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Alexis Merlin
Learned Scribe
USA
115 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Nov 2003 : 20:38:50
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Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone else had ever considered including Creatures or similar story-lines to those created by the author HP Lovecraft in their Forgotten Realms Stories or Adventures? If so in what way did you implement it? I'd be interested to hear about this as its something I am considering doing....
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It is knowledge that influences and equalizes the social condition of man; that gives to all, however different their political position, passions which are in common, and enjoyments which are universal.
(Benjamin Disraeli)
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The Cardinal
Senior Scribe
Canada
647 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2003 : 21:41:54
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I would wager a guess that the Far Realms is the easiest course of act to bring creatures of Lovecraft's style into a campaign. The Item I have set fourth in Sage's Magic Shop: 'The Staff of Pious Augustus" is based loosely upon the Staff the Liche wields in a game called Eternal Darkness Sanity's Requiem. A game that draws heavily on Lovecraft and his ideas. Another item of Note is that I have read that there is a Drow Cult that Follows Cthulhu as well. I'm sure sage has more on that but I'll dig up what I can in the mean time. It's only a small mentioning though. Besure to look at sages Ideas dealing in the Far Realms.
Of Course the Sea is boundless and can contain many things in the deepest parts. Who knows, perhaps this world has already been touched.
As for myself, indeed I have been a lovecraft fan for.. well as long as I can remember, It's just giving a name to it and finding his material that is the hard part. Anyways I'll see what ancient and forgotten knowledge I can kick up for you.... And if you haven't pick up the " Call of Cthulhu" Book... It has some aid in converting the Things within to D&D... Even has a hilarious picture of Mialee, Tordek Redgar and Krusk attempting to take on Cthulhu.. or something like him.. and you can guess how that will end.
"Have you seen the Yellow Sign?" |
It has to be Certain, the Gods Hate Me. For whatever irrevokable Fate, I have been made the walking Joke. Either that, or Beshaba is overlyfond Of Me.
-Unknown |
Edited by - The Cardinal on 24 Nov 2003 22:01:27 |
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Yasraena
Senior Scribe
USA
388 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2003 : 05:40:50
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I've been a Lovecraft fan for a number of years and have actually taken this idea to heart in my current Rolemaster campaign, which is kind of like a fantasy version of Sliders.
The party has acquired artifact weapons from Myth Drannor, that surprisingly, seem to have been made especially for each of them. These weapons came with a price, though. Each of the party had a dream that showed them fighting several forms of evil throughout the known planes of existance and through time, some recognizable, some utterly foreign to them. Each form gets larger and more evil as they go, also seeming to tie into one another. At the end of the dream, they eventually face the ultimate evil that has been the cause of it all, although the dream doesn't show what that ultimate evil exactly is. 
So far they have been to Ravenloft (where they defeated Strahd and prevented him from creating gates into other planes and in the process acquired the means to create the gates themselves. This is how they get from place to place. The only problem is they can't control where or when the gates go  ) and are currently in Dark Sun, where they will eventually confront Dragoth in the City by the Silt Sea adventure. In both places, they have been finding clues that have hinted at what they will eventually face in the end (a copy of The Necronomicon in Strah's lab and a cult in the desert of Athas that babbled nonsense and had a strange sign/rune tattooed on their foreheads [Elder Sign])
I'm still undecided about specifically which of elder god (or gods) to use, but am leaning towards big daddy - Cthulhu. I've only got some preliminary ideas on the final adventure, and new ideas are constantly coming to me, but I've got a while to go before it needs to be on paper.
Hey, CD - Any info about that Cthulhu worshiping drow cult you could pass my way would be greatly appreciated! |
"Nindyn vel'uss malar verin z'klaen tlu kyone ulu naut doera nindel vel'bolen nind malar."
Yasraena T'Sarran
Harper of Silverymoon |
Edited by - Yasraena on 25 Nov 2003 05:43:59 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2003 : 07:25:49
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I'm impressed with your adventure ideas Yasraena. Using the Necromonicon was also a nice touch  .
