Post/Author/DateTime	Post
GoriceXII 09-16-07, 07:47 PM	Glasstower (brief bit of historical context--this is part of my New Edom campaign. Glasstower is a recently conquered city) The third important city to be conquered after Harbourtown and Lookinghaven, Glasstower is a landlocked city in lightly rolling country to the south of Touchstone and north of Harbourtown. Surrounded by overwhelming forces, the donjon of the main fortress damaged badly by dragon attacks and magically enhanced siege engines, the city surrendered lest the people suffer the fate of the people of Harbourtown. Glasstower's burghers and patricians were either exiled with little more than the clothes on their backs (in a few cases smallclothes or less after being robbed on the road) or forced to bend the knee. Those who remain as wealthy merchants or courtiers to the conquerors are called 'the Viles' by the loyalists. More to follow on them. The city's fortifications have been rebuilt. Where buildings had been destroyed by siege the rubble has been taken away by now and either new buildings or pavilions have replaced them. Occupation Forces and Leading Factions A succession of warlords has governed the city, and currently the warlord is Lord Tarley, a bullet headed grim human engine of war in superb mail, wolf furs and sporting a grim disdain for the soft things of life. This stands him in good stead as intimidation might increasingly be the only real hold King Cleothas' old loyalists have over the place. With the death of the King and factionalism breaking out at home Lord Tarley increasingly is only in command of two fo the gates and the fortifications near them. He has about 100 knights and 300 men at arms to hold these positions. Humans try to flock to his area but he has barricaded it, concerned about famine and plague. Harsh he may be but he is human and while very hard he is known to be a man of his word. The Fivers are devoted to Tiamat, believing that dragons as the symbol of Celtic royalty. They believe with the death of Cleothas that their nation must repent of factionalism and clan loyalties and social impurities. The Fivers dislike certain Celtic customs as well such as promiscuity before marriage, excessive drink and worship of the Tuatha-de-Danan. This cult grew very popular under the prosperity of Cleothas. Recently a number of knights and chieftains as well as common folk have flocked to it out of fear. There are roughly 600 warriors attached to this cult. They control one of the city gates as well as a former temple of Ishtar they have turned into a Temple of Tiamat. Most of the rest of their followers are camp followers of the army who have turned pious. Regular prayers are being done to try to summon other dragons, and lore is being pursued to that effect. The Orcs of the Red Banner hold another gate and have built a temple to Gruumsh. They number nearly 2100 but are intimidated by Tarley himself and the power of his knights. While rumors abound that the dragons are dead they still look upward warily during strong winds...you never know. The orcs have begun taking over the district they are in. Most of the humans there are little more than slaves to these ravening humanoids. With a hard winter coming on and food scarce, there are dark rumors about the contents of stewpots in this area. The hobgoblin Spear Regiment in Glasstower is the all but decimated Fifth Hammer (Loyal to Tiamat) Regiment. It only has about 350 hobgoblin warriors left, the rest being female camp followers (all hobgoblin--hobgoblins are snobs) and about 1000 goblin slaves. The goblins are growing restive and a number of them have deserted to become beggars and thieves in the rest of the city. They hate and despise the orcs and distrust the Celts, who they feel betrayed them at Fineberg. However they have little choice for now but to side with Tarley, though they are wary of being made to do his dirty work and act as arrow-fodder. The hobgoblins try to keep the area around the Temple of Tiamat (a former temple of Moradin) clean and organized. They treat the humans in their area as slaves, and cruelly, but there are clear rules and instructions. As far as they concerned people who surrender are mere chattel. The merchant militias number roughly 600 all told, mostly caravan and warehouse guards. The remaining merchants include slave dealers and moneylenders as well. Two secret factions so far exist among these. One is a group of Yuan-Ti, part of the overall plan to secretly take over the region and plunder it for magic. The other is a front for the local Thieves' Guild, which in Glasstower is called The Harvesters. The Harvesters may be rogues but they are appalled at what has happened to their city. They secretly smuggle out mistreated slaves and help smuggle in spies for the Nocturnal Council. The Drow form a powerful faction that is very small but feared and respected. It