Campaign idea...tell me what you think [Archive] - Wizards Community

Campaign idea...tell me what you think [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Dark_Rhapsody
07-31-07, 03:26 AM Okay, this will be my first campaign I will DM for a long time. I really want this to be different that my other campaigns (which have all been in the Forgotten Realms). This one takes place in Eberron.

Okay, the basics of it take place around the Blood of Vol, the Dragon Prophecy, the Church of the Silver Flame, and the Dragons of Argonnessen.

The Martyr's Prophecy
The Lich Queen d' Vol is seeking to become a goddess, and she believes that the Dragon Prophecy will be able to tell her the path to acsension. However, with her embrace of lichdom, she lost her sight to read the Prophecy (in my Eberron, the dragons and half-dragons (in the case of d'Vol) have the ability to read the prophecy as if looking as one of those hidden image paintings (the kind you have to be kinda in and out of focus at the same time to see)). She has made an alliance with a vampyric red dragon who she will use to hopefully breed a half-dragon with the ability to read the Prophecy from captives of maidens that her cult captures.

The Dragons of Argonnessen are on the move, and the astronomers and philosophers of Khorvaire are fascinated with a phenominon taking place in the sky. A thirteenth moon is beginning to form, but few know of it's signifigance. The Dragons of Argonnessen believe it is the symbol of the return of the House of Vol, which they believed they destroyed thousands of years ago. The archduke (can't remember his name at the moment because it is 3 am) of the Church of the Silver Flame has caught wind of the rise of a possible "bearer of death", and he has sent the paladins of the Flame to try to locate this foe and destroy it. He promises eternal salvation and forgivement of all sins to the paladin who slays the "destroyer".

In truth, there is a "bearer of death", and it is in truth an orphan who was left with the Headmaster of Aracanix. She is a half-silver dragon/elf (obviously, she was raised to hide her draconic heritage) named Vestele. She is a wizard now, and is being allowed to research dragons in Arcanix. She is young (just turning an adult, for she was a prodegee in the arcane), and now she is starting manifest a mark. She believes it just as an Aberrant mark, but it is really the long lost Mark of Death. Also, she is starting to notice that the stars start making shapes and letters as she looks at them (she is manifesting her ability to read the prophecy). Her being is not known to d'Vol.

Her father was actually an elven wizard who fell in love with a silver dragon when he went into Argonessen (he was the only one ever to be allowed to enter). The silver dragon birthed Vestele, and then fled Argonessen to Khorvaire in fear of the dragons' wrath. Her father learned of something while in Argonessen, a legend of the mighty platinum dragon Bahamut. He learned that Bahamut had read in the stars of the coming of one who will save all of Eberron, and that he (Bahamut) must aid the hero. He forged a dagger and blessed it with his holy might. However, his rival, Tiamat, heard of his prophecy and said that Bahamut was a heratic, for the prophecy also stated that the being will be of dragon and mortal blood. The dragons killed Bahamut, but couldn't destroy the blade. They sealed the blade away, and Tiamat hid the key on Xen'drik, fealing that the key could not be found there. The dagger currently rests in a tower in Argonessen called The Tower of Wyrms (it is where the rulers of the dragons dwell). Vestele's father decided to go to Xen'drik (for he was a lover of ancient lore and artifacts) and look for the key (for the key alone was told of as a splendore). However, while in Xen'drik, Vestele's father got killed by a raiding party of drow.

So, basically, that is a very very brief overview of my history/campaign idea. I don't have every detail in it, because it is 3:17 in the morning and I am really REALLY tired. Hope you enjoyed. I know it is kinda rough at some points, but I really want to know what you all think. This is going to start at low-levels and probably go to about 20's (yes, not many people like that when people do that in Eberron, but I don't care). d'Vol is beafed up a bit (she is epic). My PC is not Vestele, but Vestele is going to be in his party. Many people would consider this as a crapy idea, because it is very much like a DMPC, but my player likes NPCs in the party that are actually up to par and not just some cohort. The player DMs this way as well (with NPCs in the party and the "foretold hero" isn't necessarily the PC(s) ). The thing is, I look at it this way: every hero needs help, and in this case, a half-dragon mage who was orphaned in Arcanix will completely be obliterated if she doesn't get the help of someone. The PC will still be the leader really, especially sense he won't learn any of the main plot until much later. The campaign will start in about 3-4 weeks.

I really hope you enjoy my idea...please comment. Anyways, I am going to bed. Goodnight my fellow DMs/Players.
White_Whale
07-31-07, 07:42 AM I think it was very hard following your complicated story, and I'd imagine it would be even harder for your players without this "summary".

Oh, and the DMPC is the greatest hero? :confused:
Forfeit
07-31-07, 10:50 AM What a bunch of crap.