Aside from the Lovecraftian/Far Realm inspired ideas that are a regular feature of the PS forums I frequent, I very rarely utilise any material of Lovecraft in my FR campaigns. My Ravenloft campaigns are another matter entirely, but that is mainly based upon all the similarities that are evident the moment you open a Ravenloft sourcebook.
Anyway, as Cardinal suggested, I have presented some interesting ideas regarding the Far Realm and FR, but most of it was been from the heavily influenced D&D interpretation of Lovecraft, I've never used anything purely Lovecraftian in developing my Far Realm ideas.
If you're interested, I could send you a small sampling of some of the more bizarre Lovecraftian/Far Realm inspired ideas that I regularly save to my HD from those forums I visit (that I mentioned above)...just let me know.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
Edited by - The Sage on 25 Nov 2003 07:28:15 |
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The Cardinal
Senior Scribe
Canada
647 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2003 : 07:37:13
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CD? that's a new one.... anyways Cthulhu cult found! I ended up Downloading a boat load of stuff from wizard's web sight. Most of it seems to be 1st or 2nd stuff This information comes from Forgotten Realms Net Compendium.. 3rd edition:
*Disclaimer: Most of this seems to be PG-13 or more beyond this point, so children and people with weak constitutions should best beware...Mwa ha ha ha!*
Ok There appears to be atleast 1000 or so members of the cult (which seems to practice Cannibalism), most of them males who turned traitor when the Priestesses that they were travelling with. Of course then all hell broke loose... Cthulhu, even from his far off slumber heard and complied, sending a handful of Demons and Deepspawn to aid his distant followers. In the face of such awesome power the males obviously turned traitor and have become followers of Cthulhu.
They rarely have contact with surfacers and when they do it is never long (mostly a raid for 'food' and sacrifices).
They are also known as The Bringers of Doom, Followers of Doom, Doom's Creators and Bringers of Destruction.
The Clergy of Lolth denies there being such a cult but would like to see this fictional cult destroyed ()
The followers tend to have little more than the materials that one needs to survive (mostly raided I guess). They do, however, seem to be more Warlike and cruel than even other Dark elves and are unrivaled in torture and use it when the whim takes them. They are not counter-productive and contain, as sense of duty and honor (if not warped and evil).
They also tend to nurture their young and go to great lengths to protect them (as they are the future worshipers of Cthulhu, also note that the 1000 or so are several famalies that shelter together and there is a VERY strong sense of community).
Most of the Priests within this community are Mind Flayers under the Thrall of Cthulhu (they are in awe of this terrible presence and go against even their own standards by worshiping him). This is not to say the Drow have not tried... just that not a single one has survived the trials to become a priest of Cthulhu.
On more odd rituals, at every meal the Drow must consume a spider, proving that they have forsaken the spiderqueen.( I assume as killing a spider is a deed punishable by death, consuming one infuriates Lolth to no end).
And the main advantage, Every follower has the ability to use Psionics.
Here is the History:
"The major break that caused the rift between the normal Drow society and that of the Followers occurred at least a 1000 years ago. It happened in the small Drow community of Telkilick. Located some 900 miles north of present day Menzoberranzan. Following a major battle with the Deep Gnomes and losing the priestesses of Lolth decided that the reason they had lost was that the male wizards were conspiring to kill them (which wasn't entirely untrue). When the priestesses returned home they immediately attacked the school of Magic and a fierce battle began. During this battle a lone mind flayer emerged from the school and began to aid the wizards using all of it's powers. Still, the battle turned against the Wizards. Finally a group of three desparate wizards (names unknown) formed a pyramid and beseeched the great Cthulhu to come to their aid. The priestesses laughed at what they thought was a desparate joke, when suddenly a numeber of gates opened up spilling all sorts of horrors upon the unsuspecting priestesses. The now falling priestesses call upon Lolth for help but to no avail, as they had, lost the battle with the Deep Gnomes. They had fallen from Lolth's favor with the exception of one lone priestess who fled the battle as it had begun. When the wizards called to the male warriors to join them and be free of the priestesses many, seeing the tide turing, switched sides makeing the final battle rather quickly brought to a close. The three wizards responsible for the turn, immediatly offered all worship of the remaining Drow to that of the Great Cthulhu."