is well known that these fanatics are after something and will stop at nothing to get it. They also act as excellent advisors. They are aloof and neutral in the factional conflict, contemptous of group aims and mostly keep to themselves. However they have already built up an impressive network of favours owed by almost everyone. The Drow also know about the Yuan-Ti, whose presence in this war has begun to disturb them. Finally there are the droves of small mercenary groups, brigands, thieves, *****s, beggars and carpetbaggers seeking to profit off the army like jackals. These never belong to any one faction for a long time (unless the pay is really good--though as things are getting now the attitude of 'you can't eat gold' is starting to prevail) but rather scurry around town fitting in here and there and preying off the hapless townsfolk where they can. Part of the reason why no stronger mercenary groups exist is that most of the mercenaries worth their swords booked ship and went home immediately when they perceived that the coffers had dried up and winter was coming. The ones still hanging around are losers without decent mounts, decent arms and armor or real hope. As a result they are cruel and bitter to those weaker than them or servile and sneaky with those more powerful. Every alley is a potential ambush point or impromptu brothel or snake oil salesman's stall. City's General Appearance The walls, towers and gates have been rebuilt, and stronger than before. From a distance the city looks impressive and from the right angle one can see the glint and shape of the crystaline Tower of Glass. The gates, whether guarded by orc or human tend nd to be rather corrupt and potentially brutally guarded unless bribery or great power (allied of course) is shown. If a strong enemy force arrived it would unite the city temporarily. The Fivers tend to be very pure but also ridiculously strict about searching people and subjecting suspicious people to questioning. Inside the city streets are strewn with filth and a lot of areas are neglected. It is somewhat overcrowded with refugees from outside and camp followers. The only fairly clean and uncrowded areas are those around the main fortress near the north gate controlled by Lord Tarley and around the Temple of Tiamat, shared by the Fivers and the hobgoblins. (note that these two factions only grudgingly cooperate...the hobgoblins' worship is different and they are perhaps more aware of the true nature of this goddess) The Great Market, once a bustling area near guild halls and the craft district is now a dirty wretched area that is more of a slave and loot market than anything else. Livestock offered for sale here tends to be thin, sickly and dirty for the most part. Near the gardens that were devoted to Ishtar as patroness of ale is now a set of gambling halls and fighting pits that enable the war weary troops and camp followers to wager away their ill gotten gains. The homes of the rich are either neglected drafty halls occupied by groups of humanoids and brigands, held by the Viles, or else occupied by Tarley and his followers. The Viles There are several kinds of Viles. False Viles are the best--and the fewest. These include the Guildmaster of Grocers who is secretly the head of the Thieves' Guild, the Harvesters, and is known for being able to find roast goose in the desert as far as Tarley is concerned. Everyone has to deal with him sooner or later, though everyone is also envious and ready to take what he has if only they could. He commands a strong militia force paid for by himself and his cohorts, and his warehouses are never robbed--unpleasant things happen to those who try. He is secretly a New Edomite patriot though reviled by outsiders as a traitor. Few even on the Great Council of the Republic know his true allegiance. The 'Little Viles' are those who have squirmily attached themselves to one faction or another. They lack the resources to hire their own guards, protect their property or themselves for that matter and so act as advisors and assitants to the conquerors, or mistresses or utter lackeys as the case might be. Some have grown able to grin under various forms of light humiliation. These have believed enemy victory is certain and that strength will overcome all. The Big Viles sold out big and gained big. This handful of rogues and villains essentially acted like the Little Viles but had more resources to offer. Some of the guildmasters still remaining fit into this category, but also a few patrician families sold out to survive and bent the knee to the King, bringing their households with them. These have now thrown their lot in with Lord Tarley for survival and would readily betray their fellow countrymen.
queenfange 09-17-07, 08:15 AM	I really like the description and detailed history. It looks pretty darn good. Any specific sections you want help with or feedback on?
