Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Pallin Rahl 08-30-07, 12:49 PM	Note to my players: *ahem* GET OUT! ;) --- OK... I'm trying to work-out a fey/faerie-focused adventure for my group... that will find them visiting The Twilight Demesne... and travelling to The Gloaming and possibly even into Thelanis itself... One homebrew note: In my campaign I'm drawing a distinction between fey courts (not something that is cannon in Eberron, to the best of my knowledge). i.e. There is a Winter Court (unseelie fey) and a Summer Court (seelie fey), etc... (most-similar to the specific setup of the fey courts in The Dresden Files if you're familiar). A good while ago, my PCs ran into a fey of the Winter Court who was hanging out in Sharn (they generally know that she is of the Winter Court, but do not yet know that she is actually a princess). They actually have had a generally friendly relationship with her over time... but one of the PCs, early-on in the relationship, was quick to make a deal with the fey when in dire need (something that can often be troublesome). In exchange for her assistance, she was promised a favor. I figure collecting on this favor is a good hook to get the party involved. I'm just not certain what kind of interesting plot to lay out here. Here are a few things I'd like to include... A reason to take the party into The Gloaming (maybe it's been expanding faster than normal or something... maybe tie it to some being/faction trying to tap into the power of Mabar there for some reason) A reason to visit The Twilight Demesne (this is likely easy to work in, given whatever surrounding plot is worked out) The duty to honor the promise the one PC made and thus help the Winter Court (or at least the fey in question, specifically) A compelling reason (at least a bit contradictory to helping the Winter Court) for them to want to assist the Summer Court (kinda want the party to find themselves caught between the plotting of the Winter vs Summer Courts) Very possibly a reason to take the party into Thelanis itself Any plot suggestions? I'd appreciate any ideas you'd suggest I consider. :D
Rechan 08-30-07, 02:00 PM	Nice to see a Dresden fan among us! :) Now, my first question: was this fey princess a Winter Lady, or just a powerful fey among their court (like Jenny Greenteeth)? Next, I propose this: The Gloaming is something that the Winter Court approves of. Winter represents harsh and brutal aspects of nature, and I'd say the Gloaming is ground zero for creatures that represent this. Perhaps the Winter Court is about to make a deal with a powerful entity within the Gloaming - perhaps a creature of Mabar itself. Summer, catching wind of the deal, plans on sabotaging it. They send a Huntsman* to capture or slay some prominent creature in the Gloaming; not the powerful entity that rules over the Gloaming, but its lieutenant, and frame the Winter Court. Summer is banking on the Gloaming's BBEG believing Winter is trying to strong-arm him or hold a bargaining chip over him. Winter, finding out about the plot (by noticing that such a Huntsman has departed the Twilight Demense), summons the PCs. They want the PCs to track down the huntsman and kill him. The Huntsman delves into the Gloaming, snagging something prominent. Maybe he kills it and takes a Trophy**. He travels like the wind back to the Twilight Demense, and delves right into Thelanis. Maybe he's going back to his Lodge, or to present his Trophy to the Summer Queen. The PCs delving into Summer's territory will likely be seen as an act of aggression, and will no doubt **** off Summer (and subsequently Winter for them acting so brazen and foolish). *The Huntsman could be a member of the Wild Hunt. Naturally not the Earl King, but a member of his crew. Alternatively, he could just be a fey of the idea of the Hunt, which is best in Summer when animal numbers are high. **The Creature in question can likely regenerate, or be Reborn, but it needs a part of it to do so, like its head or its heart, or an egg inside of it. The Huntsman takes that Part as a Trophy.