I have something else as well. Seeing as no one has even replied to my mention of Eternal Darkness Sanity's Requiem, and in honor Of Cthulhu and more important;y those who love H.P. Lovecraft's work I shall present the Prelude and epilogue to the Game (note that the rare few who have played the game this may be a spoiler):
Prelude:
Flesh.
Bone.
Bound together with the oddest magickal incantation, this wretched book is where it all began so long ago. Before time, Before humanity.
I am Doctor Edward Roivas, a clinical psychologist. I am also dead. This is not my story, nor even the story of the Roivas family. It is the story of humanity. Like it or not, believe it or not as you will. Your perceptions will not change reality, but simply color it. Humanity has been on the edge of extinction for two millennia. Ignorant of so much and dependant on so few.
The Guardians grow restless... Their time once again near.
Whether by fate or misfortune, my family has crossed their path, and they didn't take kindly to it. Their attention turns to my grandaughter, for she is the last of my line... and the last hope for humanity...
Pretty intresting no? Anyways heres the Epilogue:
And so it comes to pass, of the three Ancients there is nothing; The mighty Chattur'gha has obliterated the insanity of Xel'lotath, The madness of Xel'lotath has over come the power of Ulyaoth, the boundless Ulyaoth has decimated the power of Chattur'gha. All at once, separate and simultaneous. For the universe is made of many times streams, many possibilities - all in harmonious sychonicity. Only Mantorok remains, slowly dying. Mantorok - keeper, overseer, warden of Ancients, chaos, an entity trapped betweem the veils of reality and the enchanted stakes that impale it's flesh. Unable to rally it's guardians, it could rely only on it's subtle manipulations of the Roivas Family to destory it's enemies. Knowing the nature of the Ancients, it used it's pawns to play them against eachother, resulting in their mutual annihilation. Now it will languish forever, festering in it's tomb....plotting....
A little last minute info on the Ancients:
Chattur'gha is an entity of Matter and hold's sway over the body.
Ulyaoth is the Master of the Planes (sorry sage but looks like the title is take ) and holds sway over all magick.
Xel'lotath is the Mistress of Madness and insanity, She hold's sway over one's sanity.
Mantorok is the Warden of Ancients, and once worshiped as a god in Ancient Cambodia.
The power struggle is as it is mentioned in the epilogue. If you fight one then use the appropriate power to counter it... Of course Mantorok is neither stronger or weaker against on or the other but a little more powerful than any three singly of course how to gain his aid? That is a Secret...
Well a little long but enjoy |
It has to be Certain, the Gods Hate Me. For whatever irrevokable Fate, I have been made the walking Joke. Either that, or Beshaba is overlyfond Of Me.
-Unknown |
Edited by - The Cardinal on 25 Nov 2003 07:39:42 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2003 : 08:14:19
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In that case, I may as well chime in with one of my own 'finds'.
Alexis, here's an excerpt from "Planes of Madness: An Alternate PLANESCAPE Campaign based on the Weird Fiction of H.P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, Ramsey Campbell, and Others" by James O'Rance. This should give anyone interested some inspiration...
Aboleth
These slimy horrors worship the Old Ones known as Cthulhu and Juiblex. [Monstrous Manual]
Cranium Hounds
Servants of the Old One Maanzecorian, these monstrosities only resemble normal hounds in the most general manner. They are barbed and fanged creatures of a vaguely canine shape, covered with glistening chitin and seeing through eyes that swirl with madness. However, few ever see a cranium hound, for they exist physically upon dimensions that mortals cannot perceive. Only those with the will and the training to perceive the mindscape will ever see a cranium hound. Their hand is at your throat but you see them not. They walk serene and unsuspected, not in the spaces we know, but between them.
Cranium hounds were once prolific in the City of Doors, where they posed a real threat to the safety of unguarded mortals. Through some dimensional property of the Cage, cranium hounds were always visible in the city. Eventually, it was discovered that cranium hounds were repelled by the scent of razorvine, and that plant was introduced into the city to drive the beasts away. Since the death of Maanzecorian, cranium hounds have become truly rare - something for the multiverse to be thankful for.
