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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36880 Posts |
 Posted - 15 May 2011 : 15:53:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Cleric Generic
quote:
Originally posted by CaptainTrips
Here it is, right here on Candlekeep:
http://www.candlekeep.com/bookshelf/downloads.htm
those links appear to be dead, unfortunately.
WotC moved the page with the links on it, but the files are still there. You can find current links in the Previous Edition Downloads -- Current Links scroll. 
quote:
Originally posted by Cleric Generic
- triggered statue-mounted lightning traps that, upon deactivation, remotely threw open the main gates of the Haunted Halls and allowed the zombie horde that chased the party in in the first instance to pour in. they were obliterated, including the giant mega-zombie, by some brilliant tactics on the party's part involving secret tunnels, psychological warfare and HUGE ammounts of fire.
Psychological warfare against mindless undead? How does that work? |
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 15 May 2011 15:53:34 |
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Aldrick
Senior Scribe
909 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2011 : 16:50:43
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I wondered the same thing Wooly. I laughed at picturing the party stuffing the gnome in the bag of holding because the player was late. Hilarious. 
I'd love to hear how they used psychological warfare against zombies... and how that problem was ultimately resolved with huge amounts of fire. |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2011 : 19:39:07
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hehe, yes, the bog-standard zombies were as mindless as you'd expect, but the mega-zombie had rudimentary intelligence, leading it to get very confused and frustrated when the PCs started running in circles around it and poping in and out of the afore mentioned secret tunnels. This lead the mega-zombie to throw a hissy fit and start lobbing the horde zombies all over the place. the horde was bottlenecked at one point and the mega-zombie started hurling those infront of it over it's shoulders to get at the party.
As for the fire, everyone in the party seems to have gone in for fire based spells/powers and fire enchanted weaponry, resulting in a serious BBQ at the zombie bottleneck. |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
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Aldrick
Senior Scribe
909 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2011 : 22:09:37
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Awesome. Good display of tactics on their part; especially good considering that they're so new to D&D.
Reading your accounts makes me wish I still had a group and could be playing! |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2011 : 23:19:37
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T'was a good play on their part, they're pretty good at coming up with plans and hijinks on the spot. My favourite part of them being so new is that they don't really think like gamers; they're not familiar with the cliches and genre conventions, etc. Case in point, early on they found some colourful mushrooms on a dead goblin priest, so the de facto party leader promptly gobbled the lot and was treated to visions of a fiery, towering monster ranting about world dominion... they thought this was pretty awesome, and have since been working to establish a church in their new master's name (which includes killing the competition and taking their stuff).
As for finding people to start a game, I'd never have pegged most of the people at my table as gamers, it just came up during (slightrly drunken) conversation owing to the big map of Faerun hanging in my livingroom. :)
EDIT: cheers for the thread-link Wooly! Worked like a charm! |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
Edited by - Cleric Generic on 15 May 2011 23:21:52 |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 17 May 2011 : 16:47:03
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| the one in the 4e FRCG, which I suspect is functionally identical to the magazine one. I've also got my rather prodigious RPG library on display, which tends to get people talking (especially the 4e ones, that 'i've managed to organise by spine colour)... Yes! Yes! I know! I've got too much free time! |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
Posted - 17 May 2011 : 18:41:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Cleric Generic
the one in the 4e FRCG, which I suspect is functionally identical to the magazine one. I've also got my rather prodigious RPG library on display, which tends to get people talking (especially the 4e ones, that 'i've managed to organise by spine colour)... Yes! Yes! I know! I've got too much free time!
-Oh, that one. Not for nothing, but I think you're the only person I've heard who likes that map. Even the biggest 4e Forgotten Realms fans and apologists out there, I've heard only criticism and disdain towards that map.
-If you can find a picture of it, the DRAGON magazine map was awesome, maybe the best map outside the "official" fold-out one in the FRCS and Mark's maps. |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 17 May 2011 : 19:56:05
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Ah, yes, well... I might have the 3e map on my wall, if it wasn't in a box somewhere about 4 hours drive from here. Also, the 4e one looks ok from a distance (and yes, I agree, it's next to useless as an actual map). :) mabye I like the darker colours? Dunno...
Incidentally, just discovered this rather good hi-res copy of the 3e realms: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/wd_maps/FRposterLarge_150.jpg definitely high enough resolution for loads more labels to be crammed in there without them getting in the way.
