attend functions like this.
- Were invited to be here. Maybe you know why, maybe you don't. Which is it? Either way, someone important and connected to the sword's custody approached you.
- Are here under protest. You weren't anyone's first choice, but somehow the way these things get decided means you've been entrusted with an invaluable talking weapon and told to be sociable.
- Aren't sure why you're here. Someone with authority over you thrust the sword into your hands a few hours ago, said "go make it happy", and provided you with invitations.
- Shouldn't be here. You snuck in, perhaps to steal something - even the sword. Now you're playing along at being an escort, but is that part of your plan, or a desperate gamble to stay ahead of someone looking for you?
The sentient sword… (roll 1d6 or decide)
- Is old and curmudgeonly and prefers battle to talk. It's going to be full of war stories and glory and lovingly detailed descriptions of severed body parts.
- Is mysterious and only speaks in rhyme, or an ancient language, or through obscure metaphors. It's hard to pin down what it wants or why it does anything.
- Is eldritch and portentous. It has a prophecy or two it can deliver to the unwary, shares unsettling secrets with unwilling listeners, and is generally ready to take this event straight into Creepytown.
- Is from a culture unlike your own, and is full of weird sayings and odd comparisons. What is a bro'chuk and why is severing it good for the holidays? Where did the original hero get this thing anyway?
- Might just be evil, but has done a pretty good job of concealing that from anyone who might object. Is that just your imagination - or is the sword letting you see this side of itself for a reason?
- Is silent, but you know it's listening. And judging. Mostly you. And yet, it may speak at any time…
Whatever the truth, the sword was wielded by a hero at one time, and has undeniably seen some shit.
The event… (roll 1d6 or decide)
- Is a big formal affair at a big important place, like a social function at a castle. People here will wear dresses worth more than a peasant makes in a year. Think about how you know that. Either way, it's going to be terribly officious and someone will be announcing people by name as they enter. There's likely to be ballroom dancing. Everyone here will have titles, except you.
- Is an important cultural celebration - First Fruits of the New Year, commemoration of the victory over the Skornlings, something like that. If there was a fight back of this, the sword is tied to it. There's going to be lots of themed decorations, smiling faces, and patriotism. How much do you really belong here? How much do you think you belong?
- Is a more local, civic affair - a party thrown by a Duke where his daughter can debut, maybe. The sword is here to class the joint up, and you're just along to carry it. The food is likely to be excellent. But there's guaranteed to be an undercurrent of something, something you aren't privy to. At first.