Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Bob_the_Theurge 01-27-07, 10:07 PM	Ok, I have to ask this. I like the IUZ metaregion. The flavor, the fun. I like the mods set in the BK, set in Perrenland, in the Shield Lands, etc. But one question: why is it that the Highfolkers are allowed to basically ignore the regional flavor, pretend IUZ doesn't exist when he's right on their freaking doorstep? I mean, seriously. It's "IUZ's Border States." IUZ is a chaotic evil demigod whose goal is to rule everything. Every other region's mods get this. Every time I play a Highfolk mod, however - either their local stuff or the ones they write for Meta's - it's all about their internal politcs and whatnot, nevermind that there's an army of undead and demons a couple miles away ready to roll them over at any time. Can't the Circle give them a reminder or something?
Sieylianna 01-27-07, 11:47 PM	Every time I play a Highfolk mod, however - either their local stuff or the ones they write for Meta's - it's all about their internal politcs and whatnot, nevermind that there's an army of undead and demons a couple miles away ready to roll them over at any time. Can't the Circle give them a reminder or something? The first five year story arc dealt largely with a threat from Iuz. I've only played a few of the year 6 modules, so if your description is accurate, my guess is that the new "low-level" story arc has demphasized this fact. Ed
Morgen 01-27-07, 11:49 PM	It's all the damn elves' fault! Pesky things! I go waltzing over there and have to fight this big stupid earth elemental with a bunch of clerics and they don't offer any assistance at all! Then I get told I can't come back unless I want to get attacked by some dragon! What a terrible way to treat a Paladin of Bahumat and a Honoured Lord no less. No respect for the nobility these elves... Even Nyron was more hospitable, though for some reason when I helpped people there they didn't seem to care at all. (Come on! We rescue a guy and just cause we're not in a meta-org we get no favors? *grumble rant*) I'd stick to the Shield Lands, at least you know who your dealing with. Though we do have a problem with rogues in our armies.
Britt 01-28-07, 01:06 AM	I never played any Highfolk mods, nor have I had any Highfolk adventures to review yet, so I really have no context to respond to this.
Mortepierre 01-28-07, 04:27 AM	Arguably, I would say they are the one area in your meta-region that has some valid claim to being less.. ah.. "concerned" about having an evil demigod neighbor. After all, they have the whole Vesve forest in-between to shelter them. Yes, there are orcs there as well and I'm sure Iuz has tried countless schemes to destroy the forest; still it has been more effective at keeping Iuz's minions out than any man-made fortification so far. Nobody can compete with elves in a forest environment (not to mention that the Vesve has a few areas inimical to just about everybody, Iuz included). While I'm sure Iuz would dearly love to see Highfolk destroyed/conquered, he has more obvious (and militant) threats to his rule to the south and the east of his realm. Plus, I'm not so sure his demonic/undead minions could "roll over the Vesve" any time he chooses. Even back in the old 2e WGR5 Iuz the Evil accessory, it was obvious he couldn't. Since then, his situation hasn't exactly gotten better so I don't see how he could do now what he couldn't achieve at a time he was more powerful.
cetiken 01-28-07, 01:20 PM	Humm... I have to agree with Bob. I recently played Over the River and Though the Woods and felt like I was playing some mod better suited to the environs of Greyhawk. The only excuse I could see for it even being 'metaregional' was a brief foray into Venula or something. I expect to be running for my life in an IUZ mod here its just a walk though the woods.
