| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| chamber101 |
Posted - 28 Jul 2011 : 23:51:30
The Chosen get lots of interweb space and generate as much controversy as they do applause.
In my campaign (1374) I am toying with the idea of Mystryl returning to The Realms, Midnight becomes mortal once more, and the Chosen are no longer needed/wanted by Mystryl.
The story will result in the chosen growing weaker and dying, say over a year, and eventually end with their deaths (they will be aware of this).
I would like your input and suggestions on such a world changing occurance - what would be the consequences and what plans would the relevant chosen make to protect their interests before they pass.
I was thinking primarily the Aglarond/Thay situation with no Simbul, The Silver Marches without Alustriel and Waterdeep/Silver Stars without Khelben.
Any thoughts/ideas? |
| 29 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 01 Aug 2011 : 16:48:15
The concept I might recommend you go for is not tipping off your enemy about your weakness, and trying to make them think you're still too powerful to attack.
You might consider starting that arc of the campaign with a "sort-of" failed attack by the Simbul on Thayan forces, where several red wizards are surprised to do much better than they expected. Somehow, they even *repel* the Simbul, and are briefly elated . . . before all her apprentices show up and blast them to smithereens. The seeds of doubt have been planted, however: Thay starts to suspect that the Simbul is not as powerful as she once was, so they send out spies to get to the truth of it. It's up to the PCs to root out these spies, and maybe stage some attempts to fake Simbul sightings (illusion spells on their own powerful spellcasters, for instance).
No doubt it all goes wrong somehow, and as a last ditch effort, the Simbul decides that the only way to ensure the safety of Aglarond is to cripple, madden, or kill every last red wizard in Thay . . . and the PCs need to come along and help. It's a suicide mission, but hey, the Simbul was always going to go down in a blaze of glory and violence, right?
Cheers
|
| chamber101 |
Posted - 01 Aug 2011 : 15:21:46
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
quote:
Originally posted by chamber101
like i said earlier, anything after 1374 is very lucid in my campaign. The 4e spell plague switch over is not happening.
The idea is not to say that 4e events should be canon in your game--only that they offer some insight into what might happen with a sudden absence/depowering of the Chosen.
The situation in your game (of a suddenly depowered Simbul but a robust Thay that hasn't gone through the Spellplague or Szass Tam's big for power) is quite different from the "both sides crippled" that we see in the Haunted Lands trilogy. I would suggest that keeping up appearances as Aglarond's protector is of utmost importance to the Simbul: while she's there, Thay has got to know that they can't win, so her defeat would be a dangerously symbolic event of Thay's impending triumph over Aglarond.
Cheers
Ah I see. And I agree, The Simbul would not just rest on her laurels as she faded, there will definitely be some suprises left behind for would be invaders, and the beauty is that those invaders that know the Simbul, will know she will be making plans and will try their best to discover what those plans are.
Hmmm, I think the characters could get involved in finding a Thayan spy in Aglarond. |
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 01 Aug 2011 : 15:12:42
quote:
Originally posted by chamber101
like i said earlier, anything after 1374 is very lucid in my campaign. The 4e spell plague switch over is not happening.
The idea is not to say that 4e events should be canon in your game--only that they offer some insight into what might happen with a sudden absence/depowering of the Chosen.
The situation in your game (of a suddenly depowered Simbul but a robust Thay that hasn't gone through the Spellplague or Szass Tam's big for power) is quite different from the "both sides crippled" that we see in the Haunted Lands trilogy. I would suggest that keeping up appearances as Aglarond's protector is of utmost importance to the Simbul: while she's there, Thay has got to know that they can't win, so her defeat would be a dangerously symbolic event of Thay's impending triumph over Aglarond.
Cheers |
| The Sage |
Posted - 30 Jul 2011 : 07:18:28
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Grin. Maybe we should co-write it.... :) Cough, then I can pester you to actually get it done! Grins.
Well, now that you mention it, I've been flicking through Secrets of the Magister and looking over what we do actually know about the Silent Chosen, in the hopes of possibly writing something about her.
If you're serious about co-writing an article, though, let me know via email or Facebook, and we'll get to brainstorming on potential ideas.
|
| Kuje |
Posted - 30 Jul 2011 : 05:44:31
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Everyone always forgets that the Srinshee is a Chosen. Plus there's Alvaerele Tasundrym as well.
