Plot Hooks? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTimePost
MarkusTay63

05-12-07, 02:44 PM
This thread is NOT for campaign ideas, nor even for adventure, per sei.

Basically, I'm looking for things that people have added to their campaigns, or thought of adding, just for flavor. Nothing major, mind you, just little 'incidentals' based on 'curent clack'.

Sort of like "News from the Realms" :D

I'll go first -

1) The easiest one to build on is that Thay has been setting up enclaves wherever possible. I figure the Emperor of Shou Lung was very impressed by Thay's power when turning aside the Horde, and has since opened up negotians with them. The Shou would have an embasy in Bezantur (NOT Eltabbar), and Thay would have an enclave now in Kuo Té Lung. The Shou now have easy access to Bezantur do to a portal in the Sea of Fallen Stars (as per RoF, pg.108), but they have no clue about Thay's past reputation. Tzass Tam has been making a major effort to hide the true face of Thay, and slaves are not permitted ANYWHERE near the Shou delegates. For their part, the Thayans have been working with the Shou on Smokepowder technology, and the Thayans have been able to present Shou wares in their enclaves. Unfortunetly, this has caused a bit of competition with my second contribution -

2) Aurora's has been around a long time. I don't think there is any official mention of this enterprise in 3e, but I do recall at least one 2e blurb that was somehow tied into the Manshoon Wars. Aurora has opened up shop in in Zakhara, so the availability of their products has grown astronomically. She has stores in both Huzuz and Hiyal, but the direct access of Zakharan goods has now annoyed some of her partners in Durpar. She attempted to open a store in Maztica (after taking a trip there), but the government of Amn 'politely' let her know her presence was unwelcome. She opened up shop in Shou Lung just before the Tuigan wars, and she has done quite well with that facility. However, since the Thayan Enclave has appeared in Kuo Té Lung, several 'mishaps' have occurred. She hasn't been able to prove anything yet, and so far there has been no loss of life, just shipments not arriving at their destinations. She added more powerful shields around the complex, and for awhile the irregularities stopped. Then one day her portal system at that location simply ceased to function. No matter how hard her Arcanotechnicians tried, they could not get it functional again, and it took several months to install a new one. Problems have since begun to appear at other shops in cities where the Thayans have Enclaves, and Aurora is beginning to get VERY frustrated over the situation. She has considered asking the Harpers for help, but she doesn't want to be beholden to that organization.

Thats it, anyone else have any 'current clack' they'd like to share?
Lord Karsus

05-12-07, 11:05 PM
-Well, not too sure if this is what you're looking for, but...

-In the course of my research, I stumbled upon the fact that Ka'Narlist, the Archmage who ruled over ancient Atorrnash with an iron fist, who was believed to have been killed during the Sundering is most likely still alive. Ka'Narlist was fond of necromancy, such as sealing the souls of Sea Elves in a black pearl necklance he wore around his neck. He ruled over Atorrnash for thousands of years, meaning that his lifespan had been greatly increased. Lolth herself was bothered that she could never confirm his fate after the Sundering, meaning that his body and/or soul was never discovered by her. All that, in my mind, points to one thing. Ka'Narlist was a Drowlich. Thus, it is very possible that he exists in Faerūn today, somewhere...
MerrikCale

05-13-07, 12:08 AM
Does this fit

The Lord of Neverwinter in an effort to become more cosmopolitan has added temples to attract worshippers, lighthouses to attract trade, and, most importantly, a road thru the Neverwinter Wood to attract caravans mostly from the Silver Marches. It has worked as neverwinter is growing as a commercial power in the North
MarkusTay63

05-13-07, 12:28 AM
Those are perfect. :D

Thats exactly what I want, little tidbits, like the old 'rumors' section that used to come after each location in the sourcebooks.

And LK - That would probably put Ka'Narlist somewhere off the coast, perhaps under the Nelanther.

Hey, maybe we could have an ancient undying evil pirate Lord. :D
lavekkia

05-13-07, 05:46 PM
A man is animating the nights of Selgaunt.
He runs naked along the streets (despite of night chill) shouting at the top of his lungs.
His cries are usually rambles and prayers to the "Belcher In Darkness".
He has been repeatedly caught by the night watch, beaten to the point of unconsciousness, and jailed. The night after however it has been found in perfect conditions running and shouting his "prayers".
Inquiries about the man's identity yeld no results; the same goes when asking who or what is the "Belcher In Darkness".
Magical interrogation had the same result.
The night watch tried once to jail him for a prolonged period but the man disappeared during the night; how he did it is yet unknown.
Lord Karsus

05-13-07, 07:20 PM
And LK - That would probably put Ka'Narlist somewhere off the coast, perhaps under the Nelanther.

