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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Apr 2020 : 22:56:10
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Poll Question:
You wake up in a sweet-smelling dungeon cell. As you focus and come to, you notice several other humanoids in the cell with you of various races. A sickly-sweet scent flows into your cell as a pixie throws you a key to the cell door, laughs and vanishes in a soft pop.
You notice a Elder Redcap outside the cell and can hear a spell-battle down the chamber. You have no idea where you are, and can barely remember who you are, as you look at the glowing key in your hand.
What race/ class combo do you choose to be?
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
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Icelander
Master of Realmslore
1864 Posts |
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LordofBones
Master of Realmslore
1566 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 01:58:51
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"Even a man who eats his meat
and says his prayers by night
may become a treehugger when the toadstools sprout
and the autumn moon is bright." |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4460 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 02:34:34
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| Took the Bladesinger, cuz that seems to be my jam |
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator |
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Delnyn
Master of Realmslore
USA
1037 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 07:48:18
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A vampire can simply assume gaseous form and slip through through the edges of the door, key or no key. Are there doomguides or morninglords waiting on the other side? Or is that part of the "Do you feel lucky?" premise?  |
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keftiu
Senior Scribe
656 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 08:31:00
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| What’s a whisperknife? |
4e fangirl. Here to queer up the Realms. |
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maransreth
Learned Scribe
Australia
157 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 09:15:40
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Simple without knowing more - dwarf fighter |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4693 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 11:52:11
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quote:
Originally posted by keftiu
What’s a whisperknife?
a halfling PrC
http://dnd.arkalseif.info/classes/whisperknife/index.html |
"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 13:05:01
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| Fey'ri Warlock |
"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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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3248 Posts |
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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 22:26:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-Went with Elven Vampire cause you gotta respect my man Jander Sunstar.
Dapp! Wasn't he the elf that was somehow thrown into Ravenloft? Didn't he bring a legendary weapon with him? Or am I thinking something else?Great choice. |
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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 22:28:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Icelander
Is the Wild Elf Werewolf Ranger meant to be Lythari or is he actually a Wild Elf who can turn into a man who turns into a wolf?
Not a Lythari... I would have implied that. Just a wild elf, cursed (or blessed) with Lycanthropy, who is a werewolf ranger. |
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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 22:32:29
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quote:
Originally posted by LordofBones
"Even a man who eats his meat
and says his prayers by night
may become a treehugger when the toadstools sprout
and the autumn moon is bright."
"Even a elf that hates dogs
and says his thanks towards cats
May become a werewolf when the alpo is plenty
and the winter moon shows a trash can." |
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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 22:34:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
Took the Bladesinger, cuz that seems to be my jam
I commend you for taking a Star Elf. Bladesinger is your jam. |
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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 22:36:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Delnyn
A vampire can simply assume gaseous form and slip through through the edges of the door, key or no key. Are there doomguides or morninglords waiting on the other side? Or is that part of the "Do you feel lucky?" premise?
Just a single Elder Redcap and a spell-battle down the hall. |
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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2020 : 22:40:18
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quote:
Originally posted by keftiu
What’s a whisperknife?
A Halfling Rogue type character that embodies several different disciplines of fighting. Mostly dagger tossing with SLA's and assassin flourishes. |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4460 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 00:50:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Copper Elven Vampire
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-Went with Elven Vampire cause you gotta respect my man Jander Sunstar.
Dapp! Wasn't he the elf that was somehow thrown into Ravenloft? Didn't he bring a legendary weapon with him? Or am I thinking something else?Great choice.
Jandar was an elf turned to Vampirism in Merrydale, what later became known as Daggerdale after the vampire infestation. He later destroyed his vampire master and then made his way to Waterdeep. It was here that he found a peculiar woman in an insane asylum he had been using to feed from. He was pulled into the Mists and transposed into Ravenloft.
Christie Golden had quite a few really good Short Stories about him in the various Anthologies of the Realms - ususally with him spurning his Vampiric heritage and doing the right thing despite the costs.
What happens to Jandar is written below so spoilers if you plan on playing through the Decent into Avernus adventure.
Unfortunately he finally meets his demise, we now learn, in the events of the the Decent into Avernus 5E Adventure. You come across a crucified Jandar as he is impaled on this iron-tree thing. He says he's sorry for abandoning his company of Hell Riders and that's why he was there. The adventure says that no matter what you do, he dissipates into nothing and is lost. To me, I hate this. I really do because he was a really cool character that deserved better. So if/when I run this adventure, I'll most likely give the PCs the option to "heal" him by freely giving up points from the Hit Die to let him drink from. This restores him, albeit slowly, to his old self and he's allowed to either join with them (and all the issues that come with having a Vampire companion) or he can be dismissed and he returns to Faerûn on his own. |
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator |
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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 02:50:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
quote:
Originally posted by Copper Elven Vampire
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-Went with Elven Vampire cause you gotta respect my man Jander Sunstar.