Pallin Rahl 08-30-07, 02:46 PM	Just a quick note, to make discussion easier... the PCs know the Winter Court fey gal by the name: Zara. It's a shortening of her full name (which is itself a play on the Eberron name for the mid-winter season, Zarantyr) --- Nice to see a Dresden fan among us! :) You know it! :D Now, my first question: was this fey princess a Winter Lady, or just a powerful fey among their court (like Jenny Greenteeth)? Honestly, thus far undecided. The PCs don't really know that she's even anything beyond "a fey of the Winter Court". They might have got a feeling she is important in some way, based on how some others have reacted to her... but it's not been spelled out in any way. So I'm open to suggestions either way. :) Next, I propose this... Interesting... and definitely worth considering. :) ...though I think it might work even better if you advance the plot a bit forward. Such that, the PCs are not tasked with "tracking down the Summer guy to stop him from retrieving/killing something in the Gloaming"... but instead, it's already happened... the Winter Court was framed and the BBEG in the Gloaming is already taking action against the Winter Court. That could work... The Winter Court asks for help from the PCs... they've been framed by the Summer Court and the BBEG in the Gloaming is taking action against them (expanding the Gloaming, etc). The PCs, not realizing the act by the Summer Court was an attempt to sabbotage the dirty dealings of the Winter Court, take the hook. I suppose a problem I could see arising is: What happens when the PCs are actually dealing with representatives of the Summer Court. Though the Summer Court too love their plotting, they'd likely set the PCs straight about what is going on... I guess we'd need some nifty counter-plot running in the background for them as well heh Hmmm.... --- Keep the ideas coming! ...both related to this suggested plot idea and any other wacky ones you might suggest otherwise. :D
Rechan 08-30-07, 04:00 PM	I don't think that the Gloaming expanding would Hurt Winter; the Gloaming's expansion is almost like a boon for them. It compliments their niche in Nature, so to speak. So what the Gloaming BBEG could do to Winter to hurt them, I'm not sure. Perhaps he's doing something to weaken their power structure, or he's aiding Summer in some fashion. I suppose a problem I could see arising is: What happens when the PCs are actually dealing with representatives of the Summer Court. Though the Summer Court too love their plotting, they'd likely set the PCs straight about what is going on The Summer Court would likely treat them as Representatives of Winter. Thus they are not to be trusted (as much as Fae trust), and are to be treated politely but We Aren't Friends. Even if the PCs don't like it, they still have to help out Winter (that's what the Favor is, after all). The question is: what do they need to do to Help Winter? How can they get away with it? And, how can Summer get the PCs over a barrel? Summer isn't going to willingly give up the Trophy, and aren't going to let the PCs just stroll in and beat up the Huntsman.
Kensan_Oni 08-30-07, 04:11 PM	Things that cross my mind... Honoring a persons word to a fairie: This is a no brainer. The person gave their word while in the domocile of the fairie? Then they get obligated to the fey land rules. In this case, they just happened to willingly geas themselves when the time is right for the favor to be returned, because they said they would, and the fey world doesn't forget promises. My recommendation? The Princess wants to return home, but she can't because she said she would get something, but before she did, she gave another promise to do something on Ebberon, which keeps her near Sharn (Or wherever the party found her). So she asks the party, whom she's come to trust, to go to (wherever) and retrieve this item for her. However, the item is esoteric, and can only be gotten by the good will of the Summer Court (Think a summers breath, the wisp of a daydream, that kind of thing). What gets that good will is up to you, but play up the idea of promises and obligations that fey trade back and forth amongst themselves to do things. Even let the party use it to their advantage now and then (To, say, get past a Stone Giant guarding something without a fight, if they think of it). Drag them kicking and screaming into the political world of the courts, and make them grateful to get out of it all intact.
Pallin Rahl 08-30-07, 05:11 PM	...but play up the idea of promises and obligations that fey trade back and forth amongst themselves to do things. Even let the party use it to their advantage now and then (To, say, get past a Stone Giant guarding something without a fight, if they think of it). Drag them kicking and screaming into the political world of the courts, and make them grateful to get out of it all intact. That's the general plan :) Interesting idea as well. ...definitely more to consider...
