Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Dardin_DelSundin 12-29-04, 09:44 PM	Hello Everyone. I require a little bit of aid for a offline campaign setting im doing for Forgotten Realms involving a Drow Merchant house (Aspires to become a Noble House). My problem is time, the Campaign is due January 31st and doing all the details for the DM is a pain in the arse (Not to mention work). Can anyone help me with creating the NPCs for the house. My group is to lazy or ignorant to help and the DM he left it up to me..... But for a few, which I shall do myself, none have been played before. I shall place some basic details which should be done, but the rest can be left to your Genuis Minds. All worship Lloth(Lolth) unless noted. Little Note this is for a High Level Campaign. House Members (Please Feel free to Improve what I place below; All are Chaotic Evil unless noted.) Matron Shegana Del'Sundin Cleric 14th/Hierophant 2nd 1st Daughter Elistana Del'Sundin Cleric 12th Level/ Shadow Adept 2nd 2nd Daughter Tymin Del'Sundin Cleric 10th Level/4th Level Fighter (Chaotic Neutral - Deity: Selvetarm) 3rd Daughter Kysinko Del'Sundin Cleric 5th Level/Fighter 2nd (Twin - Deity: Selvetarm) 4th Daughter Kryni Del'Sundin Cleric 4th Level/ Wizard 3rd (Twin) 5th Daughter Chesin Del'Sundin 7th Level Psion (No Clerical Apptitude) House Patron Brogandoral Myshen (Never allowed to take House Name as Surname) Psychic Warrior 13th Level - Brogandoral wears a Amulet that prevents him from using his Abilities against House Del'Sundin, it also grants him the ability to use all Drow Iniate Abilities x2 daily (Feel free to improve). 1st Son Hyran Del'Sundin 21st Level Psion (Lawful Evil) 2nd Son Droban Del'Sundin 10th Level Psychic Warrior House Wizard Drebith Del'Sundin (Cousin) 15th Level Wizard/1st Level Archmage Weapon Master Tupal Del'Sundin (Female/Cousin) 13th level Fighter/3rd level Cleric (Chaotic Evil; Deity: Selvetarm) Average Soldier - 1st to 4th Level Psychic Warriors (Male) Elite Soldier - 5th to 7th Level Psychic Warriors (Male) Elite Soldier - 6th to 8th Level Fighters (Female) Wizards (2) - 5th Level (Male) Psions (4) - 5th Level (Male) Clerics (6) - 1st to 5th Level (Female) Clerics (4) - 1st to 4th Level (Male - Deity: Selvetarm) Braheesh Del'Sundin (Cousin - Male) 7th Level Rogue/3rd Level Assassin (Neutral Evil Deity: Selvetarm) One doesnt have to do all, the above as when I am done most the main body, I shall jump at what isnt done that I can see. I would however appreciate what you will do, and can not stress enough my gratitude to those that do aid.
warlockco 12-29-04, 11:53 PM	Will be willing to help, but why does the Elderboy have 5 more levels then the Matron Mother? Also, what City/Region of the Underdark is this based in? What is the political layout of the city?