Dapp! Wasn't he the elf that was somehow thrown into Ravenloft? Didn't he bring a legendary weapon with him? Or am I thinking something else?Great choice.
Jandar was an elf turned to Vampirism in Merrydale, what later became known as Daggerdale after the vampire infestation. He later destroyed his vampire master and then made his way to Waterdeep. It was here that he found a peculiar woman in an insane asylum he had been using to feed from. He was pulled into the Mists and transposed into Ravenloft.
Christie Golden had quite a few really good Short Stories about him in the various Anthologies of the Realms - ususally with him spurning his Vampiric heritage and doing the right thing despite the costs.
What happens to Jandar is written below so spoilers if you plan on playing through the Decent into Avernus adventure.
Unfortunately he finally meets his demise, we now learn, in the events of the the Decent into Avernus 5E Adventure. You come across a crucified Jandar as he is impaled on this iron-tree thing. He says he's sorry for abandoning his company of Hell Riders and that's why he was there. The adventure says that no matter what you do, he dissipates into nothing and is lost. To me, I hate this. I really do because he was a really cool character that deserved better. So if/when I run this adventure, I'll most likely give the PCs the option to "heal" him by freely giving up points from the Hit Die to let him drink from. This restores him, albeit slowly, to his old self and he's allowed to either join with them (and all the issues that come with having a Vampire companion) or he can be dismissed and he returns to Faerûn on his own.
Or you can slay him and then true resurrect him. Or you can cast a Wish spell, or if you're a Cleric a Miracle spell. Soooo many ways to keep him in the world as you want it. |
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LordofBones
Master of Realmslore
1566 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 03:08:48
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The small problem being that the adventure is from levels 1-13, and in character, the pcs would have no idea who he is.
It is a good idea for a side quest for a cleric of Lathander or Velsharoon. Playing as a Lathanderite, you receive a vision of Janders ashes being scattered in a temple and his mortal spirit being freed, as a Velsharan, your god sends you a vision of a blank eyed elf vampire standing alone in a crypt, the crowned skull seared upon his chest like a brand. |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 03:54:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
What happens to Jandar is written below so spoilers if you plan on playing through the Decent into Avernus adventure.
Unfortunately he finally meets his demise, we now learn, in the events of the the Decent into Avernus 5E Adventure. You come across a crucified Jandar as he is impaled on this iron-tree thing. He says he's sorry for abandoning his company of Hell Riders and that's why he was there. The adventure says that no matter what you do, he dissipates into nothing and is lost. To me, I hate this. I really do because he was a really cool character that deserved better. So if/when I run this adventure, I'll most likely give the PCs the option to "heal" him by freely giving up points from the Hit Die to let him drink from. This restores him, albeit slowly, to his old self and he's allowed to either join with them (and all the issues that come with having a Vampire companion) or he can be dismissed and he returns to Faerûn on his own.
That is STUPID. |
"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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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4460 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 04:37:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Brimstone
That is STUPID.
I agree, 100% Hence why I'd give my players the opportunity to save him. While I don't know if full redemption is possible with the way be could be saved here, it certainly is something that i wouldn't say is impossible down the road. |
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator |
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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 05:11:45
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quote:
Originally posted by LordofBones
The small problem being that the adventure is from levels 1-13, and in character, the pcs would have no idea who he is.
It is a good idea for a side quest for a cleric of Lathander or Velsharoon. Playing as a Lathanderite, you receive a vision of Janders ashes being scattered in a temple and his mortal spirit being freed, as a Velsharan, your god sends you a vision of a blank eyed elf vampire standing alone in a crypt, the crowned skull seared upon his chest like a brand.
Why do you assume the PC's have no clue? LMAO! Like really? So from level 1 to 13 they are blind and deaf and clueless? I'd hate to play a PC in your game. Sounds like you just roll and die. No questions asked.
By-passing the insane, single-minded approach LOB just gave you... The PC's would TOTALLY know who he is. Any bard in any tavern could sing you that tune. For F's sake. We're dealing with amateurs here.
Nostrovia.
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LordofBones
Master of Realmslore
1566 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 05:31:47
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Jander Sunstar would not exactly be a household name. In universe, whoever who knew of him would definitely treat him with contempt, since 5e establishes that he abandoned Zariel to Baator, then tried to commit suicide.
And failed.
Again.
