Drow and Shadows [Archive] - Wizards Community

Drow and Shadows [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Calmar
02-12-07, 03:22 PM Hi. :)

I have some basic ideas about a miniplot, consisting of 3-4 short adventures for low- to middle level characters, that deals with the activities of a group/cult of drow that are meddling with things shadowy, or worshipping Shar.
But I am missing two elementary things: What goals could the dark ears have, and how could I hook up my players on it ??? :blush:
(I don't want to have the drow simply attack and leave tracks to their home...)

Also I would like to hear what you thing about the concept. Good, cheesy, abolute-and-completely-FR-violating?
Red_Wizard
02-12-07, 03:44 PM More needs to be said on your party. Their Goals (both individual, and as a group), Their outlooks on life (alignment, and parenting/ raising), How many of them are there, what are their Races/ Classes, where are they located, What types of encounters have they had in the past.

Then We/ I would need to know why you want this, what has set these drow to worshipping Shar, how this will tie in with the overall plot, etc.

At least some of this information is needed, otherwise all anyone can offer up are stabs in the dark. The last time a thread like this arose, the questioner became quite rude, and condescending to suggestions offered, after giving next to no background from which anyone was to work with. So, the more info the better, so we can help you as much as possible :)
Zanan
02-12-07, 03:48 PM BTW, darkness or shadows does not necessarily mean Shar. Lolth (and others) have them in their domains / portfolio too and these days, any caster can take up the Shadow Adept or even Nightcloak (Complete Divine web enhancement) PrCs without pledging allegiance to the Dark Dancer. Would add quite a bit of flair actually, if drow priestesses or mages wield magic still pretty unfamiliar to most mundane casters.
Red_Wizard
02-12-07, 03:52 PM The shadow weave makes alot of sence, for alot of evil organizations, but the limitations of -1 caster level to Evoc/ Trans spells makes it less appealing to the destructive sort. Maybe if we saw more evocation spells with the darkness descriptor, it would become more appealing again...
Calmar
02-12-07, 04:22 PM Its a group of two elves, a ranger and a ninja, and maybe an npc fighter (yeah, a bit short on players... ;)). They are after some amulet that was stolen by orc raiders in Cormanthor. Now they're in the northern Vast. Originally I did not demand much backstory, but that amulet-thing could be useful, mayhap even right here.
As we all do not have much time for RP at the moment, I thought, a group of renegates that have no big connection to the Lolthite circles in the Underdark would be a good option.
Khaelieth
02-12-07, 04:43 PM An elf ninja? Halfling pirates and gnome samurais ftw.

Could perhaps say the drow need to sacrifice an elven magic item to summon a shadow thing
Kilsek
02-12-07, 10:47 PM I think it could be a good idea to have a house forsake Lloth and turn to Shar
it could bring up some interesting Factors like surface drow feeling less into the complete darkness now that they have abandon the underdark. They could have stolen a Shar artifact or One of the magically adept players could have noticed a disruption of the weave.
Zanan
02-13-07, 03:50 AM The shadow weave makes alot of sence, for alot of evil organizations, but the limitations of -1 caster level to Evoc/ Trans spells makes it less appealing to the destructive sort. Maybe if we saw more evocation spells with the darkness descriptor, it would become more appealing again...

Obviously, clerics have not to worry about that many evocation spells. Warminded drow wizards (i.e. Ftr/Wiz) could make up a bit of ground with the Practised Spellcaster feat, even though they'd still lack behind by 1 CL to other casters.
Calmar
02-13-07, 11:54 AM These things are rather a matter of adventure design. I thought about one/a group of clerics and stealthy drow minions plus other monsters (to keep it interesting).

