1. It was the lizardfolk that stroke the first blow, attacking Newthrone and setting fire to a small part of the city. Two months later, the reason for that and the astounding rise of lizardfolk enmity, which led to all-out war, towards the settlers is still unclear to the public. Talk of the "dark, blasphemous" beliefs of the race is common now but that can't be considered the whole picture even by the most fanatic enemies of the lizardfolk. Furthermore, it is unknown that
2.The semiautonomous nature of the tribal society of the lizardfolk has seen some very important changes. A half-dragon blackscale warlord has risen, blessed by Rashaak himself and (almost) fully supported by the shamans. The primitive lizardfolk show unexpected cunning and planning, not to mention the use of powerful weapons not employed beforemore on that later). Not only New Galifar is taken by surprise, but
3.New Galifar has the rather undesired distinction of being the nation whose asoldiers are the least experienced and battle ready. For the last 30 years some tribes(mainly poison dusk) have been pretty dangerous but where the rest of the continent fought the Last War Q'barra only faced rather small numbers of magic-lacking, primitive troops. No Rekkenmark, Arcane Congress or dark lantern-like As the first battles take place(featuring many noble Q'barra's generals gallantly messing it up with the famous Heavy Cavalry Charge to the Jungle tactic)it was evident that New Galifar can't fulfill the early expectation of a quick victory. Its military engine greatly needed aid from its allies, Riedra's Harmonious Shield being the first choice.
So, here we have the
Army of the Lizarfolk
The core of this army is still the classic "fierce but unsophisticated" lizardfolk warrior and the small but deadly pygmy archer. What has changed are the new strategies and weapons employed. The former savages had salready proven themselves to be talented guerilla warriors, but now the lizardfolk use siege weapons and disciplined troops in formations.Warlocks and sorcerers have recently appeared,(pure accident, of course) eager to strike and unexpectedly powerful, while magic items from first age vaults, coordinated use druidic magic, bolstered by draconic knowledge, even half-fiendish and half-draconic creatures have taken a heavy toll on New Galifar's soldiers. On the downside, and unknown to the Q'barrans yet, a civil conflict rages on. Dissidents against the rule of Rashaak and the clergy have appeared in the last years, the fruits of Rakshasa and Talon of Tiamat manipulations(yes, of course you're right-they are the main reason of the unusual numbers of warlocks and sorcerers). They tend to gather power in their tribes mainly through their arcane prowess. Thus, a large part of the lizardfolks' magic army actually serve Rashaak's (im)mortal enemies. That doesn't mean that every sorceror in the army secretly worships the dragon below, but there's a general paranoia in the air. Furtherly, sometines lizardfolk leaders actually make their beliefs open, their rebellious tribes attacking both lizardfolk and settler forces. All expendable pawns. More on that later.
and the
Army of New Galifar and allies
As expected, the usage of heavy armor is both and an asset and a hindrance out in the jungle. The settlers' greatest advantage, the monopoly of arcane magic is no more, but their spellcasters are more experienced than their enemies.Still, they are more fragile too. Superior weaponry and stone fortresses are other important advantages for this side. Naturally, they favour clear ground and occasionally hack large parts of the jungle.
The Harmonious shield troops are superbly equipped and still have remained mostly intact, not to mention their powerful Inspired lords. A new religious order, the White Rose, numbering followers of both the Sovereign Host and the Silver Flame, led by a former PC character, despite their few numbers have been very succesful. The Order of the Templars, as the fiends predicted and schemed, have sent experienced veterans to train the New Galifar troops and battle the demon-worshipers(responsible for that are half fiendish animals used and the occasional demon used by the Lords of Dust to mislead them even more about the nature of the lizardfolks' army.Just wait to see what happens when Rashaak's half-fiendish nature gets revealed).
Red Gauntlets, Deneith or Tharashk mercenaries might also appear in large numbers in the area(it's unclear which organisation Newthrone will mostly turn to). Above all, they have the PCs. At the moment it seems that the PCs will use their influence to establish an unofficial embassy of Karrnath, spread the Blood of Vol and raise undead Karrnath-like troops but that's another story that might change Q'barra completely.