SirPudding 08-30-07, 05:31 PM	I keep hearing about the Dresden Files, I better check it out. It's awesome that your focusing on fae adventure. My advice is to look up some old Irish folktales which are full of the fae both beautiful and horrific. What I think would be the best way to get the PC's from one place to another would be a long pursuit. Faeries in our world make a habit of stealing infants or leading travelers astray. Maybe an important NPc is abducted and various fae lead the PCs on a merry chase. Also as I recall the Seelie and Unseelie courts trade power back and forth. Perhaps if the Bad fae can get the person into their home by a certain date (Equinox, Solstice) than it would be impossible to retrieve them. Is there someone so precious to the PCs that they would cross ploanes and rick death or worse to get back? just my two cents.
Shady314 08-30-07, 08:41 PM	One homebrew note: In my campaign I'm drawing a distinction between fey courts (not something that is cannon in Eberron, to the best of my knowledge). i.e. There is a Winter Court (unseelie fey) and a Summer Court (seelie fey), etc... (most-similar to the specific setup of the fey courts in The Dresden Files if you're familiar). Add me to the list of Dresden fans. (The books not the tv show) A good while ago, my PCs ran into a fey of the Winter Court who was hanging out in Sharn (they generally know that she is of the Winter Court, but do not yet know that she is actually a princess). They actually have had a generally friendly relationship with her over time... but one of the PCs, early-on in the relationship, was quick to make a deal with the fey when in dire need (something that can often be troublesome). In exchange for her assistance, she was promised a favor. I figure collecting on this favor is a good hook to get the party involved. It may help to know the particulars of the deal. Did he just agree to a blanket favor? I certainly hope he was smart enough to negotiate for an equivalent favor. Here are a few things I'd like to include... A reason to take the party into The Gloaming (maybe it's been expanding faster than normal or something... maybe tie it to some being/faction trying to tap into the power of Mabar there for some reason) There's plenty of ways to bring your PCs anywhere. Someone is there they need to talk to in the course of carrying out this favor. It's the secret lair of the BBEG etc. Perhaps the link to Mabar is playing a key part in the plot I'm about to suggest... A reason to visit The Twilight Demesne (this is likely easy to work in, given whatever surrounding plot is worked out) Throughout the Eldeen Reaches and particularly the Twilight Demesne the effects of freak winter storms and cold weather in general are being felt. This is rather unexpected seeing as how it's Summer. This winter weather is resisting the Summer Court's attempts to banish it and restore balance with their preferred weather. Needless to say the Winter Court are the top suspects. Who else could somehow be resisting the Summer Courts efforts and who else would be causing winter in the Eldeen? Many favors and debts are being called in as different fae lords/ladies etc. attempt to discover the source and either stop it or use it to their own ends. One such debt called in is owed by a Sidhe princess hanging out in Sharn. Que the PCs. The duty to honor the promise the one PC made and thus help the Winter Court (or at least the fey in question, specifically) If he fails to live up to his bargain and help I'd slap him with the effects of breaking a Geas/Quest. Or maybe Geas/Lesser depending on your PCs level. A Sidhe contract is truly binding when you give your word freely. :) Or he may find himself suddenly teleported with her to a powerful Sidhe court where she accuses him of being a heinous oath breaker. And you don't want to know what they do to those. :) A compelling reason (at least a bit contradictory to helping the Winter Court) for them to want to assist the Summer Court (kinda want the party to find themselves caught between the plotting of the Winter vs Summer Courts) Very possibly a reason to take the party into Thelanis itself Well with my idea helping the Winter Court is also helping the Summer Court. But there are factions within each that would like to use this to their own advantage. Some winter faeries don't care who's doing it and want it to continue. Some Summer faeries want to claim this is tantamount to an act of war by the Winter Court and assault them while Summer holds sway on Eberron. Everyone wants to know HOW they're doing it for obvious reasons. Figuring out how it's done and telling the Winter Court but not the Summer Court (so they can defend against it) could be bad in the future. As for Thelanis they could just go there. Have it so all Sidhe have made themselves available for questioning. Everyone denies having anything to do with it so anyone that wasn't willing would have been seen as suspicious. The princess can arrange a meeting with anyone they like and if they are ultimately successful this is where they will present their findings. Having her take them through the Hedge could be pretty kewl. Any plot suggestions? I'd appreciate any ideas you'd suggest I consider. :D Hope mine helped somewhat. PS> If they solve this adventure satisfactorily they should obviously get free cleaning services for life. ;)