Dardin_DelSundin 12-30-04, 01:23 AM	To Answer your Questions in Order - (I wont go into huge detail unless you require answers. Just let me know) 1) Why does the Elder Boy have more levels - We have placed him higher level as he is the one that interacts with the Characters, he is the one whom travels to the surface (encountering creatures, etc.). As he travels and the Matron is stationarey within the city we thought to increase his level to show his experience. ALSO the Elder Boy is NOT the Matrons natural son. 2) What Region is the City? Whats the City Name? - "Astenan" is the name of the City, we created it obviously. It is situated near the Sea of Buried Ice, just North-East of Deep Imaskar. It is a Metropolis Drow City (Only 40% are actualy Drow), over the centuries Astenan has bred Half-Drow to work as Slaves, finding them more tolerable than Mongeral Races such as Kobolds, Goblins, etc. Although they do still enslave other Monsterous Races. 3) What is the Political Layout of the City? - Sofar we have the City ruled by 24 Noble Houses. Underneath each house are 12 Merchant Houses, which constantly seek to improve their situation, which House Del'Sundin will attempt to do with the aid of the PC Characters. There are Four large caverns and three smaller ones, all these caverns are interconnected by tunnels ranging from about several hundred feet to a mile. However, other than connecting to one another, the City is totaly cut off from the rest of the Underdark. There are ONLY 5 Routes to the Surface leading to the city, of which only two actively used. Also, the Males of Astenan (And few females) are born with some Psionical Ability to one degree or another. This has increased their importance to the Matrons (sofar the Males have accepted this and still are quite content with their "Role" in Drow society). Selvetarm also has a large following within the city (Making Lolths {Lloths} silence a lesser dissruption than in other cities) and along with the fact its totaly isolated and self sufficient, it hasnt suffered like other cities. Other Religions? - I added this part in. As we have the city quite old, and its isolation, we made it so that Lolth and Selvertarm are the two PRIMAREY deities. Vhaeraun is present but his power is totaly limited to a theives guild. Other Drow Deities are NOT present (Option of having conflict with a deity trying to get their paws in the pie are open however). Anymore? Just ask THANKS!
warlockco 12-30-04, 04:21 AM	Have you determined what feats will be Regional Feats for your City? What are the Bonus Languages for the City? Near as I can tell it looks like it is more or less under Rashemen/Hordelands area looking down from the Surface. If the Elderboy isn't the natural son, then he isn't really the 1st son, he would be a cousin, brother, etc, what is his exact relation to the Matron Mother? also what type of Psion is he? Along with all the others that are Psions: Seer, Shaper, Telepath, Kineticist, Egoist? The Primary Books I will use are all the FR books, Expanded Psionics Handbook, DMG 3.5, MM 3.5, PHB 3.5, Complete Arcane & Divine & Warrior, Libris Mortis (undead book), Epic Level Handbook. All Characters will be in 3.5E rules. What is the general attitude of the family? Manipulative? Up-Front and "Honest" (i.e. not subtle)? Powerbrokers? Magical-Based Power (Divine, Arcane, Psi)? How is the family looked upon by the rest of the City leaders (Nobles and Merchant Houses) in general? Trustworthy? Backstabbers? How Common are Magic Items? Moderate Magic? Lots of Magic? Epic Items in the hands of non-epic NPCs? Rare Epic, but lots of "standard" magic? I did all the Matron Mothers of Menzoberranzan on the Realms NPCs thread, so having this type of information will help me with helping you with these NPCs. Do the Clergy of Lolth in Astenan use the Scourge of Fangs that the Clergy of Menzoberranzan (and most other Drow cities ruled by Lolthites) have made famous? Or do they have a different signature weapon, or don't really have a signature weapon?