-I'm sure that after 25,000+ years, Ka'Narlist can be where ever he damn well feels like. :)
MarkusTay63

05-14-07, 12:12 AM
-I'm sure that after 25,000+ years, Ka'Narlist can be where ever he damn well feels like. :)Not if he's been pinned under a rock all that time... ;)

Terrible things happen to your material components when they get wet..... :devil:

I figure Iakhovas (not Brian ;) ) found him, but decided to leave him there because he was the only being he ever met that had a bigger ego then him.

Iakhovas: "I slept with a goddess"

Ka'Narlist: "So did I!"

Iakhovas: "Mine was hot, but an incredible bit_h"

Ka'Narlist: "So was mine!"

Iakhovas: "Rot" <swims away> ;)


Good stuff, Lav. Anyone else have any 'late-breaking News'?
DaelricHearthsinger

05-14-07, 11:20 AM
1) Recently chromatic dragons have been seen flying south east across the heartlands. With a few exceptions they have yet to engage in any true acts of destruction as they fly, as if they are being called for. Even certain dracoliches, thought to be under Cult of the Dragon control have been seen in flight towards this unknown location for an unknown purpose.

2) In the past few weeks the wizard Manshoon has been rumored to be walking the streets of Waterdeep. Wether this is the real Manshoon or one of his remaining clones is unknown, and as for his purposes it is rumored he is looking for someone.

3) Deep within the Jungles of Chult a set of ruins has been found, unknown previously. Reports from the group who discovered the ruins described them as "ancient, perhaps predating Netheril". To this point three groups have been sent to explore, however of them only one member of these initial scouting groups has returned. The survivor, a dwarf who indentity remains unknown due to his current state. Since his return from the jungle he has incoherently babbled on about such things as "things coming full circle" and "centuries of planning coming to fruition".
ShadezofDis

05-14-07, 03:15 PM
-In the woodlands of southern Turmish a group of heretical Malarites have begun to work with the Emerald Enclave. The group seems to be made up of barbarians from the mountains, some wild elves of the region and certain flinds. This particular group of Malarites has no problem working with followers of other nature based dieties and seems to be out to "return Faerūn to it's natural state."*

-It's been rumored that certain forces of Chondathan origin have been making forays into the Chondalwood. This has caused some alarm among certain circles of Chondathans who do not want hostilities with the inhabitants of this vast woodland. **

*This particular heresy is very nature based and glories in the role of the hunter. They are very anti-undead (hense a part of the heresy, since Malar has used undead agents in the past and seems to have no issues with them. Further, and most important, they have no problems with elves or other more "nature based" creatures, seeing them as far preferable to "civilized man")

**For my own game these forces are actually Sespechian and are out to frame the Chondathans as a larger gambit to secure their boarders with Chondath. Perhaps, even to expand them.
Alediran

05-14-07, 03:32 PM
- A group of Tel'Quessir was seen on different parts of the city of Silverymoon and near areas, the rumors are that they were hired by Alustriel herself to investigate strange happenings. The group is composed of two Gold Elves, one of them a Wizard of some power, the other a Sword of Corellon Larethian (Champion of Corellon Larethian from RoW), a Moon Elf lady whose music calms the beasts, a Wood Elf druid who beated many dwarves in drinking contests, an Avariel cleric of Corellon, and a being with the blood of angels and the magic of dragons. Of those Tel'Quessir, the Winged One muttered something about an attack from the Lady of Secrets during his last visit to Silverymoon's palace.

P.D: all happened in my campaign, even the last part. The guy who plays the avariel made that mistake that costed the secrecy of the group and they have already survived one attempt of assasination.
MarkusTay63

05-14-07, 03:43 PM
Nice... keep 'em coming. :D

News Flash: A Durpari Colony in southern Maztica (LoPango) has simply vanished. the colony was started three years ago by a conjoined effort of the nations of the Shining sea. The colony had grown to some 2500 people, and was doing quite well when disaster struck. Nothing remains, not even the buildings, just a large empty clearing. The governments of Durpar, Var, and Estagund are offering 30,000 GP for anyone who can find out what happened to the missing colony!
lavekkia

05-14-07, 05:03 PM
Several captains and mariners of spelljamming ships reported the sight of a great hurricane over the Endless sea roughly 2000 miles west of Anchorome north western coast. The hurricane is some 300 miles wide and appear to remain in that place.
The storm has lasted already for 2 months and seems to remain stable.
The long term effects of such a climatic event are yet to manifest.