Evidently, the universe exists to make Jander's life miserable. |
Edited by - LordofBones on 21 Apr 2020 05:32:36 |
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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 05:55:22
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quote:
Originally posted by LordofBones
Jander Sunstar would not exactly be a household name. In universe, whoever who knew of him would definitely treat him with contempt, since 5e establishes that he abandoned Zariel to Baator, then tried to commit suicide.
And failed.
Again.
Evidently, the universe exists to make Jander's life miserable.
Any 13'th level bard would know this. |
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LordofBones
Master of Realmslore
1566 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 06:23:18
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So if they know that, why would they want to resurrect him?
Also, assuming they have a Bard in the party.
It's a terrible death but 5e turned him into a fear struck coward that caused an angel to become one of the Lords of the Nine. Leaving him dead is a mercy. |
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Delnyn
Master of Realmslore
USA
1037 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 08:13:41
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If I may continue the Jander Sunstar tangent, how in the Nine Hells (pun intentional) did Jander leave the Demiplane of Dread in the first place? Second, given that he returned to Faerun, what inspired the crusade of holy warriors to allow a vampire to join a crusade into the Nine Hells? Jander's mundane disguises I think would not fool the veteran clerics and paladins. Even Vampshoon could not fool Mirt in the least. Third, wasn't he more interested in restoring himself as a living elf and killing other vampires in the meantime?
Going by Occam's Razor, I don't go for the Jander cameo. It smacks of name-dropping for the sake of name-dropping.
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LordofBones
Master of Realmslore
1566 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 08:39:09
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Chronologically Zariel should have been a Lord of the Nine longer than what 5e allowed, so it's basically the dev team throwing stuff at a wall and seeing what sticks.
Jander, Zariel, Mordenkainen et all are just the poor sods stuck with the fallout. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36877 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 11:11:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Delnyn
If I may continue the Jander Sunstar tangent, how in the Nine Hells (pun intentional) did Jander leave the Demiplane of Dread in the first place? Second, given that he returned to Faerun, what inspired the crusade of holy warriors to allow a vampire to join a crusade into the Nine Hells? Jander's mundane disguises I think would not fool the veteran clerics and paladins. Even Vampshoon could not fool Mirt in the least. Third, wasn't he more interested in restoring himself as a living elf and killing other vampires in the meantime?
Going by Occam's Razor, I don't go for the Jander cameo. It smacks of name-dropping for the sake of name-dropping.
All this. If I was to run this adventure, I'd totally leave out the Jander part, too, because of all the reasons you cite.
It's like what they did with Ras Nsi in the Chult book -- "Hey, let's take something from prior lore, bind, spindle, and mutilate it, and then include it here!" |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4460 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 12:51:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Delnyn
If I may continue the Jander Sunstar tangent, how in the Nine Hells (pun intentional) did Jander leave the Demiplane of Dread in the first place?
In Canon, the ending of Vampire of the Mists is left vague and from what I remember, he somehow does survive the final moments of the book. Theory goes he was pulled from the demiplane before Ravenlofts sun destroyed him. Also, magic? We're talking about worlds where they teem with magic and mystery.
quote:
Originally posted by Delnyn
Second, given that he returned to Faerun, what inspired the crusade of holy warriors to allow a vampire to join a crusade into the Nine Hells? Jander's mundane disguises I think would not fool the veteran clerics and paladins. Even Vampshoon could not fool Mirt in the least.
The Adventure goes on to say: "This elf warrior, cursed to an eternity of undeath, tried to redeem his corrupted soul by swearing to hunt down his own kind. Later, he volunteered to join Zariel on her crusade
into the Nine Hells."
So it's likely they knew what he was when he joined up, especially with Zariel still am angel before her fall. As for the time frame, I'm not sure when the events of her going to Avernus with the adventures happened in Realms Canon?
quote:
Originally posted by Delnyn
Third, wasn't he more interested in restoring himself as a living elf and killing other vampires in the meantime?
That is mentioned yes, though I don't know how many vampires are lurking in the Nine Hells? Not many, if at all, I would assume. Perhaps he took on the quest to help redeem his soul and look good in the eyes of a Solar?
quote:
Originally posted by Delnyn
Going by Occam's Razor, I don't go for the Jander cameo. It smacks of name-dropping for the sake of name-dropping.
Yeah, I don't get why they used him here? Especially for none other than just a small reference and finalization of a long standing character? It does seem like they knew he was a name that would tie this into the Realms (however outlandishly) and that was somehow good?
I feel he deserved better |
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator |
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Delnyn
Master of Realmslore
USA
1037 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2020 : 14:37:57
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| Thanks to Diffan for addressing my questions. I assumed Jander would hunt vampires in Faerun, not the Nine Hells. He indeed certainly deserved better. |
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You wake up...