warlockco 12-30-04, 05:55 AM	Here is the Matron Mother of House Del'Sundin, subject to change with additional information. Bumped her up to 18th level, don't know why, but just like that number better than 16th. House Del’Sundin, Merchant House of Astenan: Matron Mother of House Del’Sundin Matron Shegana Del'Sundin: Female Drow Clr16/Hie2; CR 19; Medium Humanoid (Elf); HD 18d8+36; hp 156; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 29 (touch 19, flat-footed 25); Base Atk +13; Grp +16; Atk +21 melee (1d8+8 plus 1d6 Fire, Shegana’s Scourge); Full Atk +21/+16/+11 melee (1d8+8 plus 1d6 Fire Shegana’s Scourge); Face/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.; SA Rebuke Undead; SQ Drow traits, SR 30; AL CE; SV Fort +20, Ref +18, Will +29; Str 16, Dex 22, Con 14, Int 22, Wis 33, Cha 24. Skills and Feats (counting all modifiers except equipment and attributes): Bluff +6, Concentration +18, Diplomacy +18, Heal +10, Knowledge (Arcana) +12, Knowledge (The Planes) +10, Knowledge (Religion) +16, Listen +4, Search +2, Sense Motive +10, Speak Language (Common, Elven, Undercommon, Abyssal, Draconic, Drow Sign Language, Goblin), Spellcraft +16, Spot +3. Corrupt Spell, Craft Wondrous Item, Exotic Weapon (Scourge), Leadership, Lightning Reflexes (b), Negotiator, Spell Penetration, Transdimensional Spell. Special Qualities: Drow traits: +2 Racial bonus on Listen, Search (entitled to a Search check when passing within 5 feet of a secret or concealed door), and Spot checks; Darkvision 120 ft.; Immune to Sleep; +2 Racial bonus on saves vs Enchantments; +2 Racial bonus on Will saves vs Spells and Spell-like Abilities; SR 30. Matron Shegana has benefited from a Tome of Clear Thought +4 and a Tome of Understanding +5. Aura of Evil (as 18th level cleric); Rebuke Undead as 16th level cleric 10/day. Divine Reach (Su): Matron Shegana can use touch spells on targets up to 60 feet away. If the spell requires a melee touch attack, Matron Shegana must make a ranged touch attack instead. Spell-like Abilities (as 18th level caster) 1/day–Dancing Lights, Darkness, Faerie Fire. Cleric Spells Prepared (6/8+1/8+1/8+1/6+1/6+1/5+1/5+1/3+1; base DC = 21 + spell level; caster level 18th). Deity: Lolth. Domains: Drow, Evil (cast Evil spells at +1 caster level). Possessions: Silver Holy Symbol (Lolth), Del’Sundin House Insignia, Arms of House Del’Sundin, Shegana’s Scourge, Circlet of Major Blasting, Contracts of Nepthas (several), Gloves of Dexterity +6, Periapt of Wisdom +6, Piwafwi of Charisma +6, Ring of Protection +5, Signet Ring of House Del’Sundin, Vest of Resistance +5, other possessions unknown. As the Matron Mother of a Merchant House, Matron Shegana could have access to almost any item given enough time. Height: Unknown, Weight: Unknown, Hair: Unknown, Eyes: Unknown. Arms of House Del’Sundin: This finely crafted chainmail bears the emblem of Astenan’s House Del’Sundin. This armor is a suit of +5 Glamered Heavy Fortification Elven Chain. Source: Created by Joseph Weber. Strong Abjuration and Illusion; CL 15th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Disguise Self, Miracle; Price 106,850 gp; Weight 20 lb. Shegana’s Scourge: This particularly vicious scourge has barbs made of adamantine and is the personal weapon of Matron Shegana of the Merchant House Del’Sundin. This weapon is a +5 Flaming Keen Surestriking Adamantine Scourge of Wounding. Source: Created by Joseph Weber. Strong Evocation and Transmutation; CL 15th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Align Weapon, Flame Strike, Keen Edge, Mordenkainen’s Sword; Price 203,020 gp; Weight 2 lb. Signet Ring of House Del’Sundin: This mithral ring is fairly bland and plain looking with the exception of bearing the insignia of House Del’Sundin, it is a symbol of the authority of the Matron Mother of House Del’Sundin. This ring renders the wearer immune to all natural poisons and grants her a +5 resistance bonus on saving throws against any magic or supernatural poison. The ring must be worn for a full week before it begins to work. If it is removed, the owner must wear it for another week before it will function again. Additionally this ring helps conceal the thoughts of the wearer and allows the wearer to invade the thoughts of others. The wearer is continually immune to Detect Thougths, Discern Lies, and any attempt to magically discern her alignment. This ring allows the wearer to read thoughts, as though with the Detect Thoughts spell at will. Source: Created by Joseph Weber. Moderate Abjuration, Conjuration and Divination, CL 7th; Forge Ring, Detect Thoughts, Neutralize Poison, Nondetection; Price 90,000 gp. Piwafwi of Charisma: This black cloak grants its wearer a +10 competence bonus to Hide checks and gives a +2, +4, or +6 enhancement bonus to Charisma. Source: Created by Joseph Weber. Moderate Illusion and Transmutation; CL 8th; Craft Wondrous Item, Eagle’s Splendor, Invisibility, Creator must be a Drow; Price 16,000 gp (+2), 31,000 gp (+4), 51,000 gp (+6); Weight 1 lb.