Read this topic if youre out of ideas:

http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=763260
Dark_Rhapsody
07-31-07, 12:04 PM I think it was very hard following your complicated story, and I'd imagine it would be even harder for your players without this "summary".

Oh, and the DMPC is the greatest hero? :confused:

Well, I didn't type the whole story because of the time. If I would, it would make more sense. Plus, if you want a complicated storyline, you need to look at the plot of the last campaign I was a player in. It took place in the Forgotten Realms, and it had to deal with the very fabric of reality. It revealed that the world actually held in a book, and that Ao was not the actual creator of everything. There was an elder force that created the first book, which in the beginning, there was only a book. But the words had meaning...the words wanted to be real, and then they came into being. Then there was written multiple books, but most failed. And that is just the back story. You don't even take into account the whole ordeal with the dagger that could cut through the universes (kind of like the subtle knife from the His Dark Materials series) and the fact that there were two people in my party that both held part of the soul of the creator, and they could actually combine. In the combined form, they could weild this almost gun artifact that had the power to create or destroy. It was a VERY complicated campaign.

The NPC (I hate the term DMPC, because it is stupid. I don't get why you people are against it if your players like it. Gosh, when you have a total of 4 people in your gaming group, then you need alot of extra help sense most of the time, you only have 1 player to a campaign) is the prophesized "hero", but it doesn't necessarily mean that they are going to succeed. Yes, they are heroes, but the PC is also a hero. It is kind of like the Lord of the Rings: Frodo is to be the one to destroy the ring, but Aragorn and the rest of the Fellowship has to be there, or else Frodo is screwed.
Dark_Rhapsody
07-31-07, 12:10 PM What a bunch of crap.

Read this topic if youre out of ideas:

http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=763260

Dude...no offense, but the thread you posted is kind of dumb. I am a normal person in real life, I am not a hero. My player is not a hero. Why would we just want to be a normal person? It is an interesting idea of being a commoner, but the thing is, even if you gain class levels, do you even realize how much time you need to gain even one class level? It takes years for characters to train in their class, especially if you are just an "average person".
queenfange
07-31-07, 12:22 PM What a bunch of crap.

Read this topic if youre out of ideas:

http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=763260

Wow. How insightful.

Anyway, after such a rude interruption, I think Dark_Rhapsody's idea is very complicated, perhaps a bit too much so, but very unique. Good job. :)
Dark_Rhapsody
07-31-07, 12:30 PM Wow. How insightful.

Anyway, after such a rude interruption, I think Dark_Rhapsody's idea is very complicated, perhaps a bit too much so, but very unique. Good job. :)

WOOT! Thank you so much! :) I am glad that someone is happy with it. I just am worried that it isn't good enough. My player is used to complicated campaigns, and he enjoys them like that. He has storylines that are twice as complicated as mine, plus, you have to add in the fact that some of it is so stange and acid trip-ish.

Thanks again, you really made me happy. I was starting to feel really crappy after a few bad comments. :)
White_Whale
07-31-07, 03:35 PM Well, I didn't type the whole story because of the time. If I would, it would make more sense. Plus, if you want a complicated storyline, you need to look at the plot of the last campaign I was a player in. It took place in the Forgotten Realms, and it had to deal with the very fabric of reality. It revealed that the world actually held in a book, and that Ao was not the actual creator of everything. There was an elder force that created the first book, which in the beginning, there was only a book. But the words had meaning...the words wanted to be real, and then they came into being. Then there was written multiple books, but most failed. And that is just the back story. You don't even take into account the whole ordeal with the dagger that could cut through the universes (kind of like the subtle knife from the His Dark Materials series) and the fact that there were two people in my party that both held part of the soul of the creator, and they could actually combine. In the combined form, they could weild this almost gun artifact that had the power to create or destroy. It was a VERY complicated campaign.

The NPC (I hate the term DMPC, because it is stupid. I don't get why you people are against it if your players like it. Gosh, when you have a total of 4 people in your gaming group, then you need alot of extra help sense most of the time, you only have 1 player to a campaign) is the prophesized "hero", but it doesn't necessarily mean that they are going to succeed. Yes, they are heroes, but the PC is also a hero. It is kind of like the Lord of the Rings: Frodo is to be the one to destroy the ring, but Aragorn and the rest of the Fellowship has to be there, or else Frodo is screwed.
You asked for comments, and I gave mine.

If this works for your player, then: great!

For reference of how to not do it, look at this (http://www.shamusyoung.com/twentysidedtale/?cat=14).
Dark_Rhapsody
07-31-07, 04:17 PM You asked for comments, and I gave mine.

If this works for your player, then: great!

For reference of how to not do it, look at this (http://www.shamusyoung.com/twentysidedtale/?cat=14).