Tasundrym is most often overlooked as well. But that's understandable, I suppose. As the "Silent Chosen" most do not even know that this particular Magister/Chosen exists, but her position has become so very important as she acts as a guardian for those things that Mystra I wished to remain unknown.
Indeed. I feel bad for Alvaerele. She's always so neglected. It just makes me want to write a story or article about her. LOL.
You've just given me an idea.
Something for the "To-Do" list, for sure.
Grin. Maybe we should co-write it.... :) Cough, then I can pester you to actually get it done! Grins. |
| chamber101 |
Posted - 30 Jul 2011 : 05:16:17
like i said earlier, anything after 1374 is very lucid in my campaign. The 4e spell plague switch over is not happening. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 30 Jul 2011 : 05:13:31
quote:
Originally posted by Eltheron
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
The Simbul is Aglarond's most potent defense; sheer terror of her and her abilities has alone kept many Red Wizards in check. I don't think her council is strong enough to hold for long against the waves of assaults Thay would launch if they knew she wasn't there.
Agreed. The Red Wizards and Szass Tam himself admitted it. Taking away The Simbul is tantamount to handing Aglarond over to Thay.
Except that this didn't happen. In 4E, the Simbul is no longer queen of Aglarond. And yet Aglarond survived, even with Szass Tam's takeover of Thay - and all of its resources under his sole command. 
Just saying. 
IN THIS THREAD, there has been a lot of conjectures as to Aglarond's survival after Alassra left to nurse her wounds. Ed said it's NDA. Though one might say her departure is only temporary, and that Tam knows it, or at the very least suspects it, and so is wary in his dealings with Aglarond. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 30 Jul 2011 : 04:35:37
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Everyone always forgets that the Srinshee is a Chosen. Plus there's Alvaerele Tasundrym as well.
Tasundrym is most often overlooked as well. But that's understandable, I suppose. As the "Silent Chosen" most do not even know that this particular Magister/Chosen exists, but her position has become so very important as she acts as a guardian for those things that Mystra I wished to remain unknown.
Indeed. I feel bad for Alvaerele. She's always so neglected. It just makes me want to write a story or article about her. LOL.
You've just given me an idea.
Something for the "To-Do" list, for sure.
|
| chamber101 |
Posted - 30 Jul 2011 : 03:34:19
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
England might be too far to commute, but I'll second Eltheron's request: Do report on how the campaign's going. We'd love to see your progress and offer some ideas if you're ever in need.
Cheers
haha lovely.
we could have a whip around for your weekly air fair!
I will keep you posted on how it all pans out! it might stretch over weeks or months depending on what the Players pick up on and run with!!! can't wait! |
| Eltheron |
Posted - 30 Jul 2011 : 03:29:51
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
The Simbul is Aglarond's most potent defense; sheer terror of her and her abilities has alone kept many Red Wizards in check. I don't think her council is strong enough to hold for long against the waves of assaults Thay would launch if they knew she wasn't there.
Agreed. The Red Wizards and Szass Tam himself admitted it. Taking away The Simbul is tantamount to handing Aglarond over to Thay.
Except that this didn't happen. In 4E, the Simbul is no longer queen of Aglarond. And yet Aglarond survived, even with Szass Tam's takeover of Thay - and all of its resources under his sole command.
Just saying.
|
| Kuje |
Posted - 30 Jul 2011 : 02:27:44
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Everyone always forgets that the Srinshee is a Chosen. Plus there's Alvaerele Tasundrym as well.
Tasundrym is most often overlooked as well. But that's understandable, I suppose. As the "Silent Chosen" most do not even know that this particular Magister/Chosen exists, but her position has become so very important as she acts as a guardian for those things that Mystra I wished to remain unknown.
Indeed. I feel bad for Alvaerele. She's always so neglected. It just makes me want to write a story or article about her. LOL. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 30 Jul 2011 : 02:00:53
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
The Simbul is Aglarond's most potent defense; sheer terror of her and her abilities has alone kept many Red Wizards in check. I don't think her council is strong enough to hold for long against the waves of assaults Thay would launch if they knew she wasn't there.
Agreed. The Red Wizards and Szass Tam himself admitted it. Taking away The Simbul is tantamount to handing Aglarond over to Thay. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 30 Jul 2011 : 01:26:38
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Everyone always forgets that the Srinshee is a Chosen. Plus there's Alvaerele Tasundrym as well.