Dardin_DelSundin 12-30-04, 08:11 AM	When you got a ton of things to do, besides D&D material sometimes you forget to place in the details needed and do a rush job. Hehe, like I did. I shall do my best to do what it is you require. Also take in mind my resources are quite limited. I shall answer the above in the same kind of way I did the first. 1) Regional Feats, Bonus Languages, And Region its under? - Okay For the first part, Regional Feats, etc, use the Elf, drow (FRCS- pg.30) or the Hordelands (Pg.31). However if you so desire, I have done a "rough" draft of a Character Regions for Astenan. Astenan - Automatic Language: Elven, Tuigan. Bonus Languages: Drow Sign, Draconic, Rashemi, & Damaran. Regional Feats: All Drow Regional Feats, plus the Following - Acrobatics, Athletic, Endurance, & Run. Equipment: (A) Short Sword & Dagger (Masterwork), (B) 1d4 Antitoxin (Vial), Climbers Kit. 2) Elder Boy, more about him - Okay, just because a Drow isnt part of the family "naturaly" does not mean they can not be elevated to a posistion of a Matrons desire. Numerous examples are shown threw out the books of this, that a Matron has elevated (of course its been female) to a posistion ABOVE her own blood relations cause the "new apointed" child has shown promise in power. He is a son of a House that defeated its assailant, however was unable to progress on its own anylonger. The victorious Nobles were seperated, House Del'Sundin got the son. As for what type of Psion - Telepath (I should have stated this earlier, sorry). 3) 3.5 Edition Books - Thats fine, I am slowly converting over as it is. And I got a mixture of 3.0/3.5 Edition. From what I seen as it is the differences are not HUGE between the two. 4) The BRADY BUNCH!! (Seriously they aint, hehe) - Okay. The general attitude of the family currently is a serious no nonsence. They are prepareing for War with several weaker Merchant Clans and Noble Houses that will span them decades of War. Its a dareing move but they plan to come victorious. However in general, the Males tend to be upfront in their dealings. They dont BS, and dont expect it in return, they are Telepaths, deceit isnt good to do around them, unless you know you can get away (at least far as the Psions go), the remaining Males Psychic Warriors etc, varies from treacherous backstabber to quiet and manipulative, all are subervient to their sisters and Matron of course. The Women, are manipulative,and double crossing. They train themselves to be as emotionless as possible (Think Vulcans off Star Trek; except not as severe), However all are power brokers, if they can kill another and get away with it to raise their own status, they will. However currently, they are consolidating their power and are actively working together without double crossing. They know the next decade or so is a perilous time for them as the family plans to thrust themselves foreward in a swell coupe de grace (cant spell worth beans). As for the families primarey source of power, its evenly stretched. They have pretty much balanced themselves between Psionical, Arcane and Divine. And even have just recently decided to extend themselves into the Shadow Weave. 5) City to the Family Opinion - Varies on House. As I havent finished this I can only speculate what it will be over all. However it will be different. Commoners - General mixed attitude, depends on their alligance. Merchant Clans - Competition or potentual ally, that needs to be wiped out later. Noble Houses - A freakin Nusance that is becomeing a threat with its increase in power. However it supplies them with much needed goods and so they tolerate them for now. (As I develope the other Houses and Noteable Merchant Clans, I shall change this if not leave it the same. However that general outlook should suffice.) 