Haro 01-28-07, 11:08 PM	Humm... I have to agree with Bob. I recently played Over the River and Though the Woods and felt like I was playing some mod better suited to the environs of Greyhawk. The only excuse I could see for it even being 'metaregional' was a brief foray into Venula or something. I expect to be running for my life in an IUZ mod here its just a walk though the woods. It was set in Furyondy IIRC. I liked that it was a little different (funny that you didn't mention The Madhouse in your expectations) and I think we'll see a story arc based around The Drinkers and one around the new metaorg (no spoilers). The Drinkers arc will obviously be your traditional-style Iuz mods and the other...well that should be obvious! ;-) Joe
Golorious 01-29-07, 10:55 AM	Historically in Highfolk there was an Iuzian story line (as far as I experienced). However, FY595 the Highfolk forces made some pretty impressive gains in pushing out Iuzian forces from the Vesve. That being said this allowed them to focus on the new story arc that started in year 6 relatively free of an Iuzian presence. Highfolk has also have a very strong elven clan centered plot line. This flavor continues in year 6 after some pretty major shake ups that happened in year 5. There are now some new external problems facing the people of the Vesve that are coming from the Iuzian Meta-region. As well as their own internal clan difficulties that may lead to civil war. Iuz isn't the only evil in the area. The flavor for Highfolk is very different from the other IUZ border states. Elven communities have always been seen somewhat insular (check out Celene in the core arcs as an example), but never think that they are not eternal foes to Iuz! I have played in some of the interactive against Iuz and they were tough battles. It is just currently that they have more pressing concerns, some of which we may find out are related to Iuz somehow.. who knows. Highfolk will always keep you guessing at who is really pulling the strings of power. Some of the Clans are busy rebuilding territoty and their entire clan because of the losses they sustained from Iuz. A few clans seem to be down to very few members. So even though we may not see Iuzian forces in every module, the after effects of the war with Iuz still play a role in clan politics. Shield Lands and BK are either occupied or under constant war for land. Their problems with IUZ are pretty central yet very different. Perrenland from what I have read had to deal with the B*tch Queen, mother of Iuz as well as Iuzian threats. Furyondy is also close to the heart of IUZ, just a lake away from Doraka :). Not everything has to do with Iuz directly in the regions. Heck even the Shield Lands are taking a side line trip to non-Iuzian plots. Iuz is one aspect we all share in the meta-region but it isn't the only problem that each region faces.
Britt 01-29-07, 11:11 AM	You should probably note what Iuz started doing in year 5 and 6 (metaregionals). That will explain why you don't see him actively involved in things right now.
cetiken 01-29-07, 04:31 PM	You should probably note what Iuz started doing in year 5 and 6 (metaregionals). That will explain why you don't see him actively involved in things right now. Unfortunately, I've been away from the metaregion for the last few years (and away from the rpga too) for fairly good reasons. Now things have (hopefully) settled down I can play some more. It was simply a bit jarring for a guy who played in year 1-3 to return to that IUZ mod. Stone Cold was also in a very non-Iuz vein, yet I had a lot of fun there. Kudos to Gary Affeldt, btw for writting a fun mod. I think that perhaps I just disliked the hook and some of the presumption of a fairly light shade of gray. I won't say more on that for spoiler concerns. As for The Madhouse, I haven't played it so can't comment, but looking at the blurb it seems fun. As a side note, year 5 mods are retired now, so perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to issue some sort of Iuzian State of the Empire address. It would help new and returning players get back in the swing of things. I'm still not sure whats going on with Xevendra (sp?) and her lot. I'll probably just start spreading rumors IC that an a vampire queen is setting up her own personal domain in the northern areas of the BK, and that I helped her do it. Because in the BK, Iuz sure isn't the only evil, but he's emphatically the greatest one.
Haro 01-29-07, 06:09 PM	As a side note, year 5 mods are retired now, so perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to issue some sort of Iuzian State of the Empire address. It would help new and returning players get back in the swing of things. A quick update at the end of 595CY: Demigod Iuz is on Acheron looking to ascend to lesser godhood. As lesser Gods are allowed a Demigod servant, his mother Iggwilv is looking to step into that role, with sister Drelnza taking over Regent duties from her mother. In Perrenland this means continuing the assault on the city of Riberlund, hoping to gain access to what lies beneath. So Iuz is on another plane of existence trying to take over, thus not focused on the Flanaess. Iggwilv is establishing a power base of her own and Drelnza does what she's told after being thoroughly smacked around in Tsojcanth (by a couple of pc groups anyway!). Joe
bitznarf 01-29-07, 06:14 PM	his mother Iggwilv Who comes up with these names anyway? I mean seriously folks.. Iggwilv? P.S. pardon me if this actually a name in some other culture/language, no offense intended, it just sounds.. odd.
Britt 01-29-07, 07:13 PM	Actually, it's Torremor, a plane of the Abyss. He launched an assault on Pazrael/Pazuzu's domain in an attempt to claim an entire plane of the Abyss. PCs were recruited by the Drinkers to help thwart this (helping Pazuzu, btw), which resulted in Iuz and Pazuzu being locked in a stalemate, currently. So Iuz has most of his resources tied up in another plane right now. Since most of his followers are chaotic, this has led to a bunch of in-fighting on the Prime and not much scariness.