Tasundrym is most often overlooked as well. But that's understandable, I suppose. As the "Silent Chosen" most do not even know that this particular Magister/Chosen exists, but her position has become so very important as she acts as a guardian for those things that Mystra I wished to remain unknown. |
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 22:50:08
England might be too far to commute, but I'll second Eltheron's request: Do report on how the campaign's going. We'd love to see your progress and offer some ideas if you're ever in need.
Cheers |
| Eltheron |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 22:16:49
Interesting campaign ideas, chamber101. You'll have to let us know how things unfold.
|
| chamber101 |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 19:33:47
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Your campaign sounds so cool. I am officially jealous.
You can join if you like - we play 1pm till 8pm every sunday... in England! 
quote:
A couple other thoughts, based on what you posted:
1) Play up emotional ties your PCs have to various chosen.
Indeed, our game is 60% Role-play and 40% roll-play so they will really get their teeth into this!
quote:
A side effect of her mortal life might be that she can actually have children now; so think of it as a biological clock that's been on snooze for the past few centuries. (Wow!) If I were running this, I'd make her a mortal in her thirties, not facing imminent death (though she can certainly be killed). Whether she retires to live out her days as a mortal (with a family) or dies in the end protecting the PCs or the reborn goddess is totally up to the story.
Love it Love it Love it
quote:
2) Have your characters participate in some of these epic clashes.
Way ahead of you!
quote:
An orc horde is something every PC should do at least once.
One of the best moments in our campaign a few years back was helping the Dwarves of Felbarr repel another attempt by Obauld to take the citadel.
quote:
3) I still think the "Mystryl is Shar reborn" thing fits, particularly with so many converts to her cause. This would also be a GREAT epic secret for Shar to have.
Agreed, i'd have to pull on a few established plot points to make this work but I can see this being a great twist and really entertaining my players.
quote:
4) I love the "there can be only one" Chosen thing. Do some of the Chosen fight over the right to be it? Will it fall to Storm, but she rejects it, wanting to live (and die) as a mortal?
hmmm, Highlander anyone?
I dont think they would turn on each other but some of them will definitely attempt to appeal to Chatrel so that she picks them over the others!
quote:
and you should certainly feel free to play up the JLA Chosen thing for your game, if that's what you want to do.
I do not see them that way either and have played them as distant and somewhat feared by the normal folk as is Mystra and her church.
The TOT is still fresh in some peoples minds and IMC Mystra (Midnight) got as much bad press as Helm did!
Thanks again |
| Diffan |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 19:33:36
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
No one said she had to promote evil -- just that she couldn't limit the use of magic for evil purposes.
I believed I asked the question a few months ago about the presence of evil chosen and was answered that there are some (apparently). Seeing as that she gives actual divine power to such beings is a clear violation of being "Good Alignment" IMO. And I'm certain those of her clergy are all Good or neutral in alignment and would do anything (possibly evil acts) to further their magical goals. Clerics and Cleric/Wizards of Mystra aren't restricted to being Evil in their alignment and when she grants their spells.....?? Can't say that's a Good deity in my book. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 19:17:40
quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
And I still don't understand why Midnight having a good alignment is such an issue. The only time her alignment has ever been a factor in her stewardship of magic was in a single novel, and she was soundly slapped down and forced to act in a neutral manner in that same novel. It was a plotpoint in a single novel, and has never had any effect on the game world.
I think it goes along with the "If God is good, why does he allow X to happen?" theory. But we know she's Good, we know she provideds powers to mortal beings, and yet as a deity of magic how can she be good yet promote evil mortals to reign destruction down on innocent people? If she's good, then why are there evil Chosen? Why would she allow spells that drain the life from living beings to fuel necromancy? Those really don't sound like "goodly" ideals to me. As Lawful Neutral, allowing those things doesn't go against her ethos. The lawful state of magic (following it's own rules like* a science) is important and is shown in her Lawful alignment. Magic can be used for either good or evil but not necessarily disposed to one or the other. This shows a Neutral state and is reflected in her alignment.
But all of those things are thrown out the window as she has a "Good" alignment. IMO, you really can't be good and yet be fine with promoting evil (possibly down-right murderous) things like life-draining spells or spells that can destroy cities.
*: Magic is often viewed to be used and studied like science and thus, often follows rules of law like Gravity and the like. However, magic can be wild and un-controllable and doesn't always work within it's own rules of law.