6) How common is Magical Items? - Okay, House Del'Sundin has been prepareing for War for two Generations. The previous Matron and now the current. They have stock piled Magical Potions, Wands, Misc. Items, but especialy WEAPONS and ARMOUR. Soldiers - They should have basic magical equipment. Nothing fancey or strong. Each will have 1d4 Curelight Wound Potions and "perhaps" some Misc Magical Item of their own (Which can be divided out later). Elite Soldiers - They should have Moderate strength Magical Equipment. Again nothing to fancey, they stockpiled practicle items easy to afford and aquire. Like the above, they have Cure Light Wound Potions and will have some type of Misc Magical Item (Which will be given accordinly). Elite Female Soldiers - They will have the Cream of the Crop for when it comes to the more Mundane Magical Items. Their Weapons and Armour will be the best. (I shall allow you to decide, as if you have done this before divy out accordinly to their level the Enchantments the Armour and Weapons will be, this will be nothing Fancy. eg: No Intelligent Swords, no Holy Avengers {Like they would have one anyways} but you get the point. Basic +1 to +4 Enchanted Armour & Weapons.) Nobles - Each Noble should have ONE moderate Magical Item that another Noble does NOT HAVE. But over all I will allow you to determine what they will have. Each Noble of the house (Includes NAMED commoners, cousins etc.) will have horded at least ONE "Major" or "Medium" (Depending on Level) from the famalies lucrative trade with the Surface and other Underdark Races (Magical Traveling Devices should be considered here). Otherwise the Nobles should have 1 to 6 other Misc Items (you can pic). (The Matron has been a total Tyrant when it comes to Items permited to be carried. She regulates all. All Items should relate to War or Travel.) House Insignia - The house Insignia looks as follows " A Spider perched atop a Drow Skull, protruding from each side Merchant Scales". - Furthermore, All Insignias should be correspondingly resemble in power the Enslavement Rings. The Nobles having the Master Insignia, and the Commoners having the Servant Insignia. (Exactly as the Ring shown on Pg. 71 of the Forgotten Realms Underdark book.) - This has been a recent developement to prevent defections, etc. UNLIKE the Rings, it isnt 1 Master Insignia per 5 Servant Ones, any Noble can Control any Servant Insignia. NO EPIC ITEMS. NO NPC should have a Epic Item. Far out of the Range of the House currently. Remember they are stock pileing for an Army, such Items would be out of their range for now till they get what they desire. (That and not even the PCs will be given such) 7) Signature Weapon - No. The Preistess's of Lolth of Astenan do not use the Scourge of Fangs (Made popular by Menzoberrazan). They use a different weapon entirely. They beleive that the Scourge of Fangs are a lesser weapon used by lesser preistess's (whether true or not, its their arrogant belief). Instead they use their deities favored weapon (Well a version of it anyways.) a dagger. ONLY HIGH PRIESTESS'S are given this weapon. Spiders Venom - This is a long slender dagger made of Adamantine but the color of obsidian. Its hilt is that of a spider, four legs to each side. Each Dagger is suited for a Individual Preistess's grip (Not Magical). Intelligent Item - Intelligence: 20, Wisdom: 19, Charisma: 14 Communication: Speech , Telepathy. Languages: Elven (Drow Dialect), Common, Draconic, Abyssal, Undercommon, & Dwarven. Alignment: Chaotic Evil, Neutral Evil, or Chaotic Neutral (ONLY!) Item Ego: 29 (Only use if Not Weilder or Weilder falls from Favor, OR if weilder does something against its Purpose.) Enhancement Bonus: +4 Capabilities: (Three Primary - Following Abilities are replaced with following), Dagger of Venom (See Page. 188), Unholy (See Page.187), & Wounding (See Page. 187) [Following from DM Guide 3.0]. (One Extraordinarey Power), Summon Natures Ally V (Monsterous Spider, Huge - Pg. 210 Monster Manual 3.0) 1x daily. Purpose - Defeat/Slay all Surface Elves & Followers of the Elven Pantheon (If Encounter; Need not actively seek), and defend the servent (Only Weilder) and interests of Lolth. Special Purpose - Slay Living (DC15) on successful hit. +4 Luck Bonus to all saving throws. This Items bestows 2 Negative Levels to anyone not of the same alignment. While holding the item. It can not be overcome (Even with a Restoration Spell). It also will either become Inert or assault the person whom isnt the proper weilder. Market Price: 78,000 gp (Roughly; They have never been sold and can ONLY be found in Astenan.) (If you FEEL this two powerful change accordinly.) Alright, I think I have answered all your questions. Change what you feel is unfair, but please give me a explanation, I would like to know the reason (Not to be rude, but to know for future reference).