Cranium Rats
Ubiquitous vermin created by Ilsenine, cranium rats are directly bound to its will. Cranium rats form hive minds of great psychic power, and serve as the eyes of Ilsenine in Sigil and the Lower Planes. [Planescape Campaign Set Monstrous Supplement]
Dharculus
Darculi are threats not often seen or recorded at all in ancient texts. Their presence in the Border Ethereal is possibly a sign of a new incursion from the Far Realm. [The Gates of Firestorm Peak]
Illithid
The infamous mind flayers were possibly humanoid time travellers who were corrupted and transformed by psionic travel to the Far Realm. They dwelled in the shadow of the Great Race of Yith, and arose to civilisation after the Great Race departed from the Prime Material Plane. The illithids survived the conflict between the Old Ones and the Elder Gods, and built a great empire upon the Prime Material Plane (eventually destroyed by humans and related species). [Monstrous Manual, The Illithiad]
Sahaugin
Also known as "deep ones", the sahaugin are corrupted minions of Cthulhu and Shub-Niggurath. [Monstrous Manual]
Yuan-ti
Originally human worshippers of the Old One Yig, these cultists have been transformed into snake-like beings. [Monstrous Manual]
Lesser Independents
These races are birthed and shaped by the Far Realm's influences, but do not serve the Old Ones; many do not even work for the Outer Gods. Nonetheless, they represent an unnatural influence upon the planes.
Argos
Amorphous inhabitants of Wildspace, these hundred-eyed horrors devour all that they encounter. There was an Old One that birthed the Argos race, but it has been destroyed and now the creatures serve no master. They occasionally ally themselves with space-faring beholders. [Monstrous Manual]
Garmorm
Foul creatures that consume minds in the Astral Plane, the faceworm occasionally accompanies avatars of the Outer Gods, singing or piping for them. [Planescape Monstrous Compendium Appendix III]
Intellect Devourer
Illithids and other servitors of the Old Ones frequently breed these powerful psionic beings. [Monstrous Manual]
Keeper
The Keepers were non-sentient prey of the Outer Gods when they dwelt in the Far Realm. However, upon being summoned to the Outer Planes by a forgotten scholar of the Fraternity of Order, the prey creatures became sentient. Greatly preferring their new status, they now suppress all knowledge of the Far Realm from mortals, hoping to prevent the Outer Gods from breaching the Gate and entering the known planes. The Keepers are tireless foes of the Old Ones and their servitor races. [Planescape Monstrous Compendium Appendix II]
Myconid
A form of intelligent fungi, the myconids (or Mi-Go, as they call themselves) are native to a cold, desolate Prime world named Yuggoth. They have slowly spread throughout the Prime Material Plane, dwelling in subterranean regions to avoid strong sunlight. The myconids worship a few of the Outer Gods, but their schemes are opposed to those of most Old Ones. [Monstrous Manual]
Greater Servitors
These creatures have directly experienced some aspect of the Far Realm, and desire utter corruption of the multiverse so that the Gate may be opened and the true way of things be changed. Most are powerful minions of an Old One.
Dhour
These amoebalike hunters prowl the Ethereal Plane, feeding upon the flesh and minds of ethereal travellers. They possess an impressive array of mental powers, which they use to ambush their foes. Dhours devour the mind and memories of their prey, making it impossible for their victims to return from death. [Planescape Monstrous Compendium Appendix II]
Eaters of Knowledge
Powerful servitors of Ilsenine, the Eaters of Knowledge seek out minds that are worthy of incorporation into the mental form of that Old One. [Planescape Monstrous Compendium Appendix II]
Gibbering Mouther
Insane only by mortal standards, this ancient race sings the praises of the Outer Gods.