I wouldn't mind having large hard copies of those Realms maps that appeared in post-4e realms articles (Cormyr, Vaasa and Chessenta, I think), speaking of such things. The cormyr one is what I've been showing the party on a large screen, and prompted them to go 'what's a Haunted Halls? Quick! Everyone onboard the wild tangent machine!' |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2011 : 05:48:03
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-I saved that. Might have saved it sometime in the past, somewhere, but it's a good map.
-And, we're not on that much of a tangent. A nice map is a good way to attract and/or introduce people to the setting (as evidenced by what happened with you). I wish I had sufficient skill to make a map half as nice as that one. MS Paint, not that conducive. I have Campaign Cartographer 3, but after many failed attempts, my own skill- or lack thereof- is apparent. |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2011 : 06:39:14
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I stand corrected. That is the map from the 3E FRCS.
I agree a sweet map is nice, not like that piece of toliet paper that came with the FRCG. I tried to like it and speak positive about it. That changed when I saw the beautiful Ebberron map. The Dark Sun map is boss also. |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
Edited by - Brimstone on 18 May 2011 06:42:10 |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2011 : 08:07:30
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The DS one is indeed quite pretty, still waiting on the frame for it so it can go up on the wall next to Faerun.
I do like Campaign Cartographer, but yeah, I too lack the ability to make anything that isn't laughable. However, if you can grab the trial copy of HexMapper (or similar name) I managed to make a rather decent hex-grid sand box map without too much fuss and bother.
Next session of my player's (the party needs a title) self-wraught carnival of horrors comes this friday, taking off from the aftermath of their defeat of mega-zombie. I'm going to try and integrate the chapbooks and bard's tales mentioned earlier, and I might make the game less of a classical-model campaign and more a grand tour of the realms. The players seem most interested in adventure for it's own sake, so may as well emphasise varied and interesting locations over particularly dense plot material. Also, I get to use the bits of the realms I've always meant ot but never gor round to.
After they're inevitably run out of Cormyr, any suggestions for where they might be persuaded to terrorise next? |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
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Tyranthraxus
Senior Scribe
Netherlands
423 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2011 : 08:24:36
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I also started playing D&D again with 3 class mates who are new to FR, and 2 of them are new to D&D. But since we're (video) game design students the mechanics came natural to them. Last week we had our 2nd session and they can't get enough of it .
I use Photoshop CS5 for my maps, it takes some time to get used to but it adds some nice effects.
As for your players, since you have the map hanging on your wall, let them choose where to go next and run some small adventures and encounters along the way. This way you have some time to prepare a proper adventure once they reach their destination. |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2011 : 08:47:53
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quote:
Originally posted by Cleric Generic
After they're inevitably run out of Cormyr, any suggestions for where they might be persuaded to terrorise next?
Shadowdale! Is it a 3E game or a 4E game? Or a Dale in general.
You could stick them in the Cavern of Death! |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
Edited by - Brimstone on 18 May 2011 08:53:06 |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2011 : 09:22:28
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@ Brimstone:
We're using 4e rules, but the realms I'm running are probably more like the 3e realms brought forward a bit with the best bits of post-plague material added, etc (e.g. far less dramatic/prominant spellplague and Shade, most dead gods somewhat less dead, but Cormyr still forced into limited imperialism and Mulhorand quietly swapped out for High Imaskar). Shadowdale's good, I can think of an NPC or two they might bump into there, and after their response to the Haunted Halls, I doubt the party'd be able to resist the temptation of the Cavern of Death. :)
@ Tyranthraxus:
Nicely done with the new group! Sounds similar to my lot, in that they're at least vaguely geeky, but had never picked up a d20 before. If you fancy regailing us with tails of their exploits you're very welcome to do so here. I might whip out a few of MarkusTay's and HandsomRob's maps as well of the wall mounted one to give my players a better idea of the scope of the realms. Should be interesting to see what they pick out of the information overload. |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
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Aldrick
Senior Scribe
909 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2011 : 10:22:22
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I agree with Tyranthraxus.
One way to do it is to have the bard NPC be a Volo-style character who is widely traveled and familiar with many different kingdoms and nations. Consider where the group and you'd be interested in traveling. Then have the NPC tell stories about those areas and touch on some current events that would interest your players. Then see how they'd react in character.
However, based on what you've told us here my personal suggestion is to get them up to the Moonsea. I could totally see them falling in with the Zhents and loving it. Making allies with the Zhents also provides them with some support if they do something and get in trouble. It also helps create a good way for you to introduce adventure hooks to them.
A suggestion I also have is to take the concept of beliefs from Burning Wheel. Check out the Burning Wheel wiki page here.