No one said she had to promote evil -- just that she couldn't limit the use of magic for evil purposes. |
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 19:01:13
Your campaign sounds so cool. I am officially jealous.
A couple other thoughts, based on what you posted:
1) Play up emotional ties your PCs have to various chosen. The tie between the PC and Alustriel, for instance, makes for serious drama (and vs. Methrammar and Taern as well). My suggestion basically uses Storm as a friend and potential romantic interest for one or more PCs--look into that. A side effect of her mortal life might be that she can actually have children now; so think of it as a biological clock that's been on snooze for the past few centuries. (Wow!) If I were running this, I'd make her a mortal in her thirties, not facing imminent death (though she can certainly be killed). Whether she retires to live out her days as a mortal (with a family) or dies in the end protecting the PCs or the reborn goddess is totally up to the story.
2) Have your characters participate in some of these epic clashes. They should take part in the fight against Thay--in fact, the Simbul might request they come and help. Use Alustriel's death as a rallying point for factions in Many Arrows, some of which (not Obould) want to raid the Silver Marches; facing an orc horde is something every PC should do at least once.
3) I still think the "Mystryl is Shar reborn" thing fits, particularly with so many converts to her cause. This would also be a GREAT epic secret for Shar to have.
4) I love the "there can be only one" Chosen thing. Do some of the Chosen fight over the right to be it? Will it fall to Storm, but she rejects it, wanting to live (and die) as a mortal?
On the question of the Chosen-as-Justice-League thing: I believe I made myself clear that I don't see the Chosen that way and consider that only one (and not a terribly accurate) way to view/use them. That said, this campaign idea is a great one, and you should certainly feel free to play up the JLA Chosen thing for your game, if that's what you want to do.
Cheers |
| chamber101 |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 18:51:28
Just had another controversial thought - Mystryl might lift Mystras ban beleiving (perhaps naively) that mortals have now learned their lessons through Karsus's folly and has hated that magic has not been allowed to reach its full potential.
(It would be easy to convert 10th level+ spells for my campaign) |
| chamber101 |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 18:47:59
Erik, thanks for your post I love everything you have suggested and much of it matches my own thoughts also.
Etheron, I agree that the Chosen are not a Justice League of Faerun, indeed in many countries they aren't liked that much. I play them as being quite distant in many ways.
Just so you are aware, I am running a group of 5 (sometimes 6) players through the realms and after 12 years of paly, they ahve several characters each of around 10th, 15th and epic (26th) levels. These Epic characters are the ones who will be central to this plot.
The 10th level characters are currently 2 years ahead in the time line running through the Tearing of The Weave/Shadowdale/Anuaroch trilogy so Sylune's role and passing has already been played out and her ultimate destiny is now revealed to the players. This also may be the reason that Elminster (and others) is absent from the events in those adventures.
As for the Epic characters, these events will bring both campaign arcs level in regard to time frame.
They are known heroes of the realms (particulary the north) and have defeated Sarya, Sammaster and a host of home brew villains. They are freinds of Alustriel (one of them intimately), Taern, Methrammar and other important NPCs. One of them is a paladin of Mystra (Mystryl) and has built a stronghold in the North near the borders of Dark Arrow and Alustriels envoy to the kingdom of the orcs is based out of his castle.
Here is the set up as so far played over the past few months that lead to my post:
Recently, Shar was destroyed for a short time (a plot by Cyric and Mask and a book called the Tome of Whispers - very long story) and lost several portfolios to Selune (Night), Cyric (Secrets) and Mask (Darkness) so she is severely weakened in my campaign.
This has heralded the return of two of the old gods - Mystryl for one and Aumanator (sp) through the Risen Sun Heresy. They will be busy trying to regain some of their old portfolios from their Netherese days.
Mystryl took over the Shadowweave and so many more evil followers have now turned to her in the absence of the Lady of Loss (ironic that they turned because they had lost their goddess). Both Mystryl and Selune (due to her absorbing Night) are now much darker faiths and over the next few years their followers will notice severe differences, some unpalatable.
Midnight - now a mortal was returned wearing a pendant - this pendant will give the power to keep ONE of the Chosen and a PC called Chatrel (Responsible for ending Sammaster) has been charged with this decision.
The PCs have however already vowed to visit each of them individually at the request of Alustriel so Chatrel can make her decision wisely.
ALUSTRIEL: Methrammar's duties would increase tenfold at the request of his mother and I might play some tensions between Methrammar and Taern.