Kraken
A race of beings that worship the Old One known as Cthulhu, the kraken once ruled vast Prime Material kingdoms. When the Elder Gods forced the Old Ones into slumber, the kraken hid themselves within the depths of the oceans. They now await the rising of R'lyeh, and the return of the Old Ones. [Monstrous Manual]
Neothelid
These creatures only grow when illithid larvae are abandoned and manage to survive to adulthood without transformation into a humanoid being. Slime-covered worms of dragonlike proportions, neothelids are mauve monsters three yards in diametre and often more than 40 yards long. The neothelid possesses four thrashing tentacles around a circular maw that exhales flesh-dissolving enzymes.
Neothelids are far beyond the typical human in intelligence and possess vast psychic power. They dwell within deep tunnels on the Prime Material and other planes inhabited by illithids, and are often in psychic communion with dreaming Old Ones on their plane. Neothelids worship the Old Ones, and guard ancient subterranean temples from mortal trespassers. [The Illithiad]
Greater Independents
These creatures have experienced and understand some aspect of the Far Realm, but choose to dwell within the known planes of existence. They do not serve the Old Ones (although worship of the Outer Gods is not uncommon) and may even oppose their schemes.
Chososion
Chososions are vastly powerful entities that swim amongst the Inner Planes. Chososions exist partly in the Far Realm, and extend their physical forms into the known multiverse; although they do not serve the Old Ones or the Outer Gods, their very existence damages the integrity of the planes. [Planescape Monstrous Compendium III]
Great Race of Yith
"The Great Race of Yith and the Old Ones failing to agree, one with another, & both with the Elder Gods, separated, leaving the Old Ones in possession of the prime, while the Great Race, returning from Yith took up Their Abode forward in Time in Earth-Land not yet known to those who walk the Earth today, and there wait till there shall come again the winds and the Voices which drove Them forth before and That which Walketh on the Winds over the Earth and in the spaces that are among the Stars Forever."
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2003 : 08:17:11
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I'm not exactly sure how much help you will get from that Alexis, but it has enough interesting ideas on the various monstrous creatures (which can plague any setting, not just PS), to warrant inclusion here.
I have been thinking about using the 'cranium rats' as presented here, and using the 'swarm rules' from BovD to present a very interesting threat to some FR city such as Waterdeep, or maybe Cormyr. It could make for a very interesting adventure...
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
Edited by - The Sage on 25 Nov 2003 08:18:31 |
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The Cardinal
Senior Scribe
Canada
647 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2003 : 08:27:44
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A great addition to the scroll and the greater Cause that shall remain nameless...
Sage I was right in seeing you as a wise friend and a dangerous opponent.
To The Elder Gods and Ancients!
"Have you seen the Yellow Sign?" |
It has to be Certain, the Gods Hate Me. For whatever irrevokable Fate, I have been made the walking Joke. Either that, or Beshaba is overlyfond Of Me.
-Unknown |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
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The Cardinal
Senior Scribe
Canada
647 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2003 : 08:49:18
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Aye but there is always a cost... And I will wait you out ...
On an after thought (and to ward off Alaundo's Staff of Irritated Moderator +?) I do think that trying to keep the feeling true of raw terror in a game is somewhat hard to do. At best you might get frustration at worst Rebellion, or a WildCat strike.
" The Old Ones were, The Old Ones are, and the Old Ones shall be..." |
It has to be Certain, the Gods Hate Me. For whatever irrevokable Fate, I have been made the walking Joke. Either that, or Beshaba is overlyfond Of Me.
-Unknown |
Edited by - The Cardinal on 25 Nov 2003 08:55:15 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2003 : 09:03:40
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Staff of the Irritated Moderator +3... 
As for 'keeping the feeling true of raw terror in a game'...it can be difficult yes, but a great deal of overcoming that difficultly is influenced by the experience and ability of the DM.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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The Cardinal
Senior Scribe
Canada
647 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2003 : 09:13:22
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I wonder what The 'wizards of the' Sword 'Coast' would think if a handful of scribes from Candlekeep brought such unspeakable horrors into their world?
Alas the Terror that would be so suiting of a campaign of this scope is hard to capture. One must be totally drawn into the game. |
It has to be Certain, the Gods Hate Me. For whatever irrevokable Fate, I have been made the walking Joke. Either that, or Beshaba is overlyfond Of Me.