PS: i ll expand this when i ll write something about Myrmydune
Fingoldfin

05-18-07, 02:33 AM
A half-elf ranger returned to Silverymoon after a trip to the village of Reitheillaethor in the High Forest and reported that the town is in a state of chaos. Four female elves who were lost a few months ago returned pregnant. They say that demons and daemonfey captured, raped, and released them. Three more women are missing. Some females have left High Forest to live in Evereska. The women who remain are stocking up on Nara-root and don't want to leave the town. Patrols are searching for the women who are still missing, but there is a debate in the town about how to deal with the four women who returned. Some in town want to kill the children when they are born, others think that the women should leave, and many (including Lady Taemelsin) are shocked by the reactions in the town. Eldreth Velunthra has taken advantage of these events to gather more members.
MarkusTay63

05-18-07, 01:29 PM
A strange new race calling themselves the Beiy'maar have started to appear in ports along the Sword Coast and, as well as ports in the shining sea. These people are seafaring merchants, and appear to live on their ships, leaving only to conduct trade. Not much is known about them; they are VERY secretive and do not discuss themselves with outsiders. However, through magical means sages have been able to deduce that they are indeed native to Toril.

They appear similar to Sea Elves, with very large eyes the same shape as an Elf, though somewhat more exaggerated. Their ears are also similar to an Elf's but much longer, with several 'back-points' reminiscent of a bats wing, and they are fond of wearing multiple earrings in them. They are slender, perhaps even more so then the average Elf, and height tends to range from 5' to 5'10", with males being slightly taller then females. Their skin is a reddish-brown, not unlike tanned human skin, but their hair falls in the color ranges seen in all the Elven races, including the Silver and White common amongst the Drow. The hair color most often seen, however, is very dark, in shades of deep bluish-black to dark evergreen, and some scholars suppose that the females of this race perhaps follow a practice of 'dying' their hair. Their hands and feet are very slender, with over-long digits, and are webbed as well. It is not known at this time if they are capable of breathing water, but several were spotted diving from their boats anchored outside of Waterdeep harbor, and witnesses claim that they were able to stay submerged for a very long time. They dress similar in style to the lands of Zakhara, with loose-fitting silk blouses and baggy pantaloons. They go shoeless, similar to halflings, and the men (and occasionally women) are often seen wearing kerchiefs on their heads in a style reminiscent of the Rashemi. For weapons, it appears that they all carry daggers and a short curved sword they call a Shamsheer. Bodyguards who accompany merchants ashore are often seen carrying a much larger version on their backs, called a Grand Shamsheer.

No one knows from where these newcomers hale, and they are not forthcoming with any information. It is likely that they have discovered a portal to the Sea of Swords recently and are putting it to good use. The goods they carry are exotic in nature, and they appear to be from such diverse places as Kara-Tur, Zakhara, and Maztica (although Amnites claim that the Maztican goods could NOT possibly be genuine, since they have never encountered these folk on those shores). Although their intentions seem to be entirely peaceful, some groups feel that they are scouts for an eventual invasion. Those groups, however, are all mercantile interests who are worried about the new competition; Amn, for its part, has banned their ships from Amnish harbors. They have been seen anchoring in Ogre-held Murann, however, much to the Amnish government's chagrin.
MerrikCale

05-18-07, 09:35 PM
A strange new race calling themselves the Beiy'maar have started to appear in ports along the Sword Coast and, as well as ports in the shining sea. These people are seafaring merchants, and appear to live on their ships, leaving only to conduct trade. Not much is known about them; they are VERY secretive and do not discuss themselves with outsiders. However, through magical means sages have been able to deduce that they are indeed native to Toril.