Last but not least, they're all pawns. As it has been mentioned above, the Lords of Dust and the Talons of Tiamat started it all, their ultimate goal being the fall of Rashaak. They even use the prophecy, having convinced the PCs that only they can defeat the horror that will rise at Haka'torvak.That part is genuine, but the fiends intend to set them against Rashaak. After all, he is evil and fiendishly so, isn't it?
On the other hand, the inspired have plans of their own.While Riedran troops and generals prove to the world their superiority over the Q'barrans(and make it so through mind controlling and generally plotting-see the Heavy Cavalry charge above), the White rose order, seemingly a new philosophy that attempts to unite the holy warriors of Khorvaire is a first step towards the equivalent of the Path of Inspiration in the continent. Even quoripossession(masked as divine channeling)takes place. The former PC character is mind seeded by the PC's nemesis. Soon the plan to overthrow Sebastes will be executed...
Well, that's all there is at the moment. Once again I apologize for the long read. So...any ideas about the armies or future events in the war? Thoughts? Suggestions? All of them will be more than welcome!
I would definitly see House Tharashk trying to get Newthrone's monopoly on mercenary/army forces to defend the New Galifar, while on the other side helping the Lizardfolk to attack the city and claim back some territories in exchange for access to some dragonshard deposits.
As for Inspired, they could definitly take advantage of the beliefs of the Blood of Vol to manipulate Khorvairian bloodlines to create new breeds of Empty Vessels.
I'm interested in reading more on the White Rose.
Good post btw.
Rekko
If the PCs are planning to spread the Blood of Vol, I could see some elves (of the deathguard?) join forces with the lizardfolks. Valenar are already raiding Q'barran lands from time to time.
Good ideas allRekko! The Valenar should provide a faction of their own and a worthy challenge to the players as they grow in power and influence. As for the Deathguard, I think it is too soon for an organised response.On the other hand, a single recurring operative might do the trick and confound the players(recurring hero?).
By the way, since one of the PCs is a Karrnathi warlock and researcher of the Atur academy, I'm considering to let him acreate a new type of undead fot the battlefield. any suggestions on that?
I would definitly see House Tharashk trying to get Newthrone's monopoly on mercenary/army forces to defend the New Galifar, while on the other side helping the Lizardfolk to attack the city and claim back some territories in exchange for access to some dragonshard deposits.
Nasty...very nasty.I like the way you're thinking.
I'm interested in reading more on the White Rose
Call them the equivalent-to-be of the Inspired in Khorvaire. Officially they are an attempt towards bridging the gap between the two most prevalent religions in the continent, emphasising the battle against evil. As the Inspired began in Sarlona they are supposed to be the voice of reason and, as they did, the plan is to use scapegoats. Currently the omly signifant basion is in Newthrone but recently they established themselves in Sharn, Korth, Sigilstar and Korranberg. Their leaders are supposed to be paragons of virtue, to the extent of channeling breathtaking celestial creatures. Actually most of them are possessed by Inspired, though once or twice true channeling has taken place, misguiding guardinals or, in one case, using the services of a fallen angel(mostly for show-he never channels). Of course, every single possessed's alignment is concealed. The Quori, as already mentioned, are planning to make this movement Khorvaire's Path of Ispiration. Of course, it's a rather long term plan....Naturally, all that is only known
In its core it's still a militant templar-like order. They are Q'barra's elite soldiers, enormously popular as one of the few foces actually winning major victories, and as dangerous for the realm as the Order of the Emerald Claw was to Karrnath before they were outlawed.
Oh, and thanks for your post. You were very helpful indeed!
New Galifar and its allies likely need to delay the lizardfolk and Rhashaak while they rebuild their forces. It wouldn’t be surprising if King Sebastes starts a draft giving this is likely going to be a battle for survival. Given the lack of a training establishment your White Rose and its former PC could be in charge of the general training of these people. Naturally your PC could be the charismatic leader of this army, and if successful in battle would be in good position to overthrow Sebastes. The New Galifarian forces will likely want to attempt to hit the Lizardfolk back with hit and run tactics. This will probably meet with mixed results, but there are likely some among the population who would know there ways around the jungles of Q’barra, and other will learn from experience. It would also be advisable for them to form a relationship with the tribes that oppose the lizardfolk under the control of Rhashaad and his warlord. An alliance with them would provide valuable guerrilla warriors to their armies, and they can promote further resistance by providing them with better weapons, and magical support.