Haro 01-29-07, 07:39 PM	Yeah, Torremor, that's what I meant. Tides of War was a traumatic experience for my swashbuckler. When interviewed later by a bard, he was asked how much he remembered of the adventure; "Not much to be honest. I heard footsteps, everything went black and I woke up in bed tended to by a priest of Pelor. I didn't even see what hit me." Joe
Fleetfang 01-29-07, 07:53 PM	You want a mismatched Metaregion, just take a look at the VTF... You've got the Baklunish West with Zief, Ekbir, Ket and Tusmit, and then you have the -what?- VTF East with Verbobonc, Veluna, and Dyvers. Two areas that have virtually nothing in common... except a nominal trade route. Values, religion, cultural heritage? They don't even really have any common enemy, like the IUZ border states. Heck, Dyvers and Verbobonc have a huge Elven subplot with the Gnarley Forest, while in Ket, elves aren't even treated like a civilized race! The VTF is like some frankenstein monster metaregion. What's THAT all about?
Arvagor 01-29-07, 08:41 PM	The VTF is like some frankenstein monster metaregion. What's THAT all about?Well, there's really only so many ways you can break the regions into meta regions... Does it make more sense to have Furyondy, Veluna, and Verbobonc all be part of the same meta-region? In my mind, yes, since they were all originally part of Ferrond, but someone decided the trade route connection makes more sense. Iuz? Who cares about Iuz? We've got the Temple of Elemental Evil in our borders, and the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth and the Forgotten Temple of Tharizdun within a stone giant's throw of our borders... Iuz... What a wuss... :pbbbtt:
RedKnightofKet 01-29-07, 08:42 PM	Well, they aren't. Can't be trusted. You just turn your back and *boom*, they steal your Cup and Talisman! Monsters, I tell you! Monsters. :P snip...while in Ket, elves aren't even treated like a civilized race! The VTF is like some frankenstein monster metaregion. What's THAT all about?
Arvagor 01-29-07, 08:47 PM	Who comes up with these names anyway? I mean seriously folks.. Iggwilv?You'll probably have to talk to Gary Gygax about that one... Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth (1982) was her first appearance, IIRC? Given his penchant for doing so, it's probably an corrupted anagram of the name of one of his fellow gamers...
Haro 01-29-07, 08:49 PM	Iuz? Who cares about Iuz? We've got the Temple of Elemental Evil in our borders, and the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth and the Forgotten Temple of Tharizdun within a stone giant's throw of our borders... Iuz... What a wuss... :pbbbtt: Umm, that temple of Tharizdun and the caverns of Tsojcanth that are close to your borders? They are IN the Iuz Border States region! Specifically Perrenland. ;-) Joe
Arvagor 01-29-07, 08:53 PM	Well technically, since they are Core adventures, they're in no one's region ;) What, just because you got overrun by Iggwilvin the past, you think you can claim her? Perrenland is nothing but a shill for Iuz anyways...
Haro 01-29-07, 09:02 PM	Well technically, since they are Core adventures, they're in no one's region ;) What, just because you got overrun by Iggwilvin the past, you think you can claim her? Perrenland is nothing but a shill for Iuz anyways... Oooh, them's fighting words. An incompetent Voormann (Prime Minister) does not a shill make...
qstor 01-29-07, 09:46 PM	So Iuz is on another plane of existence trying to take over, thus not focused on the Flanaess. Iggwilv is establishing a power base of her own and Drelnza does what she's told after being thoroughly smacked around in Tsojcanth (by a couple of pc groups anyway!). Joe Gee and WHY isn't that in the Metaregionals??? That sounds cool!:D More Drelnza! :) Mike
Haro 01-29-07, 10:05 PM	Gee and WHY isn't that in the Metaregionals??? That sounds cool!:D More Drelnza! :) Mike Yeah, Perrenland's A Nation Mocked plotline is about as good a story as anyone could wish for in LG. There's a little bit in an Iuz scenario or two though... The Iggwilv/Drelnza stuff I mean. Joe P.S. The maestro of the plotline started to write a novel based around those events before realising WotC would never license it. Which is a shame.