Pallin Rahl 08-31-07, 12:52 PM	Sidenote: Add me to the list of Dresden fans. (The books not the tv show) Yeah... only watched the pilot of the show... wasn't impressed. If anyone is interested from the good buzz you might have heard about the Dresden Files, definitely pick up the books. :) --- It may help to know the particulars of the deal. Did he just agree to a blanket favor? I certainly hope he was smart enough to negotiate for an equivalent favor. It was very open-ended. His character did not know much of anything about the danger of making deals with faeries... and he was in a hurry at the time. So yeah, she could pretty much get away with a lot (related to the promise) and still be fully within the bounds of the actual deal. The player in question is a good friend of mine and a good sport... so her "forcing" him, via the deal, to go on an adventure for her should not pose a problem. Throughout the Eldeen Reaches and particularly the Twilight Demesne the effects of freak winter storms and cold weather in general are being felt....[etc] Another interresting plot idea. :) Hmmm... maybe there's even some way to mix the some of these plot ideas ;) Ooooh we could really start mixing things up... A notable Winter tries to make a pact with a BBEG in Mabar, to expand their power. A notable Summer finds out and tries to interfere with it, possibly framing Winter (in the eyes of the BBEG in Mabar). The BBEG in Mabar begins to take action... expanding The Gloaming and causing the freak winter storms. Some of the Winter Court are happy with it, no matter why it's happening... others are concerned, as it seems someone might be horning in on "their territory", so to speak. Generally, the Winter Court has no clue why it's happening. Most of the Summer Court are concerned and suspect the Winter Court is behind it. Tensions are up... there are talks of the Courts going to war... (which is bad for everyone on the Prime Material. ;)) Enter the PCs, being tasked by Zara to figure out what the hell is going on before a war breaks out. :D ...not perfect, but not too shabby heh If he fails to live up to his bargain and help I'd slap him with the effects of breaking a Geas/Quest. Good idea. (I was trying to come up with some set "consequence" to ignoring the debt and that sounds as fitting as any) PS> If they solve this adventure satisfactorily they should obviously get free cleaning services for life. ;) You know it! :D ---- Keep the ideas coming! ...they've been most-useful! (even plot ideas completely different than what we're already discussing are cool... who knows how they might alter things heh) Note: Have to finalize things by tonight though... as I have to do any necessary NPC writeups, etc tonight... as the game is tomorrow. ;)
Rechan 08-31-07, 03:29 PM	The BBEG in Mabar begins to take action... expanding The Gloaming and causing the freak winter storms. Some of the Winter Court are happy with it, no matter why it's happening... others are concerned, as it seems someone might be horning in on "their territory", so to speak. Generally, the Winter Court has no clue why it's happening. Most of the Summer Court are concerned and suspect the Winter Court is behind it. Tensions are up... there are talks of the Courts going to war... (which is bad for everyone on the Prime Material. ;)) I imagine Winter would be very uncomfortable with talk of war. Namely that it's Summer, and thus the pendulum of power is not in their favor. Even with this freak winter, that's not enough; the scales are not in their favor. So the Fae that aren't just dandy with this freak winter are the ones who are cautious and see things long-term. I want to propose an alternative thought. Namely that Summer could be also doing something, like trying to engineer a wide-scale connection to Fernia come winter, so that the Material receives a Mild winter. This would weaken the Winter court, and come next summer, the Winter court will be even more brittle, and in a great position for an attack.