House Tharaskh would be the Dragonmarked House with the biggest investment in Q’barra. The lizardfolk overrunning Q’barra would be very bad for business for House Tharaskh. But this war could also provide them with a great opportunity to both get access to dragonshard fields and to make King Sebastas more indebt to them. It is likely that the lizardfolk prevent access to a great number of dragonshard deposits, and the destruction of these tribes could grant them access to these deposits. Granted, it would likely take an act of genocide to get rid of these lizardfolk tribes. The kobolds from the Endworld Mountains could provide for a great source of cheap mercenaries in addition to their usual source of mercenaries. House Tharaskh could offer these mercenaries for a good price in exchange for concessions such as sole access to dragonshard fields and greater freedom.
The Dreaming Dark of course will want to use this war to entrench themselves. In addition to the White Rose plot the Dreaming Dark will want to convince a likely desperate Sebastas to allow more Reidran troops into Q’barra to assist them. They could also ask for some concession in trade for their badly needed help, such as approval to build one of the monoliths (reassuring Sebastas that its only purpose is to boost the Reidran forces psionic powers, something they have a substantial advantage in over the lizardfolk, in addition to other “benefits”). They could also offer to train local troop’s psionics with the intent to building more pawns for themselves. The Dreaming Dark will be invested in their biggest pawn in the former PC to win a big battle, and thus establish a good reason for him to take over Q’barra. Once the alliance of New Galifarians, House Tharashk, the White Rose, and the Riedrans have gotten an establish fighting force they could then take the fight to Rhashaak and his minions.
Rhashaak and his warlords actions will depend on how strong their forces are. They will want to solidify their hold on the lizardfolk tribes, both to increase their pool of troops they can draw from and to prevent getting attacked in the rear while they deal with New Galifar. It could be that the initial raid on Newthrone was an attempt by the warlord to build credibility for himself as well as put New Galifar on the defensive. To get the ball rolling the warlord could attack the smaller settlements in Q’barra such as Whitecliff, Wyrmwatch, and Pitchwall. Victories at those settlements would build up his army’s experience (especially in siege warfare), build his credibility and his army’s morale, and allow them to seize magical items in those settlements.
It might also be a good idea to attempt to separate the settlements with guerilla tactics. They may even want to set up forts at important locations to raid from, and keep the pressure up on the New Galifarians. They could try and set up a sizable fort near Newthrone to begin the slow process of wearing the city down, prevent troops from easily moving to and from the city, and preventing people from fleeing the most heavily fortified city in New Galifar. If successful in isolating the various communities, destroying their farms, and in general making their lives miserable, the lizardfolk could destroy them each in turn, and prevent them from offering assistance to each other.
I’m guessing the Lords of Dust are attempting to release the fiends and possibly even a Rajah trapped in Haka’torvhak. So they are going to need some plan to try and kill Rhashaak. They may want to offer your PCs some tool they could use against Rhashaak, and some means to get at the half-fiend dragon. Of course the Chamber is going to be involved considering they do not want the Lords of Dust to prevail. It could cause quite a bit of trouble for the PCs if the Chamber decide the best version of the Dragon Phrophesy is for Rhashaak to wipe out Rhashaak. Though you could always have a rogue agent offer another path that doesn’t involve a lot of people killed.
In all likelihood this war is going to get real messy real quick. Both sides are likely going to seek to annihilate the other (i.e. genocide). Attrocities are probably going to be committed by both sides, and war crimes will spawn more war crimes as each side seeks payback.
For their undead the PCs could find some old method or type of undead used back in the Age of Demons from the various ruins in Q’barra or old lizardfolk religious sites. They could always do something like create dracoliches from the graveyards of ancient battlefields in addition to other rarer forms of undead.
! Your strategical analysis was a great piece of work. The Dreaming Dark of course will want to use this war to entrench themselves. In addition to the White Rose plot the Dreaming Dark will want to convince a likely desperate Sebastas to allow more Reidran troops into Q’barra to assist them. They could also ask for some concession in trade for their badly needed help, such as approval to build one of the monoliths (reassuring Sebastas that its only purpose is to boost the Reidran forces psionic powers, something they have a substantial advantage in over the lizardfolk, in addition to other “benefits”)
Already done!
