Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Oghmanyte 11-04-05, 12:39 PM	I'm beginning a Sembian mostly urban campaign for only two PCs(!). Below I've sketched out the basics. If you have any feedback or ideas, let me know. Both players are members of aristocratic families in the gothic port city of Saerloon. One is a young wizard who has recently dedicated himself to Shar and unlocking the secrets of the Shadow Weave, and the other is, conveniently, a Sharran cleric. Hooks: 1. The game opens with a council of merchants debating whether to let the local church of Lathander buy a lease on a ruined temple of Amaunator. The temple ruins have always been public but the church is now interested in keeping them to itself. It is rumored that the church of Lathander itself is split into two factions, that the senile high cleric is oblivious to his underlings' factiousness, and that his death is likely to stir up trouble. 2. The cleric PC's older sister is engaged to a count from Cormyr. In my game, Cormyr has just suffered terrible losses (both financial and mortal) in its recent battles; despite this fact, Alusair refused Sembia's offer of a loan, not wanting the young king to begin a reign over a country indebted to its aggressive neighbor. Many noblemen were appalled by this rejection and seek to marry into Sembian money, hoping to cement a financial alliance between the two nations and possibly overthrow the old monarchy. 3. The Sharran cell of Saerloon operates from a temple within the sewers beneath the slums. It is likely that the higher clerics are very interested in manipulating the newly converted aristocratic PCs toward their own ends, which may involve destroying the city's financial infrastructure and sowing dissent and hatred between the already bickering families. 4. The wizard PC has an older brother who sits on the city's high council, an older brother who is a cleric of Lathander, and a sister whose indiscretions got her into trouble years ago and who has since vanished. He also has something of a Hamlet complex--his uncle may be after his newly widowed mother. 5. Monks of Silvanus? Yes, monk/druids of the Order of the Blueleaf, based in the Archwood, have been seen more frequently in Sembia. They seem troubled, but have not disclosed the reasons for their seeming exodus. PROBLEMS: Being evil, the PCs may also lack motivation to do anything about the problems in and out of town. The church of Shar is a good place to start, I know, but I kind of want them to do a bit of feeling things out on their own before being given a linear mission. Also, neither is a powerhouse. I thought of letting them adventure with an NPC, but I don't want the NPC (presumably a fighter) to be a crutch for them. Any suggestions?
Crust 11-04-05, 04:40 PM	Pfft... From my perspective, it certainly seems like you have things well in hand. I really like how you're working in stroyline here. It seems like a well-made web of possible conflict. I like the idea of a two-player campaign. It allows more individual attention. These characters are going to be great, I'm sure. Just draw up some maps or pour over some modules and begin setting up paths for them to follow. I don't normally allow total free reign in my games. I make sure my gamers know what they need to do to keep the gears moving. Decide what you can use in the future, and begin organizing from there. Envision the group, see where you want to see them months down the road, and aim your PCs in that direction. Give them stepping stones. You know this. I've never ran an evil campaign. That's not the kind of campaign I want. That being said, I'm interested in seeing a brief stat block for each PC. Who are they? As far as bringing these pieces together, that's something that only you will do best. You know your players, you know the campaign. Do whatever comes naturally. That's the only advice I have. I think you already know what you're doing.