SIMBUL: heroic death invading Thay? Love it.
ELMINSTER: Willing to fade away, he is the one most accepting of his destiny knowing this day would come.
STORM: indeed she may travel with the pcs for a while and certainly the last to die.
KHELBEN/LAERAL: i havent read Blackstaff so will endevour to do so. This will give me insight into their next actions.
DOVE: Floring may lose faith as he watches his beloved die and turn darker, perhaps even evil through anger and insanity whilst Dove accepts her fate.
QILUE: I like Eltherons suggestion; Quilue may survive, granted mortal life by Eilistraee (perhaps not a chosen but a natural lifespan).
So many ideas i'm going to try and be selective so as not to bog the campaign down with too many threads.
Thanks again and for taking the time to read my babbling!
|
| Diffan |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 18:32:36
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
And I still don't understand why Midnight having a good alignment is such an issue. The only time her alignment has ever been a factor in her stewardship of magic was in a single novel, and she was soundly slapped down and forced to act in a neutral manner in that same novel. It was a plotpoint in a single novel, and has never had any effect on the game world.
I think it goes along with the "If God is good, why does he allow X to happen?" theory. But we know she's Good, we know she provideds powers to mortal beings, and yet as a deity of magic how can she be good yet promote evil mortals to reign destruction down on innocent people? If she's good, then why are there evil Chosen? Why would she allow spells that drain the life from living beings to fuel necromancy? Those really don't sound like "goodly" ideals to me. As Lawful Neutral, allowing those things doesn't go against her ethos. The lawful state of magic (following it's own rules like* a science) is important and is shown in her Lawful alignment. Magic can be used for either good or evil but not necessarily disposed to one or the other. This shows a Neutral state and is reflected in her alignment.
But all of those things are thrown out the window as she has a "Good" alignment. IMO, you really can't be good and yet be fine with promoting evil (possibly down-right murderous) things like life-draining spells or spells that can destroy cities.
*: Magic is often viewed to be used and studied like science and thus, often follows rules of law like Gravity and the like. However, magic can be wild and un-controllable and doesn't always work within it's own rules of law. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 18:09:27
quote:
Originally posted by Eltheron
I don't know... I disagree with the whole notion that the Chosen are some kind of Justice League of Faerun, without which many territories would fall into chaos. They're important to Mystra, but every single one of the nations they're involved with could survive just fine without all of them. They're just not that important.
Alustriel: her son would take over, there would be a state funeral, that's about it.
The Simbul: her apprentices and her council would take over defense of Aglarond, and there would be a state funeral.
Storm: the Harpers would hold a funeral and a wake, and songs would be written, that's all.
Elminster: the malaugrym might have a little resurgence, his old friends would hold a funeral, and Manshoon might dance on his grave, but that's all.
Khelben and Laeral: the Blackstaff and the tower would go to someone else, who would take on his mantle.
Sylune: she's mostly gone anyway, she'd just pass on into true death; no one might notice the difference, really.
Dove: the Harpers and a few friends might hold a funeral and a wake, that's about it.
Qilue: Eilistraee would choose another to become her Chosen, and that'd be about it.
Honestly, I think people give them way too much credit for "holding together" various realms; the novels make them look way more important than they really are.
That said, I do think Midnight's apotheosis was a horrible thing for Mystra. Changing the LN Mystra into a good deity was one of the worst decisions made for the Realms. Mystryl, was also my favorite of the various presentations of the goddess of Magic.
I can't agree with some of your points... Storm and Elminster have been the primary reason for Zhentil Keep's continual inability to conquer Shadowdale. The Simbul is Aglarond's most potent defense; sheer terror of her and her abilities has alone kept many Red Wizards in check. I don't think her council is strong enough to hold for long against the waves of assaults Thay would launch if they knew she wasn't there.
And I still don't understand why Midnight having a good alignment is such an issue. The only time her alignment has ever been a factor in her stewardship of magic was in a single novel, and she was soundly slapped down and forced to act in a neutral manner in that same novel. It was a plotpoint in a single novel, and has never had any effect on the game world. |
| Kuje |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 18:08:23
Everyone always forgets that the Srinshee is a Chosen. Plus there's Alvaerele Tasundrym as well. |
| Eltheron |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 16:53:19
I don't know... I disagree with the whole notion that the Chosen are some kind of Justice League of Faerun, without which many territories would fall into chaos. They're important to Mystra, but every single one of the nations they're involved with could survive just fine without all of them. They're just not that important.