For every belief a player writes you should have some way to test it. They're goals - things the players want to get out of the game, and see their character's accomplish. So for example, if a player has the following belief: "If I survive these Haunted Halls, I shall hunt down whomever is responsible for those zombies that forced us to flee here!" You'd then jot down in your notes something like: "Players will discover clues to a secret cult of Velsharoon operating just outside of Eveningstar who are responsible for the zombies."
Beliefs are meant to be built-in adventure hooks for you to tug on, but they are not set in concrete. Players are free to change them if they lose interest or its no longer suitable for their character.
Anytime a player moves to follow one of their beliefs, they should be rewarded a small amount of XP. Anytime a player has one of their beliefs tested, they should be rewarded a medium amount of XP. Anytime a player accomplishes one of their beliefs, they should be rewarded a larger amount of XP.
Beliefs help by telling you what the players are interested in doing. They also help tie the players to the world and the shared story everyone is creating together. They should be discussed openly with everyone, and ideas should be tossed around the table. While everyone should be writing beliefs they want for their characters, everyone's voice should be heard and compromises sought to smooth over disagreements.
For example, if one player wants to kill a dragon and another player doesn't there could be a problem. But if the player who disagrees has a belief about getting rich through stealing ("The only thing that matters to me is how much I can steal!"), you could helpfully suggest that they modify their belief about getting rich to something like: "The bards sing tales of the wealthy hordes of dragons; I vow I shall get my share of such a horde someday!"
After a good and healthy back and forth around the table, you should have a good idea of what the players want and how to craft adventures for them. |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2011 : 10:38:14
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good call with the belief system thing, might have a go at that!
As for the Volo-esque bard (why not just make it Volo?), dunno why I didn't mention earlier, but Im planning on dropping an enchented tome into their next treasure packet that can answer lore questions and tell tales (it has a voice and is animate). It can't caugh up anything game changing, but will provide an in-game means by which I can regurgitate my brain's realms lore archives. Might give it a limited ability to commune with local spirits of folklore and so give slightly more detailed info on potential adventuryness once in an area. |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
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Aldrick
Senior Scribe
909 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2011 : 10:55:31
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LOL. Yes, just tell them you've given them access to the Realms version of Wikipedia.
quote:
Volo's Enchanted Guide to Everything
This mammoth enchanted tome contains information on a seemingly endless amount of topics. The tome seems to have some amount of sentience. To use the tome lay it upon a flat surface and ask it a question in the following manner: "What does Volo say about...?" The enchanted tome will then magically fly open and flip to the page containing the relevant information. (Small print: Information contained within not necessarily accurate.)
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Tyranthraxus
Senior Scribe
Netherlands
423 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2011 : 11:01:08
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quote:
Originally posted by Cleric Generic
@ Brimstone:
We're using 4e rules, but the realms I'm running are probably more like the 3e realms brought forward a bit with the best bits of post-plague material added, etc (e.g. far less dramatic/prominant spellplague and Shade, most dead gods somewhat less dead, but Cormyr still forced into limited imperialism and Mulhorand quietly swapped out for High Imaskar). Shadowdale's good, I can think of an NPC or two they might bump into there, and after their response to the Haunted Halls, I doubt the party'd be able to resist the temptation of the Cavern of Death. :)
@ Tyranthraxus:
Nicely done with the new group! Sounds similar to my lot, in that they're at least vaguely geeky, but had never picked up a d20 before. If you fancy regailing us with tails of their exploits you're very welcome to do so here. I might whip out a few of MarkusTay's and HandsomRob's maps as well of the wall mounted one to give my players a better idea of the scope of the realms. Should be interesting to see what they pick out of the information overload.
I've set up a wiki for the players for them to keep track of their adventures. There's not much on the wiki yet though. Check my sig . After 2 sessions slaughtering kobolds they're ready for some serious roleplaying and I plan on adding some intrigue.
You could use some the Mintiper's Chapbook articles on the WotC site for some random lore.
Power of Faerūn might also be useful if they plan conquering lands and ruling them. |
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Aldrick
Senior Scribe
909 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2011 : 11:15:51
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| Oh, I forgot to add. If you decide to use beliefs in your game, let us know what the players choose as beliefs for their characters. That could really help us help you with ideas and suggestions. |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 23 May 2011 : 08:19:16
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Right! So last session very nearly went to Hell... Literally 
A little shorter than the last marathon run, this session the party only explored a couple of dungeon rooms (occupied by necromancers who didn't appreciate the party's company). after that, they found their way down a corridor connecting to a part of the dungeon far too high level for them to handle... This passage, towards it's end, was blocked by a towering devil wreathed in smoke and flame that told them to politely go away. It was at this point that I grossly underestimated the madness of some party members.
