Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 ksbsnowowl Apr 18, 2008 13:32:31	In a few weeks my Eberron campaign will be turning toward running through the Desolate Endeavor (Mark of Heroes) adventure. The only thing is, once it is finished, and the PC's have sealed the portal in question, I'd like for them to have to travel through the Eldeen Reaches, and not merely teleport back to Sharn with that one-time-use item provided in the adventure. But, if I don't supply them with an apparent means to return, they may well not take on the mission. Any ideas on how to rectify this situation? I suppose I could have Dharu steal the Rod of Recall, but that leaves too much to chance, and too great a chance the PC's learn of it and turn on him too early. Another option would be to have the PCs' new patron hire an airship to get them there (or near Desolation), and then something causes it to flee, abandoning the PC's in the Demon Waste. Suggestions?
#2 ChaoticGood Apr 19, 2008 1:51:43	My suggestion is this: when the PCs seal the portal and are ready to use the rod of recall, have them make a Knowledge (arcana) or Spellcraft check to notice that soemthing seems... different about it, as though the dark energies of this place have somehow warped it. There's a good chance it might not get them home... If they decide to use it anyway, go ahead and roll your d% and look at some notes, as though you are consulting a random chance chart. Then plop them down wherever it was you wanted them to be, and go from there. It may seem like cheating, but... hey, you're the DM. ;) Seriously, though, it would actually be a lot easier for them to get to the Eldeen Reaches this way than to walk. Remember, the Flame-serving orcs of the Labyrinth allow no-one in or out... so they are going to have a whole horde of mainly Neutral- to Good-aligned orcs out to kill them if they try to leave the Demon Wastes on foot. If they do try to hoof it out of the Labyrinth, though... set them up with a "guide" who offers to lead them out. Once a deal is struck and the "guide" has led them safely past the guardian orcs and into the forest, he will demand to be freed from his service. Though he appeared as a wizened, leathery old man, but in reality, he is a demon in disguise! What will the party do when they realize this? Will they keep their end of the deal, allowing a demon into the world at large? Will they kill him outright, and suffer the consequences of breaking a bargain made with Hell itself? And how will they keep their companion's nature a secret from anyone they meet? (Hilarity ensues.)
#3 ksbsnowowl Apr 21, 2008 22:42:32	My suggestion is this: when the PCs seal the portal and are ready to use the rod of recall, have them make a Knowledge (arcana) or Spellcraft check to notice that soemthing seems... different about it, as though the dark energies of this place have somehow warped it. There's a good chance it might not get them home... If they decide to use it anyway, go ahead and roll your d% and look at some notes, as though you are consulting a random chance chart. Then plop them down wherever it was you wanted them to be, and go from there. It may seem like cheating, but... hey, you're the DM. ;) Seriously, though, it would actually be a lot easier for them to get to the Eldeen Reaches this way than to walk. Remember, the Flame-serving orcs of the Labyrinth allow no-one in or out... so they are going to have a whole horde of mainly Neutral- to Good-aligned orcs out to kill them if they try to leave the Demon Wastes on foot. This is a fantastic idea; I thank you heartily I can see them trying to hoof it out, and then using the broken rod anyway when they get surrounded and in danger from the Orc tribes. I rather like that! I hope it turns out as well as I'm envisioning... Thanks again
#4 ChaoticGood Apr 22, 2008 23:34:42	Happy to be of service! Anytime I can figure out a way to use the Ghaash'kala in a game, I do! They're easily my favorite faction in Eberron. Still waiting for a Ghaash'kala Warrior mini in the official set... *looks sternly at WotC*