Alustriel: her son would take over, there would be a state funeral, that's about it.
The Simbul: her apprentices and her council would take over defense of Aglarond, and there would be a state funeral.
Storm: the Harpers would hold a funeral and a wake, and songs would be written, that's all.
Elminster: the malaugrym might have a little resurgence, his old friends would hold a funeral, and Manshoon might dance on his grave, but that's all.
Khelben and Laeral: the Blackstaff and the tower would go to someone else, who would take on his mantle.
Sylune: she's mostly gone anyway, she'd just pass on into true death; no one might notice the difference, really.
Dove: the Harpers and a few friends might hold a funeral and a wake, that's about it.
Qilue: Eilistraee would choose another to become her Chosen, and that'd be about it.
Honestly, I think people give them way too much credit for "holding together" various realms; the novels make them look way more important than they really are.
That said, I do think Midnight's apotheosis was a horrible thing for Mystra. Changing the LN Mystra into a good deity was one of the worst decisions made for the Realms. Mystryl, was also my favorite of the various presentations of the goddess of Magic.
|
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 15:50:40
This is a neat campaign idea, and one that really plays on the Chosen being this sort of global peacekeeping force, without which the Realms would fall apart. Personally, I think that's a misunderstanding of the Chosen and their role, but there's no reason you can't play that up in your own campaign. This gives you lots of opportunity for the supposed "powers" of the setting to hand over the Realms to a new band of heroes: the PCs.
Speaking as a writer and a DM, I wouldn't waste the opportunities offered by the passing of the Chosen. The PCs might experience any or all of their deaths in game, and they should die as they lived, doing that which needs doing.
I also think you might consider having the Chosen invest the PCs with some of their own power. For instance, if the PCs help preserve the Silver Marches, Alustriel might give them some of her last, lingering power before passing peacefully away. This also leads into the concept of a villain who is going around stealing the Chosens' power. Eh?
Here's my take on what you should consider when handling the loss of each of the Chosen, taken to an extreme (i.e. assuming they actually are the only line of defense between the Realms and total darkness).
ALUSTRIEL:
quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
I think Alustriel would do what she did during the area of the Spellplague, hand as much power over to her son (can't remember his name)
Methrammar Aerasume.
Interested or not in the 4e FR, I think Diffan has a good point: looking at what happened to some of the regions without the Chosen to maintain them could be very helpful to your campaign.
The Silver Marches would stand on the brink of chaos, without Alustriel to keep a steady hand. If she goes away slowly, she'd spend the rest of her years doing everything she can to leave things stable and strong against nearby nations, such as Many-Arrows, which would see this as an opportunity to expand. How successful she is depends on the needs of your game and the actions of the PCs.
THE SIMBUL:
quote:
The Simbul would want to protect Aglarond to the best of her ability and a good, standing army would do just that.
Good ideas about the army. The Simbul I also see as someone who wouldn't go down quietly. She has enough personal power to maintain her campaign against Thay--she might even launch a counter-invasion, knowing that her time is limited. Regardless, you might consider having her die heroically in battle (or at least seem to do so).
ELMINSTER:
The Old Mage isn't imbedded in ruling a country like the others are, but he's just as significant to keeping certain major powers (like Manshoon, the Maulagrym, etc.) in check. Losing him would be like taking your thumb out of the dyke in the dam: major evil could well trickle into the Realms or burst through ruptured floodgates. This would be considerably more subtle than the threats of Many Arrows or Thay, and Elminster's foes would probably act from the shadows for at least part of the campaign. A Maulagrym could well assume Elminster's shape and pretend to be him--the only Chosen spared the reset of Mystra.
STORM SILVERHAND:
If I were running the campaign, I'd have Storm be a contact for the PCs: she'd show up, growing weaker by the day, and ask them for help with some of the crises the Chosen were holding at bay. She also has substantial Harper connections, so she'd probably reach out to them for aid as well. Remember that Storm has delayed her own life for the sake of her duty, i.e., a life partner, children, family, etc., when she wants so badly to have these things. This should be a theme in your game.
If you're going to have any of the Chosen survive (at least for a while), you might consider having it be Storm. She could very easily lose her powers but still persist as a young or old woman with a beautiful singing voice. You could also have her become a regularly powered bard NPC, and have her accompany the heroes part of the time, though her powers keep waning as theirs keep waxing. If you go with the "transfer of power" concept, she might be the last one, and only die at the end of the campaign.