Dardin_DelSundin 12-30-04, 08:13 AM	She Looks great and thats cool, dont mind that you bumped up her level. I answered your questions, sorry took so long, busy. TONS of stuff to do. Anyways at least I hope it aids you in some way.
Dardin_DelSundin 12-30-04, 08:17 AM	Quick NOTE - Thats my first attempt at making a Magical Item. hehe, so PLEASE give me some slack! hehe.
Dardin_DelSundin 12-30-04, 08:28 AM	Not that it probably Matters. But here is the general appearance of House Del'Sundin. Commoners and Nobles alike tend to be short (Never reach maxium Height). They range from slim to obese. All Nobles have Pale Yellow Hair and Pale Red Eyes. Commoners varey. Their skin complexion is that of Obsidian. Dunno if that aids either. Let me know. THANKS!! For your aid. Much appreciated and any advice is most welcome on this "Adventure" I am doing. I dont know if you got a basic Idea from what I have written sofar.
warlockco 12-30-04, 04:29 PM	Quick NOTE - Thats my first attempt at making a Magical Item. hehe, so PLEASE give me some slack! hehe. Biggest problem I see with that Dagger right off is that it has 2 Special Purposes and Special Purpose Powers. An Intelligent item, especially one that is "mass-produced" would have only 1 if even that. Will post a revised version of the Matron, btw, there are no Preset Drow Regional Feats. Do you have the Player's Guide to Faerun (PGtF)? Take a quick look at the feats presented there, otherwise, I will see about making a Region for the Drow of Astenan and post it also. Will try to get a couple others of the family posted (most likely the 1st Daughter, and the Elderboy-Adopted). BTW How do you like the look of the Matron Mother so far? Is the magic okay, or too much?
warlockco 12-30-04, 04:38 PM	Oh, one thing, unless someone else has shown interest in helping with this we might want to move this to E-mails. This way BigSis won't have to get on us about "yakking" back and forth on a thread. My E-mail is part of my profile, just give me a message in the Subject Line that it is you and what the message is about, otherwise I might kill it on accident the first time or two.
Dardin_DelSundin 12-30-04, 04:39 PM	Okay, I was trying to get something that would fit the Drow setting. Thanks for the information and shall incorporate it for future use. Unfortuneatly I do not have the players Guide, just the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting Book. However if you look on Page: 30 of the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting Book, you shall see under Character Regions, that there is a Elf, Drow Region. Another thing I forgot to mention, the Drow of Astenan are quite Athletic, its also something we have been progressing on in the setting. They love sports, Climbing, swimming, Running, Gladitorial Combat, Acrobatics, etc. Losers are sacraficed to Lolth, Winners are of course given High Honors. (There are lesser games that dont get one sacraficed, but all "Official City" Games a Drow is). As for the Matron, she is better than I even hoped to be! You have been a GREAT help with the creation with your advice. And if you are willing and able, I appreciate any Aid and "Healthy" Criticism. (Again spelling sucks)
Dardin_DelSundin 12-30-04, 04:44 PM	Email is sent.