The good-olde 'summoning of mighty evil servant', or 'human sacrifice' agendas would certainly work well for these drow, but mayhap you can help me with a more original concept? :)
MarkusTay63
02-13-07, 03:04 PM A small group of Drow could have easily detached itself from the Underdark during The war of the Spider Queen. After Lolth's silence, a desperate priestess of lolth might have turned to Shar, and is now in need of 'something' to appease her new goddess. she of course would have brought some henchmen with her....
Zanan
02-14-07, 07:08 AM Well, alternatively, a group of Kiaransaleens (those interested in vengeance and necromancy) may want to "steal" something out of an old Myrkul temple, or one of Kelemvor ... which leads to initial appearances. Afterwards, they get to know about something shadowy in this old temple, something that has only appeared there lately, a shadow pool etc.. Trying to acquire this knowledge/stuff, they go a long way to eradicate any threat the humans may cause to this plan ... cleansing the landscape with the help of undead minions, assassinate leaders, you name it. Their goal will be securing this shadow knowledge ... for whatever reason (as I said, anyone can use shadow weave stuff these days and methinks necromancy benefits from it).
Calmar
02-15-07, 03:18 PM That are some quite good suggestions. :)

Any ideas about interesting hooks, that could be incorporated in other adventures

(my campaign takes place in woodland/ mountains/ plains landscape of the northern Vast)
Calmar
02-22-07, 03:56 PM So all in all you are in favor of good old Lolth rather than Shar, aye?

I have not fully decided yet...
Dark_beebles
02-23-07, 03:34 AM Well, Why not have some drow snooping around since the Armt from Evereska and Evermeet are now in the forests in/around Myth Drannor? I am sure House Jaerle or Elistria (spelling?) Might be taking a interest in what is occuring so near them.

I wouldnt even let them find the drow "boss" behind the actually attacks. Let them think they got the guy with the so called item in their postion. But it was just awaiting transportion or some drow to hand it off too.

Hmm, If i was gonna have the drow that were involved in shar/SW use. Have the amulet be pure evil. A ancient netheril or Drow item that actually attracts the "shadow stuff" in place of the wielders/owners soul..Slowly turning them into a Shade at the cost of their mind and soul...to be a play thing for Shar.

If they are good aligned that is all the motivation they would need. Have them find a few "expiriments" along the way of humans, Animals, elves they used it on to see its power at work. Also, having it being even a minor artifact (could happen since as i said above...was before the true 10th lvl ban.) So they are hauling this insanely tempting corrupt item around trying to find a way to depatch of it. So that leads up to other encounters or attacks down the line. Since the main boss is still around trying to retrieve the item in question...So that could leave the party with several options open to them..Do they ignore who is sending the assassins after them? Or do they investigate the attacks farther and put off destroying the artifact? If they chose to ignore the attacks and try to find a way to destroy it...Have the drow give "clear" signals they want it back...Leaving bodies, dmg, as a warning maybe? (that should lure the party into finding the being responsible). Since its hurting innocence...Or maybe have the item in question be used on one of the elves family. Nothing should spurn on a elf more then losing a loved one to a drow in a attack like that. Especially of there is no body or soul...

Anyways just some off the cuff ideas...hope it makes some sense..hope it helps.

P.S Dont even bring a god into it unless the party is serious about attempting to find out....Lolth, Shar clerics and worshippers wont be blaring out their holy symbols or leaving tracks unless they want to be found...and if that is the case..well you know the rest.
JaiaDrottsingr
02-24-07, 12:31 PM Hi. :)

I have some basic ideas about a miniplot, consisting of 3-4 short adventures for low- to middle level characters, that deals with the activities of a group/cult of drow that are meddling with things shadowy, or worshipping Shar.
But I am missing two elementary things: What goals could the dark ears have, and how could I hook up my players on it ??? :blush:
(I don't want to have the drow simply attack and leave tracks to their home...)

Also I would like to hear what you thing about the concept. Good, cheesy, abolute-and-completely-FR-violating?

