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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
 Posted - 10 Mar 2004 : 04:56:33
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By now, most of you are probably familiar with the 'promotions' a base Baatezu will endure over the course of his Lawful Evil career, creating all kinds of trouble for lowly mortals on the Material Plane.
During class yesterday, I was thinking about a novel idea that I had first worked for an earlier campaign last year. As the lecture progressed, I began to think about the possible expansion of said idea which would see me create an entire themed background for a base Spinagon Baatezu.
You see, every adventure has its starring players, be they allies or enemies. In most cases these are beings of great power and ability; at the higher levels those abilities might fill up a few pages. But what about their personal histories?.
One of the things I loved about the 2e PS tome Factol's Manifesto was the energy the writers injected into the descriptions and biography of the individual Factols (leaders of the various factions of Sigil, for those of you unfamiliar with the term). They were painted as men, women and others of vision and talent. It made me think about the different beings across the Outer Planes (and to a lesser extent, some Material Plane worlds) and how a true "Renaissance Man" might be portrayed among them...What would the da Vinci of the Slaadi be like, or the Aristotle of Yugoloths, or the Gnome's Benjamin Franklin?.
One possibility I've been considering for an FR adventure is an unconventional and brilliant Pit Fiend, 'Lachimag', whose rise through the ranks has seen innovation as well as controversy, not the least of which was his autobiography published anonymously in Sigil, and on a number of Material Planes.
So here now, is my idea -
1. As a Spinagon: unusually bright, invented a chemical compound from powdered Hellwort and Styxreed that doubled the rate at which its spikes could be fired and regenerated. Also perfected the spy routine as the "tortured underling", willing to switch sides and provide information to Blood War foes after being horribly mistreated. Used the ruse to lead an Armanite Cavalry to slaughter at the hands of his Gelugon master. Promoted to...
2. Abishai (Red): back in the days when Lady Zariel was ruler of the First Layer, was the ghostwriter for a treaty presented by his Hamatula superior to one of the Red Dragon envoys of Tiamat that temporarily ceased hostilities between the Chromatic Dragon and Ruler of the First. Promoted to...
3. Erinyes: wrote the classic treatise "The Iron-Fisted Embrace: Lust and Tyranny among the Clueless", the primer for ingratiating oneself in the upper classes among mortals and how to weave an evil tapestry from the morals and laws of the most noble of nations. Was more at ease with "her" feminine side than most Fiends, and had a difficult time with promotion to...
4. Cornugon: created a devilishly worded contract of twisted phrases, clauses and annual larvae purchases granting the Viceroy of Black Beech Bluff in Hades (his official position at the time) personal immunity to Oinoloth-created Diseases so long as the Viceroy does not personally attack the ruling Oinoloth. The contract was ingeniously (and magically) linked through the Siege Malicious rather than the word of the ruling Oinoloth itself, making it near impossible to go back upon--to this day the Viceroy of Black Beech (and those loyal to it within 1 mile) are immune to Oinoloth-inspired diseases, a situation that the Baatezu have used to great strategic advantage in the Blood War. Also modified the Greek Aegis Shield to have the actual magical power of 'Petrification' with its Medusa image, one of the few vulnerabilities of most Tanar'ri.
5. Gelugon: super-elite Spy and Diplomat, spending time in the City of Brass forming secret allegiances with Efreet both inside and outside the Grand Sultan's inner circle with the goal of being on the right side should a power shift occur, and perhaps call upon favors. Also was stationed for generations in Ysgard as an advisor to the Fire Giant Clans of Muspelheim in their battles with other natives. The spirit of Ysgard and its glory and valor culture greatly influenced Lachimag's beliefs on how the Baatezu society should organize itself for Planar domination, radicalizing him as it were--unbeknownst to his superiors when they decided to promote him to...
6. Pit Fiend: where he has secretly worked behind the scenes in terms of writing and governance to influence changes. The adventure I have in mind would tie in Lachimag's history and the comlex array of allies and enemies he has developed, while at the time trying to figure out his true motives. Is he really trying to devise a system that is less "hellish" than what Baator is or is it all just another ruse?.
I think the idea of an eccentric and brilliant representative of the Slaadi or Elves and how their writings, inventions or unusual skills bring change (welcome or unwelcome) to the Planes has great adventure possibilities.
What do you think...?
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The Cardinal
Senior Scribe
Canada
647 Posts |
Posted - 10 Mar 2004 : 06:07:13
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That is intresting Sage!
We really enjoyed it. Infact, we enjoyed it so much that we would like to ask if we could use the pitfiend as a patron to an orginization that we are piecing together for one of our Campaigns (which we hope to start in several weeks). We will be using the information from our recently past questions (the surface elf who worships lolth and the Noble's life topics).
As it is still in the works we shall post some of the small bits and pieces of it, if you'd like to look it over. Due note though, it is far more bardic in nature, we will state this (as it may slide into thy topic, the founder of this group, is a Verdi or Wagner of Necromancers.
We figure that This Pit Fiend may enjoy the arts.. and what better way to spread a message to both Commoners and nobles (extra-planar and prime ) than the Arts? |
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 |
Posted - 10 Mar 2004 : 06:27:33
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Sure, go right ahead...