Upon learning the nature of the beast before them, two characters immediately launched into the negotiation of a Devil's Bargain, and eventually wound up trading 'all the souls of Eveningstar' (they'd summon the devil just outside the temple of Amounator and help it reap the souls) and in return would recieve 'strenth beyond your kin' and 'one million gold pieces', respectively. I figured they'd realise how insane this plan was and back out at some point, but no; they promptly cut their fingers with proffered infernal quill and signed the devils document... without reading the fine print...
some time later, they THEN decide to have a look at the terms and conditions, and discover that by being within the town of Eveningstar (needed for the devil's summoning), they are included in 'all the sould of Eveningstar' and will get munched along with everyone else immediately after recieving their dubious rewards. the other party members proceed to cackle like hyenas.
Disclaimer: They knew full well that some parts of the Haunted Halls are more dangerous than others, and many parts contain monsters far too powerful for them to defeat at their current level, and that the idea is that the place would become relevant at various parts of the campaign and so would be visited on a number of occasions as different levels. I also made it entiely clear how it is virtually impossible NOT to be gimped when bargaining with the devil, especially when such a p*ss-poor job is done of it as in this instance.
Next session should be interesting... Any suggestions as to how to salvage this mess are very welcome, but at least two characters seem to be totally psychotic and will probably earn the singular attention of every War Wizard, Purple Dragon and adventuring party within Cormyr's borders. If they go through with the plan, I suppose I could just have the head priest of the temple and his leutenants be collectively powerful enough to take down the devil while on holy ground and then magically banish the party to a random point on the map. Otherwise, I'll wait and see what hair-brained plans they come up with to get themselves out of this mess.
This last session was fairly short, so I didn't get a chance to do the burning wheel Beliefs, but I'll try to get it in next long session. |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 23 May 2011 : 10:14:01
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Give them what they deserve!
Have them get transported to some smelly nasty swamp with no gear what so ever.
Have it be a test so they can atone... |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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Aldrick
Senior Scribe
909 Posts |
Posted - 23 May 2011 : 14:28:21
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I love it.
Well, since they're new I'd cut them a bit of slack. So here is how I'd roll - I'd proceed exactly as planned, but I'd just give them a couple of exit ramps if they want to take them.
The party and the devil are preparing to exit the halls, when the devil realizes (for the first time) that the place is consecrated. He needs the group to kill the High Priest.
This obviously has the makings of a deal, and gives them the opportunity to renegotiate. Depending upon your level of benevolence you might even point that out.
From there, I'd just roll with what the group wants. Maybe they betray the devil in hopes of cutting a deal with the High Priest instead. Or maybe they attempt to assassinate the High Priest (and succeed), allowing the devil free run of Eveningstar... and receiving their "rewards".
While I'm thinking about it, if I understood correctly when the party ate mushrooms they received a vision from a fiendish being. They've decided to worship the being from their vision. Perhaps they'd receive some special "guidance" from their infernal or abyssal patron, who desires to screw over the devil they're about to help.
When it comes to the wealth, heh heh heh... I'd curse the dwarf or whoever asked for it. They'd be granted a special feat.
quote:
The Curse of Abbathor's Greed
From this moment forth you shall be able to smell wealth up to a mile away. Your nose can lead you to the greatest of treasures and riches, but it is forever deceptive. These riches and treasures you smell will forever be dangerous to obtain, for they are owned and must be stolen.
The greedy voice of Abbathor haunts your mind, always imploring you to take more and more, and to seek out greater and greater wealth. This voice is forever deceptive, encouraging you to engage in dangerous actions to seal your doom.
The feat works as an adventure hook. Whatever is smelled by the character will be actual wealth, and thus the PC's have the potential to become extremely wealthy. However, the wealth that is sensed in this manner is always dangerous to obtain; be it in the bottom of a dungeon or in the King's Palace.
The obvious goal of the devil is to get the character killed so that it can collect his soul as soon as possible. So it is using his greed against him. Small voices can whisper things to the character in his mind, telling him of the riches and wealth that is to be obtained if they simply do X, Y, and Z.
If the player gives into these voices or the greed at any time they'd receive some XP - the amount depends upon the obvious danger that they'd face. Hacking a noblewoman to bits on a remote road while alone would receive a small amount of XP for giving into the greed. Attempting to break into the King's Palace to steal the crown jewels would receive a very large amount.