I think it would be a neat twist to have the PCs have to save her, rather than the other way around, if the assumption in your campaign is that the Chosen are the gatekeepers.
KHELBEN and LAERAL:
Read the novel Blackstaff if you haven't already. No doubt Khelben would pass his blackstaff to someone else to carry on as Lord Mage of Waterdeep, though that new wielder might not be nearly as powerful (and certainly wouldn't be a Chosen).
He and Laeral might well retire together to live out the last bit of their lives in peace, though it seems unlikely Khelben could quite abandon his role as spymaster on the Sword Coast. I think a cool story could be told about an aging-by-the-day Khelben who still issues orders to his spies and agents.
Also consider the children angle--Khelben and Laeral have long wanted to have offspring, and you should consider whether your campaign allows them enough time to do so. (One of your PCs might even BE their child, in some way.)
SYLUNE:
The ghostly sister could vanish quite easily, or you might have lingering echoes of her persist in Shadowdale. If you make a demi-Elminster, Sylune might manifest to warn off PCs who seem to be trusting him. At the same time, Demi-Elminster "begs" the PCs to put his dear friend Sylune to rest--why not, if she's a threat to him?
DOVE:
Dove fills the same role as Storm, though she's less well known. I could see Florin coming to the PCs with a plea to save his dying wife, though that proves fruitless. Unlike Storm, Dove at least seems to have most of the things she wanted in her life: love, a family, friends, etc., so her passing wouldn't be such a tragedy.
QILUE:
I don't know if the events of The Lady Penitent factor into your plans, but Qilue is one of the seven sisters who is engaged in a pretty serious effort to hold back/redeem the drow. I might suggest she be the center of a kidnapping scheme, and the heroes have to venture into the Underdark to find her. She might perish on the way out, dying heroically but charging the heroes to carry on her task.
MIDNIGHT vs. MYSTRYL:
Not that Midnight is a Chosen, but she should be on the hit list as well. If I were running this campaign, "Mystryl" wouldn't be Mystryl at all but a manifestation of Shar or some other entity, or maybe it IS Mystryl but one that is completely pitiless and will go to any lengths to ensure its own power. Regardless, one of its priorities would be removing any potential threat (i.e. Midnight). This is much like a king needing to get rid of any potential contenders for the throne.
Man, I might need to run ANOTHER campaign now! (Or at least incorporate some of these ideas into my existing 3.5 game.)
Cheers |
| chamber101 |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 14:45:59
Thanks for your ideas.
I am not interested in Realms 4.0 so am disregarding the canon history post 1374ish.
However, The Simbul bringing an army of warforged to protect Aglarond is a fine idea. These are the sort of steps I can imagine the Chosen taking to safeguard their charges.
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Instead, you might want to consider stripping the Chosen of their Chosen status---taking away Mystra's favor and her silverfire---but keeping them alive, or some of them at least.
The Chosen actually dying is part of the plot for my Realms and it fits in with Mystryls return. I am not concerned over the work I have to put into the political changes in Faerun (Aglarond/Thay in particular of course) so am looking for ideas on what else might befall The Realms without any chosen.
There are so many enemies of light kept in check by the Chosen that dark times definitely lie ahead (and thats exactly how I like it!) |
| Diffan |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 00:39:12
I think Alustriel would do what she did during the area of the Spellplague, hand as much power over to her son (can't remember his name) and maintain the city as best of her abilities. She knows she can't get the dwarves of Mithral Hall to come back into the Alliance with Nesmè and the others.
The Simbul would want to protect Aglarond to the best of her ability and a good, standing army would do just that. In my Realms, she had a vision of Lantan being destroyed so she teleported there to let them know of the impending doom. THey dismissed her as being crazy. So, in a moment of pure power, she was able to teleport a good portion of the Warforged created there straight to Aglarond to fight against the undead horde.
That's all I got. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 29 Jul 2011 : 00:36:56
Killing The Simbul would be...quite problematic. She's the sole deterrent of Thay's move against Aglarond. Before she passes, she would have to find a worthy and powerful enough replacement. And that in itself is a very difficult, if not impossible, task.
Instead, you might want to consider stripping the Chosen of their Chosen status---taking away Mystra's favor and her silverfire---but keeping them alive, or some of them at least. |
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