-Unknown |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
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Yasraena
Senior Scribe
USA
388 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2003 : 04:29:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Cardinal Deimos
CD? that's a new one....
Yeah, well, I'm just getting lazy about typing out long names. You can call me YT if you want.
And thanks for the info on the Drow cult. It'll fit in perfectly in the next installment of the campaign after Dark Sun.
(Providing the party survives Dark Sun that is. Heh heh)
BTW - you wouldn't haoppen to have a website for that FR Net compendium would you? |
"Nindyn vel'uss malar verin z'klaen tlu kyone ulu naut doera nindel vel'bolen nind malar."
Yasraena T'Sarran
Harper of Silverymoon |
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The Cardinal
Senior Scribe
Canada
647 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2003 : 06:58:34
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Hey, Friends ....
Umm Your not going to believe this....
Heh heh... Umm funny as the abyss really....
I ummm can't seem to remember where I found it
I'm 99% sure it was on the wizards page under downloads... but I can't really remember anything past that... But It it's worth a look none the less (as most probably know there is a Dragon's horde of free stuff, Darksun, Ravenloft, the works! Classes, errata, maps, campaigns!).
Sorry all |
It has to be Certain, the Gods Hate Me. For whatever irrevokable Fate, I have been made the walking Joke. Either that, or Beshaba is overlyfond Of Me.
-Unknown |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
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The Cardinal
Senior Scribe
Canada
647 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2003 : 07:35:25
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Right under my nose!  
I can't believe I was so far off... Heh heh heh .. oh well, never trust one who has given his sanity for power |
It has to be Certain, the Gods Hate Me. For whatever irrevokable Fate, I have been made the walking Joke. Either that, or Beshaba is overlyfond Of Me.
-Unknown |
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Yasraena
Senior Scribe
USA
388 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2003 : 21:07:59
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No problem CD. I have so much Realms related material on my computer, I forget exactly what I have, let alone where I originally got it from.
Case in point... when I went to download the file that Sage was nice enough to put a link to (thanks Sage!), Lo and behold! I discovered I already had it!
Man! I really need to get more organized. |
"Nindyn vel'uss malar verin z'klaen tlu kyone ulu naut doera nindel vel'bolen nind malar."
Yasraena T'Sarran
Harper of Silverymoon |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 06:18:58
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I know what you mean Yasraena. I forgot I had this little treasure trove of Realmslore sitting on my computer also. It wasn't until Cardinal mentioned it, that I remembered I had a copy...
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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The Cardinal
Senior Scribe
Canada
647 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 06:40:19
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Happy I am, yes I am!
Well abstract, insane, illogical and seemingly worthless information is my trade.. since many accuse me (rather wrongly I think of being such things)... which reminds me I had a few bites on the book of Dis which I will now share in said topic...
http://www.candlekeep.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1548&whichpage=2 |
It has to be Certain, the Gods Hate Me. For whatever irrevokable Fate, I have been made the walking Joke. Either that, or Beshaba is overlyfond Of Me.
-Unknown |
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zemd
Master of Realmslore
France
1103 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 10:19:05
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| I think the Lovecraft's style of stories could maybe fit to a very low level campaign. As their level grows, the adventurers are affraid by less and less creatures. IMHO, FR and Cthulhu are far too different unless you make big changes |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 12:27:39
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Well, lets discuss some of the changes needed then, to incorporate a Lovecraft-theme into FR. My PS-Cthulhu example above clearly illustrates that, at least from a monstrous point of view, it is not all that difficult...but Lovecraft is more than just Elder Gods and monsters...
