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Snotlord
Senior Scribe
Norway
476 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Jul 2005 : 09:43:50
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Hello all,
I have a cleric of Mask in my new Waterdeep game, and I am wondering if there are any resources that describe the clerics of Mask in the city of splendors. I'm still waiting for Eric's book, and I hope it will shed some light on the topic, but can anyone give me some hints
Also, are there any others sources I should look at? I need npcs, command structure, dealings and aventure hooks.
As a final interesting twist, the cleric is an Ophal from Amn, who's planning to get into the profitable magic item trade.
Can anyone help me? Or simply throw in some ideas?
Thanks!
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2005 : 10:19:10
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The Shadow Thieves worship Mask and have a strong interest in Waterdeep (Although there not based there)
Other than the Plinth (which serves all faithes) there doesnt appear to be a Temple to Mask in Waterdeep (or suprisingly in Skullport) |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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tauster
Senior Scribe
Germany
399 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2005 : 11:21:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Snotlord
Also, are there any others sources I should look at? I need npcs, command structure, dealings and aventure hooks.
you might try "den of thieves" (TSR9515), a 2e accessory (96 pages) centered around thieves guilds. it has adventures and adventure-hooks, a well-built thieves guild, npc´s, a few new magic items, and so on.
http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showbook&bookid=4394
...oh, btw: i really recommend "college of wizardry", an accessory from the same series featuring a school of mages. one of the best generic books i´ve ever bought. ...not that it has anything to do with your question, i just wanted to mention it.   |
Edited by - tauster on 09 Jul 2005 11:23:19 |
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Skeptic
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2005 : 14:18:27
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| There is a small shrine of Mask, Dragon magazine #321. |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2005 : 19:05:31
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| I recall from my experience as a player, that in one of our campaigns there was a shrine to Mask in Undermountain, probably in a room called 'the Black Boudoir'? Also, our characters once found an abandoned shrine in the sewers. I do not know if they are presented in 'canon' Realmslore in any way, but certainly would offer interesting adventuring possibilities, if your player's priest would somehow learn of their existence... |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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DDH_101
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1272 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2005 : 06:16:21
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A cleric of Mask in Waterdeep? Dangerous...
Maskarrans in Waterdeep are generally associated with the Shadow Thieves and are often harassed by the Watch if they are known. Also, clerics of the Shadowlord don't exactly group together in packs so don't expect to have lots of supports from NPCs. |
"Trust in the shadows, for the bright way makes you an easy target." -Mask |
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Snotlord
Senior Scribe
Norway
476 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jul 2005 : 20:04:25
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Thank you for your input, and please post more, if you have any. I'll check the references, if I can find them. A cleric of Mask in a city-based campaign has so much potential, so I am very excited about the possibilities.
Hopefully Eric's book arrives soon... |
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Gray Richardson
Master of Realmslore
USA
1291 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 02:09:56
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One of my players worships Mask and went to the temple of Mask in Westgate to consult with the priest there.
After the priest shared his wisdom, the player offered to make a contribution to the temple coffers.
"There's no need" replied the priest. "An appropriate donation has already been deducted from your person."
Whereupon the character discovered that a sizeable amount of gold was missing from his purse.  |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 02:39:27
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| Heh heh . . . I like that one Grey . . . |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 03:08:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Gray Richardson
"There's no need" replied the priest. "An appropriate donation has already been deducted from your person."
Whereupon the character discovered that a sizeable amount of gold was missing from his purse.
Very well done.  |
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Skeptic
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 04:59:30
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I find it really hard to take some gold from the players in this way, it seems that they are always keeping their money in such a way that no thiefs could take it.. If I try, they begins to argue immediatly..
Any of you got the same problem? |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 05:41:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Skeptic
I find it really hard to take some gold from the players in this way, it seems that they are always keeping their money in such a way that no thiefs could take it.. If I try, they begins to argue immediatly..
Any of you got the same problem?
I don't see how any serious amount of money could be made truly thief-proof... |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Snotlord
Senior Scribe
Norway
476 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 09:01:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Skeptic
I find it really hard to take some gold from the players in this way, it seems that they are always keeping their money in such a way that no thiefs could take it..