And I thank you for your comment. I know not everyone like complicated storylines. I am sorry if you found me snippy in any way. I wasn't trying to be.
Dark_Rhapsody
07-31-07, 11:16 PM Wow...my thread died fast...lol Oh well

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Dark_Rhapsody 07-31-07, 03:26 AM	Okay, this will be my first campaign I will DM for a long time. I really want this to be different that my other campaigns (which have all been in the Forgotten Realms). This one takes place in Eberron. Okay, the basics of it take place around the Blood of Vol, the Dragon Prophecy, the Church of the Silver Flame, and the Dragons of Argonnessen. The Martyr's Prophecy The Lich Queen d' Vol is seeking to become a goddess, and she believes that the Dragon Prophecy will be able to tell her the path to acsension. However, with her embrace of lichdom, she lost her sight to read the Prophecy (in my Eberron, the dragons and half-dragons (in the case of d'Vol) have the ability to read the prophecy as if looking as one of those hidden image paintings (the kind you have to be kinda in and out of focus at the same time to see)). She has made an alliance with a vampyric red dragon who she will use to hopefully breed a half-dragon with the ability to read the Prophecy from captives of maidens that her cult captures. The Dragons of Argonnessen are on the move, and the astronomers and philosophers of Khorvaire are fascinated with a phenominon taking place in the sky. A thirteenth moon is beginning to form, but few know of it's signifigance. The Dragons of Argonnessen believe it is the symbol of the return of the House of Vol, which they believed they destroyed thousands of years ago. The archduke (can't remember his name at the moment because it is 3 am) of the Church of the Silver Flame has caught wind of the rise of a possible "bearer of death", and he has sent the paladins of the Flame to try to locate this foe and destroy it. He promises eternal salvation and forgivement of all sins to the paladin who slays the "destroyer". In truth, there is a "bearer of death", and it is in truth an orphan who was left with the Headmaster of Aracanix. She is a half-silver dragon/elf (obviously, she was raised to hide her draconic heritage) named Vestele. She is a wizard now, and is being allowed to research dragons in Arcanix. She is young (just turning an adult, for she was a prodegee in the arcane), and now she is starting manifest a mark. She believes it just as an Aberrant mark, but it is really the long lost Mark of Death. Also, she is starting to notice that the stars start making shapes and letters as she looks at them (she is manifesting her ability to read the prophecy). Her being is not known to d'Vol. Her father was actually an elven wizard who fell in love with a silver dragon when he went into Argonessen (he was the only one ever to be allowed to enter). The silver dragon birthed Vestele, and then fled Argonessen to Khorvaire in fear of the dragons' wrath. Her father learned of something while in Argonessen, a legend of the mighty platinum dragon Bahamut. He learned that Bahamut had read in the stars of the coming of one who will save all of Eberron, and that he (Bahamut) must aid the hero. He forged a dagger and blessed it with his holy might. However, his rival, Tiamat, heard of his prophecy and said that Bahamut was a heratic, for the prophecy also stated that the being will be of dragon and mortal blood. The dragons killed Bahamut, but couldn't destroy the blade. They sealed the blade away, and Tiamat hid the key on Xen'drik, fealing that the key could not be found there. The dagger currently rests in a tower in Argonessen called The Tower of Wyrms (it is where the rulers of the dragons dwell). Vestele's father decided to go to Xen'drik (for he was a lover of ancient lore and artifacts) and look for the key (for the key alone was told of as a splendore). However, while in Xen'drik, Vestele's father got killed by a raiding party of drow. So, basically, that is a very very brief overview of my history/campaign idea. I don't have every detail in it, because it is 3:17 in the morning and I am really REALLY tired. Hope you enjoyed. I know it is kinda rough at some points, but I really want to know what you all think. This is going to start at low-levels and probably go to about 20's (yes, not many people like that when people do that in Eberron, but I don't care). d'Vol is beafed up a bit (she is epic). My PC is not Vestele, but Vestele is going to be in his party. Many people would consider this as a crapy idea, because it is very much like a DMPC, but my player likes NPCs in the party that are actually up to par and not just some cohort. The player DMs this way as well (with NPCs in the party and the "foretold hero" isn't necessarily the PC(s) ). The thing is, I look at it this way: every hero needs help, and in this case, a half-dragon mage who was orphaned in Arcanix will completely be obliterated if she doesn't get the help of someone. The PC will still be the leader really, especially sense he won't learn any of the main plot until much later. The campaign will start in about 3-4 weeks. I really hope you enjoy my idea...please comment. Anyways, I am going to bed. Goodnight my fellow DMs/Players.
White_Whale 07-31-07, 07:42 AM	I think it was very hard following your complicated story, and I'd imagine it would be even harder for your players without this "summary". Oh, and the DMPC is the greatest hero? :confused:
Forfeit 07-31-07, 10:50 AM	What a bunch of crap. Read this topic if youre out of ideas: http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=763260