GoriceXII 09-17-07, 11:02 AM	Fleshing out of the factions and motivations, npcs that might be interesting to encounter, ideas on the whole dragon cult thing. Thanks btw Queenfange.
taradusis 09-18-07, 06:22 PM	In the other glasstower thread 837697you were trying to decide on the guardian of the glasstower,what did you decide?An outside releif force could arrive,lay seige to the city,and throw bread over the wall to win support of the city.This bread for the masses helped El Cid win a city without losing any troops.What sort of evil plots will the Yuan-ti/Yasq hatch?I think the yuan-ti will drive off the orcs somehow,perhaps rent a dragon-based creature to help the hobgoblins drive out the orcs and regain control of goblins.The yuan-ti could also arrange to profit from food shipments into the area?But that's my thoughts,Yuan-ti will exert control over the chaos,reduce the number of factions,seek knowledge of the glasstower thru psionics.
GoriceXII 09-19-07, 05:59 AM	Just to run with that a bit--I'm taking from your response that the Yuan-Ti cunningly seize advantage from both sides...undermining both at once to take over the city. Somehow they end up seeming as benefactors regardless of who wins? What kind of dragon-type monster would be good as an add-on for them? I like the idea of them at least attempting to align with the hobgoblins by this means. The pcs may foil this but I think it would be fun to plan out anyway.
taradusis 09-21-07, 08:46 AM	Well heres how I'm thinking of the YASQ conspiracy.GREEN DRAGON>YUAN-TI SUPERVILLAIN>YUAN-TI>LESSER VILES/TAINTED ONES>DUPES/PCS..Now I'm thinking a green dragon because they like to manipulate people,a green dragon would be "leading"the yasq who think they are on top of things.A small or young green dragon who is without a lair would be logical,and not too overpowering for the PCs to face.She might use her wealth to fund takeover of Glasstower.When the sarrukh master race created the Yuan-ti to be their servitor race the sarrukh gave themselves the ability to modify yuan-ti bodies at will while still allowing all yuan-ti to interbreed.Now suppose the sarrukh wanted to explore polar regions and gave some yuan-tu the cold subtype.This might produce a very pale yuan-ti.If you give him the Flaw of being an albino,white skin,red eyes(sign of holiness or greatness amongst the yuan-ti) you can logically give him an extra feat at the exspence of having him just come out at night?Give him the Flared Hood body modification which allows a +2 to Intimidate and there's your "supervillain".I think a powerful psionist for your psionic pc to face would be interesting.Many european nobles liked to have dinner parties in salons.When germany invaded france the germans used to attend these dinner parties which the Vichy people would hold in their honor,this allowed the germans to influence french political thought and pick the most servile french for operations against their own people.Suppose the White Cobra had a horn of plenty(cornacopia)and generated a Hero's Feast for the lesser viles to attend.This would allow the yasq to monitor the lesser viles and pick some for covert missions.A lesser vile who owns a tavern could be assigned the task of forming a resistance movement against the orcs.The Pcs could defend a woman who is being grabbed by orcs for the stewpot and the lesser vile could ask them to join the resistance.The lesser vile could provide lodging,food,logistical support,out of work mercenaries,all without mentioning that his contact are the yuan-ti.If the PCs question why he occasionally attends dinner parties held by the White Cobra he could say that hard times require hard choices and he makes alot of deals there.
GoriceXII 09-22-07, 12:34 AM	Thanks, those are really good solid ideas. I like the idea of the Yuan-Ti albino and using the lesser Viles as opposed to big Viles. What would you think of a Shadow Dragon instead of a Green Dragon? I already have one in the game the pcs haven't encountered but have just heard rumors of (which they don't understand at all). Theoretically it could prowl around the city and never be seen if it didn't want to be... Also it is twisted and clever to imagine the pcs actually helping the Yuan-Ti take over the city...