Was the hiding place written on the character sheet? If not, you should be free to assume at least parts are kept in the purse.
...and if they have a clever hiding place on their person, make a point of it every time they make a purchase. Lots of people around them should be able to see where they keep the gold. |
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Forge
Learned Scribe
USA
218 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 14:38:08
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Magic.. pure and simple, divine magic. Remind them that Mask is a GOD for chrissake...
Course if they get really anal just set them in a point where they are continually being relieved of their goods by a certain Divine Champion who's sleight of hand is off the scales. :P |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 17:35:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Forge
Magic.. pure and simple, divine magic. Remind them that Mask is a GOD for chrissake...
Course if they get really anal just set them in a point where they are continually being relieved of their goods by a certain Divine Champion who's sleight of hand is off the scales. :P
That's what I was thinking...
Create an NPC. Make him/her a high-level thief, at the least. Maybe add in some arcane spellcaster levels... And then, when the PCs go to great lengths to secure their wealth, this NPC slips in, steals one or two choice items -- but not everything, or even a large amount of stuff -- leaves some sort of "calling card" and then leaves.
When the PCs lock up their +27 longsword of OMG It's Powerful!!, along with 5 gazillion gold pieces and 3 fully-charged wands of niftiness, they'll be thinking it's secure. And then this thief sneaks in, grabs the sword and just a handful of gold, leaves a holy symbol of Mask behind, and disappears. That will get the PCs' attention!
It could also lead to several adventures, with the thief being a recurring villain. Plus, with selective thefts, it's more interesting and not as frustrating as it would be if everything was stolen.
For another twist, this thief, after becoming a recurring villain, could wind up having to enlist the aid of the PCs for some reason -- perhaps he/she stole an artifact that is now active and threatens to destroy half of creation...  |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Skeptic
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 18:07:53
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While they are adventuring, their loot is in a chest (DC 40 lock and Glyph of Warding) in their appartment in Waterdeep...
Maybe I could take 1-2 items and replace them with a calling card ;)
DC40 lock means a + 20 total skill (like 10th level rogue), a good challenge for them (avg. level 8). |
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Snotlord
Senior Scribe
Norway
476 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 21:05:51
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| Why not simply steal the chest? |
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DDH_101
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1272 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 21:24:25
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| Snotlord, Skeptic's way is basically trying to challenge the PC. By not taking everything and leaving a calling card, it's a message saying, "If I can do it once, I can come back and do it again". |
"Trust in the shadows, for the bright way makes you an easy target." -Mask |
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Snotlord
Senior Scribe
Norway
476 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 21:43:22
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Ah. I assumed that Sceptic's players bickered or "changed" hiding places to keep their gold. I know a couple of those guys 
If we're talking about geniune plot-hooks, I'm clearly on the wrong track
I've often wanted to play true rivalry between the characters and npc, without having the npc slaughtered after a simple theft. Recurring non-combat villains are cool, but I find them difficult to design and play.
Still, I think stealing the chest can be a good idea. Its practical and a strong statement. The villain can put the calling-card on the floor. |
Edited by - Snotlord on 12 Jul 2005 21:44:14 |
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Skeptic
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 22:36:07
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| Yeah, but its harder to walk on the roofs of the city with a big treasure chest |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 22:38:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Snotlord
Ah. I assumed that Sceptic's players bickered or "changed" hiding places to keep their gold. I know a couple of those guys
If we're talking about geniune plot-hooks, I'm clearly on the wrong track
I've often wanted to play true rivalry between the characters and npc, without having the npc slaughtered after a simple theft. Recurring non-combat villains are cool, but I find them difficult to design and play.
Still, I think stealing the chest can be a good idea. Its practical and a strong statement. The villain can put the calling-card on the floor.
It is a strong statement -- mayhaps too strong. Some DMs are a bit heavy-handed, and use theft as a method of depriving PCs of too much loot. I'm not saying Skeptic is one of those DM's; I'm pointing out that that's a common failing.
Another point is that stealing the whole chest has more of a negative impact on the players. They put the time and effort into getting all that loot; to have it all lost in an instant is a harsh blow. Some would feel that was unfair.