Dark_Rhapsody 07-31-07, 12:04 PM	I think it was very hard following your complicated story, and I'd imagine it would be even harder for your players without this "summary". Oh, and the DMPC is the greatest hero? :confused: Well, I didn't type the whole story because of the time. If I would, it would make more sense. Plus, if you want a complicated storyline, you need to look at the plot of the last campaign I was a player in. It took place in the Forgotten Realms, and it had to deal with the very fabric of reality. It revealed that the world actually held in a book, and that Ao was not the actual creator of everything. There was an elder force that created the first book, which in the beginning, there was only a book. But the words had meaning...the words wanted to be real, and then they came into being. Then there was written multiple books, but most failed. And that is just the back story. You don't even take into account the whole ordeal with the dagger that could cut through the universes (kind of like the subtle knife from the His Dark Materials series) and the fact that there were two people in my party that both held part of the soul of the creator, and they could actually combine. In the combined form, they could weild this almost gun artifact that had the power to create or destroy. It was a VERY complicated campaign. The NPC (I hate the term DMPC, because it is stupid. I don't get why you people are against it if your players like it. Gosh, when you have a total of 4 people in your gaming group, then you need alot of extra help sense most of the time, you only have 1 player to a campaign) is the prophesized "hero", but it doesn't necessarily mean that they are going to succeed. Yes, they are heroes, but the PC is also a hero. It is kind of like the Lord of the Rings: Frodo is to be the one to destroy the ring, but Aragorn and the rest of the Fellowship has to be there, or else Frodo is screwed.
Dark_Rhapsody 07-31-07, 12:10 PM	What a bunch of crap. Read this topic if youre out of ideas: http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=763260 Dude...no offense, but the thread you posted is kind of dumb. I am a normal person in real life, I am not a hero. My player is not a hero. Why would we just want to be a normal person? It is an interesting idea of being a commoner, but the thing is, even if you gain class levels, do you even realize how much time you need to gain even one class level? It takes years for characters to train in their class, especially if you are just an "average person".
queenfange 07-31-07, 12:22 PM	What a bunch of crap. Read this topic if youre out of ideas: http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=763260 Wow. How insightful. Anyway, after such a rude interruption, I think Dark_Rhapsody's idea is very complicated, perhaps a bit too much so, but very unique. Good job. :)
Dark_Rhapsody 07-31-07, 12:30 PM	Wow. How insightful. Anyway, after such a rude interruption, I think Dark_Rhapsody's idea is very complicated, perhaps a bit too much so, but very unique. Good job. :) WOOT! Thank you so much! :) I am glad that someone is happy with it. I just am worried that it isn't good enough. My player is used to complicated campaigns, and he enjoys them like that. He has storylines that are twice as complicated as mine, plus, you have to add in the fact that some of it is so stange and acid trip-ish. Thanks again, you really made me happy. I was starting to feel really crappy after a few bad comments. :)
White_Whale 07-31-07, 03:35 PM	Well, I didn't type the whole story because of the time. If I would, it would make more sense. Plus, if you want a complicated storyline, you need to look at the plot of the last campaign I was a player in. It took place in the Forgotten Realms, and it had to deal with the very fabric of reality. It revealed that the world actually held in a book, and that Ao was not the actual creator of everything. There was an elder force that created the first book, which in the beginning, there was only a book. But the words had meaning...the words wanted to be real, and then they came into being. Then there was written multiple books, but most failed. And that is just the back story. You don't even take into account the whole ordeal with the dagger that could cut through the universes (kind of like the subtle knife from the His Dark Materials series) and the fact that there were two people in my party that both held part of the soul of the creator, and they could actually combine. In the combined form, they could weild this almost gun artifact that had the power to create or destroy. It was a VERY complicated campaign. The NPC (I hate the term DMPC, because it is stupid. I don't get why you people are against it if your players like it. Gosh, when you have a total of 4 people in your gaming group, then you need alot of extra help sense most of the time, you only have 1 player to a campaign) is the prophesized "hero", but it doesn't necessarily mean that they are going to succeed. Yes, they are heroes, but the PC is also a hero. It is kind of like the Lord of the Rings: Frodo is to be the one to destroy the ring, but Aragorn and the rest of the Fellowship has to be there, or else Frodo is screwed. You asked for comments, and I gave mine. If this works for your player, then: great! For reference of how to not do it, look at this (http://www.shamusyoung.com/twentysidedtale/?cat=14).
Dark_Rhapsody 07-31-07, 04:17 PM	You asked for comments, and I gave mine. If this works for your player, then: great! For reference of how to not do it, look at this (http://www.shamusyoung.com/twentysidedtale/?cat=14). And I thank you for your comment. I know not everyone like complicated storylines. I am sorry if you found me snippy in any way. I wasn't trying to be.
Dark_Rhapsody 07-31-07, 11:16 PM	Wow...my thread died fast...lol Oh well