As for the other character who wants to become the strongest of their kin... Here is their new feat.
quote:
Freakish Muscles
The muscles of your body have become freakishly large, marking you clearly as an unnatural creature. People who look upon you cannot help but feel repulsed as every muscle in your body bulges as you make even the slightest of movements.
You receive a permanent +4 Strength, and a -2 to Dexterity and Charisma. In addition all non-magical armor must be custom made to fit your twisted muscular form.
That's how I'd roll.
Just make sure they have a couple of outs so they can change their mind, and if they still go through with it... give them what they asked for. |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 23 May 2011 : 15:30:22
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haha! excellent stuff.
The most likely course of action is that they'll go through with the plan, so I might use your idea of sending the PCs in to take out the head priest, thus opening up a window for renegotiation, so they can either get out of it that way or by getting profoundly spanked by said head priest.
Freakish muscles rendering the recipient virtually immobile and bursting him out of his armor sounds tempting, as does having the million gold pieces 'conveniently' secured somewhere.
The fiery being from their early mushroom-visions was Imix the Firelord, one of the princes of elemental evil who has (along with the other three princes) become a high-tier pawn in thrall to Tiamat as she enacts a grand scheme to murder her brother (Bahamut). They could try and get Imix to intervene, or at least send a minion to do so... hmmm, actually, I can use that to make what's left of the storyline relevant to the game again... |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2011 : 08:24:36
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Right! Another session in the bag and sanity, of a sort, has been restored.
Having pitched camp between sessions, players and characters both realised how pear-shaped their plan was liable to go and elected to explore the Haunted Halls further to see if they could fine some means of salvation. Shortly thereafter, they came across the ghost of Rivior (bandit king that built the Halls) bound to his skeleton and throne.
Rivior, it turned out, was not unfamiliar with the devil they had bargained with, and would be willing to empower the PCs with means to defy and banish the devil if they returned to him his crown and sword. The PCs agreed, unceremoniously stuffed Rivior's bones and ghost in their bag of holding, and marched off to find his treasures.
Several battles with undead, oozes and stirge (ending in a massive methane gas explosion) later, the PCs had in their possession Rivior's Iron Crown (in pieces, they haven't figured out it's magical yet) and his Black Blade.
At this point I decided to 'roll with it' and play along with the party's excitement at finding a big black sword aftger an epic battle by making the sword intelligent and willfull. Whoever held the sword found their mind flooded with scees of bloody conquest and glory, and the whole party quckly developed One Ring Syndrome.
Eventually the sword convinced it's weilder (mad dwarf de facto party leader) that it was sufficiently strong, in his hands, to slay the devil if they could learn a fragment of it's true name. This was soon bullied out of Rivior's ghost, who was terrified of the prospect of the devil getting it's hands on his sword and what the PCs might do without his help.
Epic battle ensues, the devil is slain and banished from the mortal realm for a thousand years, and another epic struggle ensues to get the sword (now drunk on devilish blood) back in it's scabbard and stop it from mind-warping the entire party. Also, they found that talking book Imentioned a post or two back, and are highly amused by it.
Taking a couple of weeks off due to various holidays and other engagements (beer festival! woohoo!), but I think it was a good end to take a break on. |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
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_Jarlaxle_
Senior Scribe
Germany
584 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2011 : 09:12:26
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| Sounds very cool |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2011 : 09:23:48
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Cheers!
At this rate, the PCs are going to be significantly outnumbered by their collection of animate/intelligent magic items before they hit level 10. So far they have...
- a bag of holding that has a habit of crawling around like an inchworm, sneaking off and stealing things, chewing things like a bored puppy and loudly vomiting forth it's contents at inoppertune moments.
- a forgetful tome of misc. realmslore that is easily distracted, flustered, lies outright when offended, and speaks in a silly accent.
- the Black Blade of Rivior, which is a bit like the One Ring's bar brawling alcoholic little brother (still fleshing it out).
Any ideas for more weird toys would be much appreciated! |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
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Gabrielle_H
Acolyte
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2011 : 18:08:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Cleric Generic
Also, Wikipedia, the Magical Encyclopaedia has a nice ring to it... Mabye the mage symbol on the front of the book could be a bit like this? http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2339/2068301407_3bc3753c11_z.jpg?zz=1
This discussion had me suspecting there'd be a nice, friendly "Don't Panic" on the cover... :}
It sounds like your novices are doing an admirable and enthusiastic job! I would love to be in this game. Has the party named themselves yet?
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Gabrielle Harbowy, scribe and editrix
http://www.gabrielle-edits.com
twitter: @gabrielle_h |
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Introducing the Uninitiated to the Realms