Being a devotee of Classical, and to a lesser extent, Baroque music, I feel I must comment on your Necromancer selection. Wagner is a good choice...yes, at least looking over some of the subject matter of his later (and lesser known) compositions, although Verdi's music is too full of pomp, beauty, and life for him to accurately portray the ideals of a true Necromancer.
If you're looking for more ideas on this, contact me via ethereal mail. I can definitely help...
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The Cardinal
Senior Scribe
Canada
647 Posts |
Posted - 10 Mar 2004 : 06:43:28
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We mean not in the classical sense of Necromancy our friend (although the Skeletons and other lesser undead can be used as fodder for the orchestra), we said Necromancer as all know, a Banshee's voice carries over any living one... and what better Voice would make a grander Opera or Choir than that of Banshees(or is that Banshi )? To control them (and also be free of the small minded plots of the Gods) one need have some training in Necromancy. Worry not though "The Performers of the Arts" are not simply prime based, after all Any one can claim playing for a King... But to play for an Arch-Devil or Demon-prince?
Perhaps this would belong more in your 'The Belief of Purpose in the Realms' topic but:
Tis the Music that matters, the ends justify the means
True Necromancer? No. True Artist? Yes |
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 |
Posted - 10 Mar 2004 : 07:02:44
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Hmmm...looking over your last post Cardinal, I can only help but think one thing...Obviously you've never heard a 'Githyanki' musical composition...
If you've ever heard anything by the Bohemian composer, Gustav Mahler (remember that this is Bohemia in the early 1860s, which was later to form a major component of Czechoslovakia, and later the Czech Republic) who wrote at least nine symphonies and lieder cycles (nine numbered works and Das Lied von der Erde ["The Song of the Earth]), think of that music, with a slight sinister, more militaristic twist, and you'll have a rough approximation of Githyani music...
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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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 - 10 Mar 2004 : 07:44:04
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| Alas no, we have not heard anything by Gustav Mahler so we'll have to look for some, however we think we know the general tone of what you mean. Hmmm... A githyanki.... Anyways We'll send some of the preliminary stuff on the guild (you would prefer txt format, yes?). Anyways we'll think you'll like 'The Wandering Performers of the Arts' as we fully intend for one are to be a fully planar troupe, while other troupes within the 'guild' will work mainly the prime. Err anyways we'll sent it to you once we get some of the notes put together... |
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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Shadowlord
Master of Realmslore
USA
1298 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2004 : 01:52:25
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Hmmm...looking over your last post Cardinal, I can only help but think one thing...Obviously you've never heard a 'Githyanki' musical composition...
If you've ever heard anything by the Bohemian composer, Gustav Mahler (remember that this is Bohemia in the early 1860s, which was later to form a major component of Czechoslovakia, and later the Czech Republic) who wrote at least nine symphonies and lieder cycles (nine numbered works and Das Lied von der Erde ["The Song of the Earth]), think of that music, with a slight sinister, more militaristic twist, and you'll have a rough approximation of Githyani music...
Actually, I recall that I downloaded a .midi file for Illithid musical compositions, and I don't reccomend that to anyone. It was a horrid cacophony of wails, screeches, and heart-rending sounds. Although not as bad as a Tanar'ri's sense of music, I suppose.....
PS: Should anyone want a heart attack, I still have the "Mind Flayer Music" on my E drive.... |
The Chosen of Vhaeraun
"Nature is governed by certain immutable rules. By virtue of claw and fang, the lion will always triumph over the goat.Given time, the pounding of the sea will wear away the stone. And when dark elves mingle with the lighter races, the offspring invariably take after the dark parent. It is all much the same. That which is greater shall prevail. Our numbers increase steadily, both through birth and conquest. The dark elves are the dominant race, so ordained by the gods." Ka'Narlist of the Ilythiiri. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2004 : 07:57:34
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Ah yes, I believe I have a copy of that file here somewhere as well. I only wish I could get a hold of the PS fan who put these compositions together. His work was really inspired, and he had a hardrive full of musical compositions for a mulitude of races.
I especially remember (one of my favorites), the Moon Elven tune he put together using Toselli's Serenade, with Nightingales...truly enchanting...
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Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
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Alathayn
Acolyte
Germany
14 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2004 : 18:48:47
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| Well, that's a fascinating idea, that I never thought of. Truely this is an inspiration I will keep on my scrolls, Sage. This would make a awsome sofisticated villain. Just think of the plots a genious Bard or Loremaster of evil could create. |
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Sarta
Senior Scribe
USA
505 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2004 : 01:58:13
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I really liked this a lot.
My only concern would be that an obviously brilliant devil would be on a very short leash. One that rises so quickly in rank due to such public displays would have made a lot of enemies within the ranks of devils. I would think he would need a very strong patron in order for him to remain relatively safe and said patron would be constantly scrutinizing his actions to make sure that he doesn't continue to get too big for his britches.
Sarta |
Edited by - Sarta on 27 Mar 2004 02:00:28 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2004 : 08:35:45
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The very fact that this type of devil has risen in rank so quickly, and made many enemies, is part of the reason why using this type of character in your games would be a great benefit.
The general idea was to generate a character that could either be used as part of a campaign, or as the party's main antagonist. In either role, I think the devil works rather well.
I've actually been thinking about running this idea through a basic Eberron game using the source information that is present on 'Jholen's' site. I would think that such a character would suit a pulp/noir environment...
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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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Renaissance Men...or Renaissance Pit Fiends?