To get the ball rolling the warlord could attack the smaller settlements in Q’barra such as Whitecliff, Wyrmwatch, and Pitchwall. Victories at those settlements would build up his army’s experience (especially in siege warfare), build his credibility and his army’s morale, and allow them to seize magical items in those settlements.
To be honest, I hadn't considered Hope-they seem too weak, disorganised and unwilling to participate..but it seems you're right.Small bannds would reap terror, with devastating effect to the morale of the New Galifarians. Can't see a real siege happening though. They are too remote and small for that.
For their undead the PCs could find some old method or type of undead used back in the Age of Demons from the various ruins in Q’barra or old lizardfolk religious sites. They could always do something like create dracoliches from the graveyards of ancient battlefields in addition to other rarer forms of undead
Hm...I'm mostly thinking of the necrogenesis program of Karrnath(a token of good will). The dracoliches will be Emerald Claw territory(yes, they will be in it as well).
Of course the Chamber is going to be involved considering they do not want the Lords of Dust to prevail. It could cause quite a bit of trouble for the PCs if the Chamber decide the best version of the Dragon Phrophesy is for Rhashaak to wipe out Rhashaak. Though you could always have a rogue agent offer another path that doesn’t involve a lot of people killed.
Actually, the PCs think they met one and trust him utterly, but, in fact,he's a Talon of Tiamat.Posing as a former Storm Guardian, he was the one that brought the Adaran PCs into it.
Anyway, unless the campaign reaches epic levels I'd prefer to find a way keep a coordinated response by the Chamber or even the eyes of Chronepsis out. Another manipulation of the prophecy that forbids such actions perhaps
?Vadalis could want to test their skills with the many fiendish creatures and might be able to breed new magebred animals and magical beast that can be found in Q'barra. Though, I wouldn't see their motives.
On the other hand, Merrix d'Cannith could see good profits for huim and his share of the house. The unstable climate of Q'barra could call for the an operative Creation Forge in New Throne. Merrix could use a flaw in the treaty of Thronehold to make his Creation Forge public and 'legal'. However, this Forge would attract unfavorable opinion from the rest of the Five Nations. It could even make a nation oppose themselves to either Cannith or New Throne.
I'm not expert on the Quori/Warforged relation, but the presence of both Riedrans and Warforged could proove an exiting arc. You could still make Merrix either mind-seeded or dominated.
I have also one ally for the Lizardfolks: the Lhazaar Pirates. New Throne is expecting attack by land from guerillas lizardfolks, it would then be a great element of surprise to see a small fleet of pirates raiding the city by sea or air. Furthermore, Lhazaar Pirates could establish a blockage around Q'barran ports, cutting naval trade roads from Q'barra, which are their mains source of trade.
And lastly, is there a Quori/Blood of Vol relation being developed in Q'barra, or even Karrnath? The fact that genealogy and marriage are an important part of the Blood of Vol religion could help greatly the Quori to manipulate bloodlines and create Empty Vessels on Khorvaire.
Rekko
I have a few ideas to bring in two more dragonmarked houses.
Vadalis could want to test their skills with the many fiendish creatures and might be able to breed new magebred animals and magical beast that can be found in Q'barra. Though, I wouldn't see their motives.
Not yet, but there will be a battletitan or two(another twist by the Talons of Tiamat).
On the other hand, Merrix d'Cannith could see good profits for huim and his share of the house. The unstable climate of Q'barra could call for the an operative Creation Forge in New Throne. Merrix could use a flaw in the treaty of Thronehold to make his Creation Forge public and 'legal'. However, this Forge would attract unfavorable opinion from the rest of the Five Nations. It could even make a nation oppose themselves to either Cannith or New Throne.
I'm not expert on the Quori/Warforged relation, but the presence of both Riedrans and Warforged could proove an exiting arc. You could still make Merrix either mind-seeded or dominated.
Actually, the PCs decided to use the services of House Cannith(mainly siege engines and magic weaponry, not excluding some warforged) and the Red Gauntlets instead of Deneith or Tharashk. I definitely didn't expect that.