You wouldn't happen to be a DM I once had, would you? Greg tried something similar and failed miserably.
Calmar
02-24-07, 01:24 PM Thanks :)

The elven magical item is just the personal goal of one PC. Althought being quite handy, there is no dire need to incorporate it in this small story arc.

Ok, here's my concept so far (remember, I don't have too much time for preparation at the moment. ;)):

1.
Fleeing bad weather/chasing a monster/ by random the heroes discover the entrance to a small network of caves. Lots of vermin and dirt running around there, and as the PC exlore further, they have to face an attack by a drow scouting party, who uses the caves to escape the daylight and to rest. The drow (who entered the network through another entry tunnel) carry a map that depicts the results of their reconnaisance and also shows the way to a small dwarven trading outpost (warehouse-like thing) as well as the location of a dwarven shrine to Clangeddin. Maybe they carry some masterwork dwarvencraft items.

2.
If the PCs ask around in town they may find a dwarf who knows something about the items and the places. She asks the heroes to check out, if everything is ok with these dwarves, to give the stuff back to them, and maybe joins arms with them for the duration of this plot.
Some classical monster slaying in the dwarven outpost, no shorties being left alive, and also no interesting clues about the drow.

3.
The outpost having been no success, the heroes probably want to visit the other place of interest the map shows and travel to the marked location.
The shrine to Clangeddin is located quite deep unter the ground (so the PCs have to explore sume caves, tunnels and to survive a chasm, until they can reach it :D) and was serving as the seal of a dangerous one-way portal from the plane of shadow, until the drow renegates took over control and destroyed the protective wards.
Silke_Rahn
02-27-07, 07:40 PM An elf ninja? Halfling pirates and gnome samurais ftw.

Could perhaps say the drow need to sacrifice an elven magic item to summon a shadow thing

Not my half-Drow, then again she is currently a ranger (8), rogue (8) Shadow Dancer (5). She can call a shadow without sacrificing anything now.:P
Calmar
02-28-07, 08:50 AM But just a small one. :P