taradusis 09-22-07, 11:50 AM	I would prefer a weaker green dragon over the shadow dragon because if the Pcs catch wise they could face a green easier than a shadow.As a chromatic dragon the greens are more traditionally worshipped by Tiamat cults,it would make Yasq/Hobgoblin teamups more plausible.The Yasq would be more likely to recruit a green because as traitorous people they know there's going to be a final showdown,and it's easier to face a green than a shadow,especially for a psionics master?Just my thoughts.Most Pcs don't have much of a clue as to the long term plans of who they work for.In the Lankmar series the grey mouser had a wizard patron who was a villain,grey mouser served it for what,27 years?As long as the PCs are fighting against one evil art a time they could be used to eliminate the orcs,then the goblins,then the hobgoblins,then the dragon,at which point the YASQ send them to another city to "help" there?
GoriceXII 09-22-07, 03:12 PM	I don't know if you're aware...while I would normally agree with the reasoning about the Green my pcs are aligned with a very young Blue Dragon which is travelling with them right now. I could remove her for a time I suppose but I'd actually like a reasonable challenge--I tend to scale up stuff a little because of her presence. I have another thought to add to your ideas about Yasg/Yuan-Ti elements. What if the Yasgs they are dealing with are themselves dupes? I think this would work well because the Psion then wouldn't detect any treachery nor would the cleric--after all the Yasgs could be acting with their own interests but otherwise no strange agenda. Similar to the lesser Vile you suggested. I will also start gradually expanding a Yuan-Ti underground lair or two in the region, where the more peculiar types like abominations will lurk and make their plans. BTW, beg pardon I'd forgotten an earlier question of yours. I made the guardian of the tower a great wyrm silver dragon. Along with some other good dragons she is cursed due to evil acts she had done long ago; only solving the riddles of the tower can enable them to be well. (the others are frozen into crystal statues) If the pcs accomplish this they will win several powerful allies to their cause. The quest of the tower is a whole other issue I'm working on.
taradusis 09-22-07, 11:49 PM	Wouldn't a Tiamat-worshipping cult want to kidnap the baby blue dragon?RANDOM THOUGHT.
GoriceXII 09-23-07, 05:01 AM	You sir, have a devious mind. Are you sure YOU aren't a Yuan-Ti? I'd love some of your RANDOM THOUGHTS on this subject. Here are some of mine: perhaps the Yuan-Ti might seed rumors that might lure to baby blue to recapture her hoard. (it was stolen by Drow with the aid of the Lich, to use for their plans for the war)
taradusis 09-23-07, 02:59 PM	In order to turn problems into oppotunities you should wade into data stream,god is in the details and knowledge will dictate the plot.You must know as much as possible about how the PCs and the blue dragon interact.Does the Blue fly off in search of food?Does the Blue sleep for any length of time?Does the Blue sleep in a stall in a stable?Are there times when the Blue is with just one PC or NPC.Has the Blue ever asked for a share of the treasure?Has the Blue ever eaten a pet or domestic animal?If the PCs enter thru the Hobgoblin gate could the Hobgoblins speak to it in draconic without the PCs catching on?How hard would it be for the green or shadow dragon to beat the Blue into submission?RANDOM QUESTIONS
taradusis 09-29-07, 03:41 PM	You could also split the party up by having them run teams of low level Resistance fighters.Have the Lesser Vile suggest that the Resistance will build faster if the party leads multiple teams and involve more of his patrons(I'm assuming you base it in a bar)This will give individual PCs a chance to shine while taking on something simple like an orc patrol?RANDOM THOUGHT.