Going with the method of only stealing a few items gives the DM a lot more possibilities, it's more interesting and less harsh, and all around the more fun alternative. |
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Melfius
Senior Scribe
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 22:51:38
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| Hey, Wooly! What exactly are the abilities of a +27 longsword of OMG It's Powerful! an a wand of niftiness? |
Melfius, Pixie-Priest of Puck - Head Chef, The Faerie Kitchen, Candlekeep Inn
"What's in his pockets, besides me?"
Read a tale of my earlier days! - Happiness Comes in Small Packages |
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Snotlord
Senior Scribe
Norway
476 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 23:27:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
It is a strong statement -- mayhaps too strong. Some DMs are a bit heavy-handed, and use theft as a method of depriving PCs of too much loot.
I agree, but it not necessarily a bad thing. The players may become really mad, and the conflict with the villain becomes personal. It adds to the obstacles that later leads to rewarding victory.
If the players on the other hand become plain angry, well, use a different tactic. |
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Snotlord
Senior Scribe
Norway
476 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 23:28:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Skeptic
Yeah, but its harder to walk on the roofs of the city with a big treasure chest
Indeed |
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Crust
Learned Scribe
USA
273 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 23:48:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Dargoth
The Shadow Thieves worship Mask and have a strong interest in Waterdeep (Although there not based there)
Other than the Plinth (which serves all faithes) there doesnt appear to be a Temple to Mask in Waterdeep (or suprisingly in Skullport)
I'm not sure why the clergy of Mask would ever think to create a temple. That doesn't make sense to me. That's like walking around with a sign on your chest that says, "I'm a cleric of Mask. I'll likely steal something in the near future." |
"That's right, hurl back views that force ye to think by name-calling - 'tis the grand old tradition, let it not down! Anything to keep from having to think, or - Mystra forfend - change thy own views!"
Narnra glowered at her father. "Just how am I to learn how to think? By being taught by you?"
"Some folk in the Realms would give their lives for the chance to learn at my feet," Elminster said mildly. "Several already have."
~from Elminster's Daughter, Ed Greenwood |
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Snotlord
Senior Scribe
Norway
476 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2005 : 10:58:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Crust
I'm not sure why the clergy of Mask would ever think to create a temple. That doesn't make sense to me.
Good point, but makes sense when the faith have become very strong in city or region.
If they have so many followers that they have problem blending in with the population, a strong bastion makes more sense than small safehouses and cellar shrines. It explains why there are so few strong Mask temples (Thesk, Westgate and possibly Athkathla, as far as I know).
In Waterdeep is blending in a far better tactic, so IMO are the followers that uses and maintains the shrine in the Plinth are not likely to be the leaders of the local Mask faith. |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2005 : 15:46:22
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| And remember, in cities where the worship of Mask is strong, having a temple to contribute to might actually be the same as saying "here, I'll give you some willingly if you keep out of my house/business, etc." |
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DDH_101
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1272 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2005 : 20:51:32
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| I think the only place where Mask has a widely known temple is in Teflamn. Even there, that temple is inside the headquarters of the Shadowmasters of Teflamn, a powerful thieves guild. |
"Trust in the shadows, for the bright way makes you an easy target." -Mask |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2005 : 22:44:19
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quote:
Originally posted by DDH_101
I think the only place where Mask has a widely known temple is in Teflamn. Even there, that temple is inside the headquarters of the Shadowmasters of Teflamn, a powerful thieves guild.
According to the list of Named Temples of the Realms hosted on this very site, Mask has temples in the following cities:
Telamuzhidah (Calimport)
The House of Spires and Shadows (Westgate)
The House of the Master's Shadow (Telfamm)
The Rogue Redeemed (Proskur)
House of the Master's Shadow (Uthmere)
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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DDH_101
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1272 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2005 : 01:05:08
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| Well, the one I mentioned is supposedly his strongest and largest temple. Of course, I haven't touched my copies of Cloak & Dagger or Unapproachable East so my memory may be incorrect. |
"Trust in the shadows, for the bright way makes you an easy target." -Mask |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2005 : 15:44:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
The House of Spires and Shadows (Westgate)
Anyone have experiences gaming which involved this Mask temple? |
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Clerics of Mask in Waterdeep?