Madfox11 01-30-07, 04:46 AM	Meta-regions are an administrative thing that have more to do with RL regions and the fact that 1 man can only deal with so-much regions than the Greyhawk setting. Nyrond and Environs also contains a few odd-ball regions that have little to do with the central meta-region. Even than the borders between the meta-regions are more distinct than they would be in Greyhawk. The downsides of the regional system...
Mortepierre 01-30-07, 07:37 AM	The one thing I never understood about that is why France was given Ekbir (MR2) while every other country in Europe belongs to MR5 (Splintered Suns) :confused: France being one of the most active LG european country, I think it would help local conventions if it belonged to MR5 like the rest of us. Heck, there are enough parts of the (former) Great Kingdom left to create 3 or 4 new regions!
Madfox11 01-30-07, 08:47 AM	The reason for that is very simple: The French speak French, and so do the people in Quebec. So the French specifically requested to get in the same meta-region. It also has the benefit of having two meta-regions on one continent, and you only have to ask the Australians on why that is a benefit ;)
pedr 01-30-07, 08:47 AM	The reason is that other MR2 countries write modules in French, so it makes linguistic sense!
Mortepierre 01-30-07, 09:27 AM	France is not the only country in Europe where French is a national language (Switzerland/Dullstrand for instance), so that argument could have been made just as well to keep France in MR5. Not to mention that it's far easier to travel from Geneva to Paris than from Paris to Quebec :P That said, frankly, I think all mods should be in english. I've seen French conventions where english-speaking players struggled with the translated mods. Not saying the french aren't trying hard enough (God knows writing a mod in any language is no piece of cake!) but english is the unifying factor in LG, like it or not.
Skerrit 01-30-07, 09:35 AM	Iuz is still a part of the Highfolk region, but given his huge defeat in the Vesve at the end of year 5 and his true focus on a whole 'nother plane of existance, he's definately not the focus of the region anymore. Now, the aftermath of the war, the pillaging by the remnants of his humanoid forces, the destruction of many of the elf clans, the political upheavals, the rise of the Blood Owls as a political force, and the mysterious groups that aided in Iuz's defeat, these are all major plot lines now.
RedKnightofKet 01-30-07, 10:25 AM	Well, it's not about travel - it's about having the metaregional modules already written in French. Besides, I would see having the rest of Europe as an advantage, not a disadvantage. I live in Ontario, Canada (Ket (VTF)) - the RL border regions are New York (Keoland (Sheldomar)), Michigan (Furyondy (Iuz)), and Quebec (Tusmit (VTF)). While I have been to all three, I prefer to go to either to NY or MI, because then I have about 16 extra modules I can play, rather than eight, once you factor in the metas. Take advantage of the RL border not being in the same metaregion - it's better that way.... France is not the only country in Europe where French is a national language (Switzerland/Dullstrand for instance), so that argument could have been made just as well to keep France in MR5. Not to mention that it's far easier to travel from Geneva to Paris than from Paris to Quebec
UMiskatonic 01-30-07, 03:56 PM	Iuz has been a huge factor in the Highfolk region. For example, the highfolk mod "Siege" was exactly that. Minions of Iuz vs. Highfolk. That year's (and the next's) storyline focused on an invading Iuzian army, and it was fantastic. But, you can't have an army invade every year. That gets repetitive. So, right now, Highfolk has other fish to fry. Don't worry, I'm sure Iuz will be back to Highfolk soon enough
Madfox11 01-31-07, 09:55 AM	France is not the only country in Europe where French is a national language (Switzerland/Dullstrand for instance), so that argument could have been made just as well to keep France in MR5. Not to mention that it's far easier to travel from Geneva to Paris than from Paris to Quebec :P At the start of this campaign, the Dullstrand was actually assigned to South-Africa. That said, frankly, I think all mods should be in english. I've seen French conventions where english-speaking players struggled with the translated mods. Not saying the french aren't trying hard enough (God knows writing a mod in any language is no piece of cake!) but english is the unifying factor in LG, like it or not. No, it is not. It just happens to be the language spoken by most people, but if you would force the French, and Germans to use English it probably would mean that those regions are not very viable. In fact, I got complaints from a large group of players in Luxembourg who wanted to join Ekbir instead of Sunndi because their French was much better than their English (which is the language used for Sunndi adventures). I have a feeling that if it where not for a group of dedicated English speaking French and Germans there would be no activity at all as is the case in Italy, Spain and Greece. In short, you are underestimating the language problems here in Europe.