In this case it would probably be a huge overshadow... if i decide to make it a classical summon-evil plot. :)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Calmar 02-12-07, 03:22 PM	Hi. :) I have some basic ideas about a miniplot, consisting of 3-4 short adventures for low- to middle level characters, that deals with the activities of a group/cult of drow that are meddling with things shadowy, or worshipping Shar. But I am missing two elementary things: What goals could the dark ears have, and how could I hook up my players on it ??? :blush: (I don't want to have the drow simply attack and leave tracks to their home...) Also I would like to hear what you thing about the concept. Good, cheesy, abolute-and-completely-FR-violating?
Red_Wizard 02-12-07, 03:44 PM	More needs to be said on your party. Their Goals (both individual, and as a group), Their outlooks on life (alignment, and parenting/ raising), How many of them are there, what are their Races/ Classes, where are they located, What types of encounters have they had in the past. Then We/ I would need to know why you want this, what has set these drow to worshipping Shar, how this will tie in with the overall plot, etc. At least some of this information is needed, otherwise all anyone can offer up are stabs in the dark. The last time a thread like this arose, the questioner became quite rude, and condescending to suggestions offered, after giving next to no background from which anyone was to work with. So, the more info the better, so we can help you as much as possible :)
Zanan 02-12-07, 03:48 PM	BTW, darkness or shadows does not necessarily mean Shar. Lolth (and others) have them in their domains / portfolio too and these days, any caster can take up the Shadow Adept or even Nightcloak (Complete Divine web enhancement) PrCs without pledging allegiance to the Dark Dancer. Would add quite a bit of flair actually, if drow priestesses or mages wield magic still pretty unfamiliar to most mundane casters.
Red_Wizard 02-12-07, 03:52 PM	The shadow weave makes alot of sence, for alot of evil organizations, but the limitations of -1 caster level to Evoc/ Trans spells makes it less appealing to the destructive sort. Maybe if we saw more evocation spells with the darkness descriptor, it would become more appealing again...
Calmar 02-12-07, 04:22 PM	Its a group of two elves, a ranger and a ninja, and maybe an npc fighter (yeah, a bit short on players... ;)). They are after some amulet that was stolen by orc raiders in Cormanthor. Now they're in the northern Vast. Originally I did not demand much backstory, but that amulet-thing could be useful, mayhap even right here. As we all do not have much time for RP at the moment, I thought, a group of renegates that have no big connection to the Lolthite circles in the Underdark would be a good option.
Khaelieth 02-12-07, 04:43 PM	An elf ninja? Halfling pirates and gnome samurais ftw. Could perhaps say the drow need to sacrifice an elven magic item to summon a shadow thing
Kilsek 02-12-07, 10:47 PM	I think it could be a good idea to have a house forsake Lloth and turn to Shar it could bring up some interesting Factors like surface drow feeling less into the complete darkness now that they have abandon the underdark. They could have stolen a Shar artifact or One of the magically adept players could have noticed a disruption of the weave.
Zanan 02-13-07, 03:50 AM	The shadow weave makes alot of sence, for alot of evil organizations, but the limitations of -1 caster level to Evoc/ Trans spells makes it less appealing to the destructive sort. Maybe if we saw more evocation spells with the darkness descriptor, it would become more appealing again... Obviously, clerics have not to worry about that many evocation spells. Warminded drow wizards (i.e. Ftr/Wiz) could make up a bit of ground with the Practised Spellcaster feat, even though they'd still lack behind by 1 CL to other casters.
Calmar 02-13-07, 11:54 AM	These things are rather a matter of adventure design. I thought about one/a group of clerics and stealthy drow minions plus other monsters (to keep it interesting). The good-olde 'summoning of mighty evil servant', or 'human sacrifice' agendas would certainly work well for these drow, but mayhap you can help me with a more original concept? :)
MarkusTay63 02-13-07, 03:04 PM	A small group of Drow could have easily detached itself from the Underdark during The war of the Spider Queen. After Lolth's silence, a desperate priestess of lolth might have turned to Shar, and is now in need of 'something' to appease her new goddess. she of course would have brought some henchmen with her....
Zanan 02-14-07, 07:08 AM	Well, alternatively, a group of Kiaransaleens (those interested in vengeance and necromancy) may want to "steal" something out of an old Myrkul temple, or one of Kelemvor ... which leads to initial appearances. Afterwards, they get to know about something shadowy in this old temple, something that has only appeared there lately, a shadow pool etc.. Trying to acquire this knowledge/stuff, they go a long way to eradicate any threat the humans may cause to this plan ... cleansing the landscape with the help of undead minions, assassinate leaders, you name it. Their goal will be securing this shadow knowledge ... for whatever reason (as I said, anyone can use shadow weave stuff these days and methinks necromancy benefits from it).
Calmar 02-15-07, 03:18 PM	That are some quite good suggestions. :) Any ideas about interesting hooks, that could be incorporated in other adventures (my campaign takes place in woodland/ mountains/ plains landscape of the northern Vast)