Where should we start?.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
Edited by - The Sage on 28 Nov 2003 12:31:03 |
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The Cardinal
Senior Scribe
Canada
647 Posts |
Posted - 29 Nov 2003 : 08:26:17
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Well truth beknown. The Elder Gods and beasts are not the focus. They are simply the tools Lovecraft used to convey his ideas and views. The True art in Lovecraft is Horror. An item that can be used to the greatest extent but the hardest to actually convey. Not jump out and BOO! scare you horror. But the Horror and terror that settles itself deep within you. A terror the grips your very being and shake the foundations of your soul. A fear that truely paralizes all logical thought and rises beyond the simple ideas of what fear is. A fear that there is a terrible lurking something out there. Watching, waiting, always at the corner of your eye. Usually dismissed as a trick of the light. A terror so great that you disire not to move, nor to even breathe until you simply must or die and even then you take that breath slowly. So slowly enough to be painful but you do not make a sound for fear of making noise. A fear so deep that it denies any classification... I doubt any of you understand fear or terror... You've never looked at what is not and might never be, what could be and most of all what is unknown.... but perhaps you do....but such a fear is rare and uncomfortable at best... No... I doubt any truely understand a terror so great that you fear beyond death and fear for your very soul..... ...
But I ramble and must sound like a fool... very well.. continue and be thankful that such fears never encroach upon your mind... |
It has to be Certain, the Gods Hate Me. For whatever irrevokable Fate, I have been made the walking Joke. Either that, or Beshaba is overlyfond Of Me.
-Unknown |
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Yasraena
Senior Scribe
USA
388 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 06:36:01
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Ahhh Cardinal. You sound like someone who's been peeking into books that should not be read.
You also sound like the perfect GM to run one of these games.
Anyway....
CD is absolutely right in that these games are not so much about the combat as about the roleplaying and the feel of what is transpiring. Game mechanics are really secondary if you want to get the feel of what Lovecraft was trying to do. Unfortunatley, AD&D is really a combat oriented system, so the mythos doesn't fit well within the system.
I've added Sanity to the other physical and mental stats, but it really is a subjective thing in the AD&D world. After all, we're talking about people who encounter incredible monsters and magic (and most that can use it as well) as a matter of course and everyday life. How can coming across a group of cultists that are intent on summoning an evil entity, or the book that allows them to do so, even faze them? They know these things exist. Most have actually fought them or encountered them before. They're just another evil cult, or it's just another evil spell book.
It's all in how the GM relates it to the players. And THAT is is the real trick. How do you accomplish that?
One way is to make the mythos all encompassing. They not only can influence this reality and time, but others as well. The future, the past and anywhere in between.
They are also the ultimate personification of evil. Demons and devils have NOTHING on these guys! If there was anything that was better made for The Book of Vile Darkness, and other such tomes, I don't know what it is. Ideas from that and similar tomes can (and should) be used to portray any mythos related groups/creatures/etc. The more vile the better. Having a hardened adventurer see a room full of mutilated babies that the evil cult has just sacrificed, and that they were unable to save, would have a chance of making them lose a bit of sanity, I think.
OK, that last example is a bit extreme, but it does fit into the mythos mold.
I'd love to hear some other folks ideas on this.
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"Nindyn vel'uss malar verin z'klaen tlu kyone ulu naut doera nindel vel'bolen nind malar."
Yasraena T'Sarran
Harper of Silverymoon |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
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Cult_Leader
Learned Scribe
USA
337 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 15:05:18
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| All is good and good job to both of you on all that. But to tell the truth Lovecraft's cuthulu (SP?) was actually based kind of on aliens more then gods.I personally like the gods view for it all lol. Ever read or watch Dagon? Thats Cuthulu's demi god son. Ie- Dagon is a half human half god, or if you want to call him a half alien half soemthign then thats cool to I guess... but in my presence you best be calling him a half god! *just likes the dark gods lol* ANyway as said in a nother post I need some sleep. Perhaps I will type of a page or two when I awake. But, then again maybe not. |
"Madness you say! Do you fear me? Are you afraid of what I might do, of what I might say? What a fascinating reaction. Don't you find it somewhat encumbering?"
Piddles assumes a deep and resonant voice. "Space...the Final Frontier. These are the voyages of the starship...Garou. It's mission: to slay Wyrm creatures where they live and breed. To accumulate more Garou than the world's entire population. To produce metis like no one has before." - Piddles
"Aren't you people supposed to be doing something? Like, entertaining me, the fascist wizard?" - InleRah
I have the passwords to the minds of everyone and the cheat codes to the universe - Me |
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Lovecraft style stories/monsters in the Realms