clannagh 02-01-07, 01:02 AM	At the start of this campaign, the Dullstrand was actually assigned to South-Africa. No, it is not. It just happens to be the language spoken by most people, but if you would force the French, and Germans to use English it probably would mean that those regions are not very viable. In fact, I got complaints from a large group of players in Luxembourg who wanted to join Ekbir instead of Sunndi because their French was much better than their English (which is the language used for Sunndi adventures). I have a feeling that if it where not for a group of dedicated English speaking French and Germans there would be no activity at all as is the case in Italy, Spain and Greece. In short, you are underestimating the language problems here in Europe. of course here in Australia we are pushing for full mono-linguism ... if you want to migrate here you now must pass an English test plus a quiz on famous Australian Prime Ministers (especially the current incumbent) Sporting Hero's and prefered brand of cars .
Lupo 02-01-07, 02:46 AM	of course here in Australia we are pushing for full mono-linguism ... if you want to migrate here you now must pass an English test plus a quiz on famous Australian Prime Ministers (especially the current incumbent) Sporting Hero's and prefered brand of cars . :eek: i thought it was preferred beer and famous koalas :confused: :P yes, language causes some problems, lots of german players wait till the books are published in translation, and therefore the campaign is somehow behind over here :rolleyes: . . . sometimes. at least all ARs are in english now. some of my character binders still hold ARs in french :eek: je ne parle bien le francais. but most meta-organisation documents are still in french in ekbir and in german in innspa/ahlissa. i am not sure our meta org certs are already translated or bilingual. ciao martin m.
gomeztoo 02-01-07, 03:36 AM	at least all ARs are in english now. some of my character binders still hold ARs in french Yeah. Ofcourse it does make it easier to keep the secret being a member of an ultra undercover resistance movement on virtue of not being able to read your own AR... Personally, what I dislike with non english scenarios is that, besides text, people translate names. It took me a while to realize that 'Herbersgsbad' is 'Innspa'. I know this is because the german LGG also translated those names, and it is a bit late to change it now. But it does make me experience such a scenario more like 'Living Germany' than 'Living Greyhawk'. It just seems to take place in a different world. Oh and reviewing takes longer. But at least I don't have to check the grammar ;).
Lupo 02-01-07, 04:17 AM	Yeah. Ofcourse it does make it easier to keep the secret being a member of an ultra undercover resistance movement on virtue of not being able to read your own AR... Personally, what I dislike with non english scenarios is that, besides text, people translate names. It took me a while to realize that 'Herbersgsbad' is 'Innspa'. I know this is because the german LGG also translated those names, and it is a bit late to change it now. But it does make me experience such a scenario more like 'Living Germany' than 'Living Greyhawk'. It just seems to take place in a different world. Oh and reviewing takes longer. But at least I don't have to check the grammar ;). hehe :P, have you been a victim of Living-Hesse in the module "indigo", when the NPCs were supposed to have a very specific regional dialect??? ;) ciao martin m.
TallGuy 02-01-07, 05:00 AM	Well, they aren't. Can't be trusted. You just turn your back and *boom*, they steal your Cup and Talisman! Monsters, I tell you! Monsters. :P Psssst! Psssst! Want to buy this nice cup? I've got the matching talisman too! Interested? Verrry cheap! Valenthe Elven Wizard and lover of bad jokes
yorkus 02-02-07, 12:56 AM	Sorry, I don't mean to hijack this thread, but it is kind of related. I ran an Iuz Metaregional where the players were given the chance to join the 'Drinkers of the Cup of Midnight' Meta regional meta org. What exatly is this and where can the players find information about it. Cheers thanks
Eric Anondson 02-02-07, 01:56 AM	Regarding the Drinkers. Warning: the following is a link (http://www.bandit-kingdoms.net/meta/ARs/DrinkersMetaAR.pdf) to a .pdf file of the AR. About 112 kb in size.