They appear similar to Sea Elves, with very large eyes the same shape as an Elf, though somewhat more exaggerated. Their ears are also similar to an Elf's but much longer, with several 'back-points' reminiscent of a bats wing, and they are fond of wearing multiple earrings in them. They are slender, perhaps even more so then the average Elf, and height tends to range from 5' to 5'10", with males being slightly taller then females. Their skin is a reddish-brown, not unlike tanned human skin, but their hair falls in the color ranges seen in all the Elven races, including the Silver and White common amongst the Drow. The hair color most often seen, however, is very dark, in shades of deep bluish-black to dark evergreen, and some scholars suppose that the females of this race perhaps follow a practice of 'dying' their hair. Their hands and feet are very slender, with over-long digits, and are webbed as well. It is not known at this time if they are capable of breathing water, but several were spotted diving from their boats anchored outside of Waterdeep harbor, and witnesses claim that they were able to stay submerged for a very long time. They dress similar in style to the lands of Zakhara, with loose-fitting silk blouses and baggy pantaloons. They go shoeless, similar to halflings, and the men (and occasionally women) are often seen wearing kerchiefs on their heads in a style reminiscent of the Rashemi. For weapons, it appears that they all carry daggers and a short curved sword they call a Shamsheer. Bodyguards who accompany merchants ashore are often seen carrying a much larger version on their backs, called a Grand Shamsheer.

No one knows from where these newcomers hale, and they are not forthcoming with any information. It is likely that they have discovered a portal to the Sea of Swords recently and are putting it to good use. The goods they carry are exotic in nature, and they appear to be from such diverse places as Kara-Tur, Zakhara, and Maztica (although Amnites claim that the Maztican goods could NOT possibly be genuine, since they have never encountered these folk on those shores). Although their intentions seem to be entirely peaceful, some groups feel that they are scouts for an eventual invasion. Those groups, however, are all mercantile interests who are worried about the new competition; Amn, for its part, has banned their ships from Amnish harbors. They have been seen anchoring in Ogre-held Murann, however, much to the Amnish government's chagrin.

Very interesting. do you have them stated up?
MarkusTay63

05-18-07, 09:39 PM
Very interesting. do you have them stated up?No, but I will have for the Kara-Tur thread soon. ;)

I have a pic I drew as well... I'll try to scan it in over the weekend (my scanner drivers don't work right, hence the 'try' part). The pic isn't great, I'm not much of an artist, but at least it will give everyone an idea of what they look like.
MerrikCale

05-18-07, 09:45 PM
No, but I will have for the Kara-Tur thread soon. ;)

I have a pic I drew as well... I'll try to scan it in over the weekend (my scanner drivers don't work right, hence the 'try' part). The pic isn't great, I'm not much of an artist, but at least it will give everyone an idea of what they look like.

well. its got to be better than my stick figures
MerrikCale

08-17-07, 10:42 PM
I'm resurrecting Markus' rather interesting thread. Any other thoughts on this one?
Bonzai

08-18-07, 04:56 PM
Some stuff that I've used..


Impiltur has had problems recently from a fanatical Cyricist cult called the Ebon Dawn. They are militant, and have been raiding the northern trade routes near Damarra, and stirring up the hobgoblin tribes infesting the Gianspire mountains.

In Comyr, a strang cult that worships blood has risen up in several towns. People from all ranks of society have joined, and local officials are very worried about it's growth. They have started making life difficult for the cult members, and many believe it is only a matter of time before bloodshed ensues. The leader of this cult has yet to be identified.

In the North, west of Mithril hall and Silvery moon, a small city has risen up, almost over night. This city is lead by a (LE) Necromancer, who uses undead as a work force, and defenders of the city. Through his efforts, it has become a safe haven for refuges from Oboulds hord. The town is a small pocket of humanity, in a sea of orcs. Harpers, Silverymoon, and Mithril hall are not happy with the idea of a necromancer on their door step. However it provides them with a moral delema. If they kill the necromancer, the town will be defenseless against the orcs, and many lives will be lost. For now they are content to wait.
Markustay

08-18-07, 05:51 PM
Then you'll need my new Impiltur Map! (http://markustay.deviantart.com/art/Impiltur-Campaign-Map-62424946)

Its not quite ready yet -I'm waiting for approval and last-minute additions from George Krashos, but you can at least have the preveiew version to work with. ;)

From other threads -
The Goblins of the Stonelands have been trying to re-organize into their kingdom of old, and some of them have been successful. A second group of Goblins have begun to 'cash-in' on the appearance of Shade in Anauroch, and have created a trading post along the path through the Stonelands. For more, see the Stonelands thread.

The god Anu, once a part on Enlil and supreme god of Unther, has become more active in recent years. Having seperated from Enlil some years back (when Enlil gave authority over to Gilgeam), Anu has been trying to re-envigorate his church in Unther's former provinces to the south - most notably in Ulgarth and the Unapproachable East. The church is very systematic at 'removing' rival faiths, and it's Paladins operate much the same way as the RW Inquisition - for more see the Utter East thread.