Calmar 02-22-07, 03:56 PM	So all in all you are in favor of good old Lolth rather than Shar, aye? I have not fully decided yet...
Dark_beebles 02-23-07, 03:34 AM	Well, Why not have some drow snooping around since the Armt from Evereska and Evermeet are now in the forests in/around Myth Drannor? I am sure House Jaerle or Elistria (spelling?) Might be taking a interest in what is occuring so near them. I wouldnt even let them find the drow "boss" behind the actually attacks. Let them think they got the guy with the so called item in their postion. But it was just awaiting transportion or some drow to hand it off too. Hmm, If i was gonna have the drow that were involved in shar/SW use. Have the amulet be pure evil. A ancient netheril or Drow item that actually attracts the "shadow stuff" in place of the wielders/owners soul..Slowly turning them into a Shade at the cost of their mind and soul...to be a play thing for Shar. If they are good aligned that is all the motivation they would need. Have them find a few "expiriments" along the way of humans, Animals, elves they used it on to see its power at work. Also, having it being even a minor artifact (could happen since as i said above...was before the true 10th lvl ban.) So they are hauling this insanely tempting corrupt item around trying to find a way to depatch of it. So that leads up to other encounters or attacks down the line. Since the main boss is still around trying to retrieve the item in question...So that could leave the party with several options open to them..Do they ignore who is sending the assassins after them? Or do they investigate the attacks farther and put off destroying the artifact? If they chose to ignore the attacks and try to find a way to destroy it...Have the drow give "clear" signals they want it back...Leaving bodies, dmg, as a warning maybe? (that should lure the party into finding the being responsible). Since its hurting innocence...Or maybe have the item in question be used on one of the elves family. Nothing should spurn on a elf more then losing a loved one to a drow in a attack like that. Especially of there is no body or soul... Anyways just some off the cuff ideas...hope it makes some sense..hope it helps. P.S Dont even bring a god into it unless the party is serious about attempting to find out....Lolth, Shar clerics and worshippers wont be blaring out their holy symbols or leaving tracks unless they want to be found...and if that is the case..well you know the rest.
JaiaDrottsingr 02-24-07, 12:31 PM	Hi. :) I have some basic ideas about a miniplot, consisting of 3-4 short adventures for low- to middle level characters, that deals with the activities of a group/cult of drow that are meddling with things shadowy, or worshipping Shar. But I am missing two elementary things: What goals could the dark ears have, and how could I hook up my players on it ??? :blush: (I don't want to have the drow simply attack and leave tracks to their home...) Also I would like to hear what you thing about the concept. Good, cheesy, abolute-and-completely-FR-violating? You wouldn't happen to be a DM I once had, would you? Greg tried something similar and failed miserably.
Calmar 02-24-07, 01:24 PM	Thanks :) The elven magical item is just the personal goal of one PC. Althought being quite handy, there is no dire need to incorporate it in this small story arc. Ok, here's my concept so far (remember, I don't have too much time for preparation at the moment. ;)): 1. Fleeing bad weather/chasing a monster/ by random the heroes discover the entrance to a small network of caves. Lots of vermin and dirt running around there, and as the PC exlore further, they have to face an attack by a drow scouting party, who uses the caves to escape the daylight and to rest. The drow (who entered the network through another entry tunnel) carry a map that depicts the results of their reconnaisance and also shows the way to a small dwarven trading outpost (warehouse-like thing) as well as the location of a dwarven shrine to Clangeddin. Maybe they carry some masterwork dwarvencraft items. 2. If the PCs ask around in town they may find a dwarf who knows something about the items and the places. She asks the heroes to check out, if everything is ok with these dwarves, to give the stuff back to them, and maybe joins arms with them for the duration of this plot. Some classical monster slaying in the dwarven outpost, no shorties being left alive, and also no interesting clues about the drow. 3. The outpost having been no success, the heroes probably want to visit the other place of interest the map shows and travel to the marked location. The shrine to Clangeddin is located quite deep unter the ground (so the PCs have to explore sume caves, tunnels and to survive a chasm, until they can reach it :D) and was serving as the seal of a dangerous one-way portal from the plane of shadow, until the drow renegates took over control and destroyed the protective wards.
Silke_Rahn 02-27-07, 07:40 PM	An elf ninja? Halfling pirates and gnome samurais ftw. Could perhaps say the drow need to sacrifice an elven magic item to summon a shadow thing Not my half-Drow, then again she is currently a ranger (8), rogue (8) Shadow Dancer (5). She can call a shadow without sacrificing anything now.:P
Calmar 02-28-07, 08:50 AM	But just a small one. :P In this case it would probably be a huge overshadow... if i decide to make it a classical summon-evil plot. :)