I have also one ally for the Lizardfolks: the Lhazaar Pirates. New Throne is expecting attack by land from guerillas lizardfolks, it would then be a great element of surprise to see a small fleet of pirates raiding the city by sea or air. Furthermore, Lhazaar Pirates could establish a blockage around Q'barran ports, cutting naval trade roads from Q'barra, which are their mains source of trade.
At the moment the PCs are allied with the Diresharks, enemies of the Cloudreavers and almost wiped the Heavenly Fleet off the face of Eberron(well, Lorrister asked for it-emphatically so, but that's another story http://forums.gleemax.com/archive/index.php/t-967820.html).
And lastly, is there a Quori/Blood of Vol relation being developed in Q'barra, or even Karrnath? The fact that genealogy and marriage are an important part of the Blood of Vol religion could help greatly the Quori to manipulate bloodlines and create Empty Vessels on Khorvaire.
Not really, no. After the PC's actions, the Dreaming Dark's current policy is that the Blood of Vol is one of the greatest obstacles in turning Q'barra to a puppet state.
King Kaius III would denounce the Aundair move as outright expansionistic or imperial occupation. In the name of peace, he may move a few of his troops in. Breland would stay out of it, though. Hoping that the conflict won't concern them.
Thrane might make a move. Lastly, the Lazhaar Principalities might find the war an opportunity for gold and glory. Droaam and Darguun will be involved. Hobgoblins will find the war an excellent test for their warriors, and the Daughters of Sora Kell have ways of doing things without getting directly involved.
After a few tussles with the natives, though, the pikeman pretty much went away, as the natives didn't charge en masse like Europeans, didn't stand and slug it out like Europeans, and didn't use cav like the Europeans. Breastplates, while providing wonderful protection against body hits, also went away as they were very cumbersome. Another thing that was common was swords being traded out for hatchets, which were more useful in close quarters, and as a field tool.
Doctrinally, it varied from colony to colony. Some militiamen adopted aimed fire, some skirmished, some tried to fight the natives with their own tactics of ambush and stealth.
So, I have to say that you shouldn't rule out adaptation of one side to the other.
Hmm. One of the ways the American colonists adapted to combat in the New World against Indians was by changing their equipment, and to a lesser degree, changing their tactics. Initially, militia were a mix between pike and powder, with pikers having breastplates, pikes, and that getup, and powder having a sword and arq.
After a few tussles with the natives, though, the pikeman pretty much went away, as the natives didn't charge en masse like Europeans, didn't stand and slug it out like Europeans, and didn't use cav like the Europeans. Breastplates, while providing wonderful protection against body hits, also went away as they were very cumbersome. Another thing that was common was swords being traded out for hatchets, which were more useful in close quarters, and as a field tool.
Doctrinally, it varied from colony to colony. Some militiamen adopted aimed fire, some skirmished, some tried to fight the natives with their own tactics of ambush and stealth.
So, I have to say that you shouldn't rule out adaptation of one side to the other.
Hm...sounds reasonable-thanks for the input! I'll have to see what the PCs's move will be before I make up my mind though.
So far the only adaptation has been the usage of the undead by the PCs(and it seems to work).
The scariest thing about this is that you could have started the Last War all over again. Aundair, with it's Royal Eyes and its *itch Queen, might take an opportunity to move in the region for "Peacekeeping." Aundairian "Peacekeeping" troops will contend with the Harmonious Shield as time goes on.
King Kaius III would denounce the Aundair move as outright expansionistic or imperial occupation. In the name of peace, he may move a few of his troops in. Breland would stay out of it, though. Hoping that the conflict won't concern them.
Thrane might make a move. Lastly, the Lazhaar Principalities might find the war an opportunity for gold and glory. Droaam and Darguun will be involved. Hobgoblins will find the war an excellent test for their warriors, and the Daughters of Sora Kell have ways of doing things without getting directly involved.
How delightfully wicked
.Still, I doubt that it will actually go that way-the PCs will have intervened by then I expect. Still, it's a very good Damocles' Sword for them(storm Haka'torvhak and end the war now, or it might be WWII ).Of course, that begs the question:with Rashaak dead or defeated, what then? I don't know yet, but exploring it would be FUN.