Trade has become a phenomenal success alll along the Maztican Coast, and several new colonies have been started by various Faerūnian powers. There is even a few in Katashaka and Anchorome as well now, as rumor has it. The only problem is that Pirate Activity has increased astronomically between the Realms and the 'True' World. For more, see the next edition of the CK compendium. ;)

This just in:
An ex-Hathran of Rashemen has been seen in the vicinity of the High Forest. Several Elves and a human Druid have notice her performing various 'rites', and she seems to be gathering a following of sorts. So far, she hasn't acted beligerant to anyone, so she has been left to her own devices.
lavekkia

08-20-07, 07:00 AM
Fifteen days ago the Amaunator Eternal Sun (the epic ritual crafted by Sunmaster Daelagoth Sundeir of Eversult) has disappeared.
It happened without warning and apparently without reason.
Sunmaster affirms that a force of darkness is working against the rising church of Amaunator.
Subtle evidences hint about the work of a very powerful (low epic) Shadow Adept but nothing has been confirmed.
Daelagoth has already planned a new ritual for the next tenday.

A strange floating city has appeared over the Vilhon Reach.
The phenomenon has already occured various times in the past; yet this time the apparition has remained stable for a day. It has winked out of existence for a brief time then reappeared and remained visible since that.
Some sages have recognized the architectural style of the ancient Jhaamdath and suggest that this ghost city could be Dhlinnilith; one of the twelve ruling cities.
Adventuring companies are already organizing.
Bonzai

08-21-07, 12:59 PM
Thanks Markus!
lavekkia

08-22-07, 10:11 AM
Zalathorn Kirkson, Netyarch of Halruaa has been seen with his family freely walking in the streets of Silverymoon.
Lady Alustriel has declared that the encounter has an official tone but ahs not specified anything else.

A great turmoil issued in the past tendays in the city of Luskan: at radom times over the cities animal corpses rained for the sky spreading panic.
The corpses hit the ground with earth shattering force and a random trajectory.
All corpses were slighlty burned and almost flayed. Four people were injured and 3 of them died.

EDIT: Further inquiries have shed light over the mistery: apparently two wizard apprentices (the names are not communicated by the City Watch) experimented with supersonic speed flight with obvious results.
The apprentices have been jailed and are waiting the "process".
Wizards of the Tower Of Arcane are mildly interested in the works of the apprentices but they have hands tied; so they are quietly hiring some adventures to organize a the jailbreak.
1 ton ghost

08-22-07, 03:07 PM
Nether Mountains, Lady Peak, Silver Marches

Ongoing fight between the faithful of Loviatar at the Lady's Hand (Silver Marches book) since the fallout of the slaying of a Morueme <sp> blue dragon w/ suspected netherese magics/artifacts that attacked the monastery. mostly employing goblinoid assets to lay siege to the loviatarans. during/after the Dracorage, the "brain" (dragon clan) was effectively on hiatus and has caused a rather chaotic reaction amongst goblinoids in the blue dragon's employ. lack of leadership, basically.
siege effectively downgraded to probing raids and resulting slack has given the Loviatarans leave for quasi-diplomatic relations w/ silverymoon & everlund due to geograhpic placement (nearly perfect triangle between cities and church).

stipulation is this; allow various trades akin to Thayan enclaves (limited success) to recoup losses from goblins/dragons and prosyletize in urban centers w/out violence, slander, libel against other faiths (debateable). This has upset the elves particularly (diametrically opposed alignments, CG-LE) and other more vigilant/adamant churches.
In return, cities get to tax trade, loviatarans commit soliders to Argent Legion via conscription, and active patrols/sweep n' clear monstrous activity on the Everlund Pass...w/out abducting citizens to the temple. the later is mutual as it bolsters economic trade and keeps down wandering monsters.
MarkusTay63

08-22-07, 11:52 PM
1) The return of the Elves to Cormanthor has gotten the local Drow in a huff. The Auzkovyn Clan, several circles of Eilistraee worshippers, and another unknown group of Dark Elves have all attempted peaceful contact with the newcomers. However, the members of House Jaelre have stepped-up their attacks on the Dales, which is causing tension and interferring with any sort of negotiations. The local humans and surface Elves are unaware for the most part that their are different factions amongst the Cormanthor Drow.

2) Nomads living in the Calim Desert heard a tremendous roar, and what sounded like a huge explosion. They were unable to investigate do to the powerful sandstorms that appeared soon after. The rumblings were felt as far away as Calimport and by villagers living along the Tethyr borders. Needless to say, the authorities are VERY worried.