GoriceXII 09-30-07, 04:18 AM	Hi, somehow I missed your earlier reply. Good questions. Here's a bit of a long post. Dragon Questions The very young blue has done the following things: 1. made it very clear she likes to eat elves. Elves (actually evil elves) stole her family horde and killed her parents and siblings. (using a combination of spells plus a dragon slaying sword and help from the Lich Kalikazan) Her companion keeps her from doing so but it is clear that if she had the chance she would zap elves she sees and eat them if she could get away with it. 2. Insists on a large share of the treasure. She generally will try if given the slightest opportunity to swallow some using her gullet feat before it's been counted or checked. 3. The pcs make sure she is well fed, because of the elf thing but also because once she was entirely absent from an adventure when she went flying off. Ever since then they make sure she is never hungry. 4. The blue is lately always with at least one pc, either her companion or the one with the highest charisma apart from him. 5. The blue sleeps in an extra dining hall in the pcs' manor house that opens into the courtyard. It is full of fine polishing sand and she buries some of her treasure there. The pcs actually respect this and don't go in without asking permission and don't try to investigate the sand. (a few rather interesting treasure items they missed through lack of searching, haste, etc, have ended up there) When they are travelling outside she prefers to burrow and camouflage herself somewhere. Thus far by pure coincidence they haven't had to stay in an inn with her. I suppose they'll cross that bridge when they come to it. 6. She has eaten one domestic animal, that was a packhorse that was critically wounded after an ambush attack. She basically finished the animal off and then ate a good amount of it. 7. I think that there might be a check to see if the Psion (her companion) recognized the sound of draconic, since he's heard it before. 8. I haven't decided how old the green or shadow should be! Thoughts? You had suggested a younger dragon so it could be discreet in the city more easily. The Resistance Here is my main plotline vis a vis the pcs' and their allies' point of view. By the time the pcs get back from their latest mission Harbourtown will have been recaptured by means of General Carmel's tactics aided by certain Yasg elements. (a small fleet basically) However they won't have enough troops to face the larger forces in Glasstower. By this time Carmel's force is the only decent sized mobile one left in the country and would be outnumbered. On the other hand the enemy can't casually recapture or even besiege Harbourtown. Sort of a stalemate. Within Glasstower, the enemy forces will be trying to organize, as I see it, and probably there will be a bid for power. I was thinking that Lord Tarley is backed by the lich and the drow as the open candidate while the Yuan-Ti secretly back the resistance without anyone knowing about it. The Yuan-Ti are also as I think I had said in an earlier thread connected with the Yasg fleet. Bsically they assist the players via lesser viles such as the one you suggested, enabling the pcs to sneak into the city to raid resources, taking out means of superior magic and so on till it is possible for the New Edomite Army to take advantage of the chaos in the city, possibly with a citizens' uprising simultaneously. Thoughts?
taradusis 09-30-07, 11:09 PM	In order to turn the Blue to the Dark side the the green or black should be able to beat the blue into submission but not mature enough to have established a true lair of it's own.I'm picturing a scenario where the blue is given a bad beating and then once his place in the pecking order is established he's given some sort of consolation prize to make him accept his new lot in life.In the old days of D+D dragons had 3 key stats they no longer have.A percentage chance for being in the lair,asleep and submission.For Ex.,a black dragon would have 30% chance of being in lair,30% chance of being asleep and a 30% chance of submitting each time you did damage equal to 25% of his original HP.,so a 100HP dragon would have a 30% chance of giving up at 75HP,another 30% when dropped to 50HP and a third roll at 25HP.A dragon who submitted would lead you to his treasure,be your mount or whatever.This could be adapted where the Blue could be subverted thru intimidation,bribery and flattery,traditionally the best way to deal with a dragon.THE RESISTANCE I beleive that the yuan-ti will not want an open position of power in the city and will seek to eliminate those factions that are too disruptive to social order.The Yuan-ti want to control and enslave lesser beings,not destroy them.The Yuan-ti should have long term goals of setting up a drug and slavery operation.A psionics training school were the best students are invited to go to a hidden abomination for induction into yuan-ti society by means of the Tainted Ones potion.A magicall resource center where you can copy spells from scrolls at 10% of cost and sell the right to have any original spells you own at 200% of cost.This will build up a magic library and allow Yuan-ti to monitor who's magically active?A drug that the Yuan-ti control and that can be Tainted to create Tainted ones.If you have Serpent Kingdoms they can kidnap humans and give them the OPHIDIAN disease.There's a lot of possible yuan-ti plots and the Yuan-yi pride themselves on being able to juggle multiple scams and plots while insulating themselves fron risk or blame.RANDOM THOUGHTS.