Running a game for a casual gamer and 4e agnostics. This is my first 4e game and my first in the Realms.
I want to base it in the Moonsea region with some travel into the Dales. I'm designing the characters so far and I have two with detailed backgrounds:
Osrik Gemcutter is a dwarf ranger and bounty hunter. His clan was part of a dwarven contingent mining mithril in the Dragonspires. Osrik. As a jewler, merchant and generally a dwarf who appreciates the finer things in life, he was never a warrior. His daughter married the son of the king of the Firesoul clan and the future looked bright. Osrik called upon the inherent powers of his race to craft 4 special items ofr the wedding: He set a diamond with flame-like irregularities into a suit of mithril plate for the groom, and presented a gme encrusted harp to the bride. His strongest magic went into the making of two pendants cut from the same ruby and attached to yellowed mithril chains.
The clan was wiped out while Osrik was away on business. Barbarians, orcs and drow seem to be the culprits. Now Osrik has taken up axe and hammer to seek vengence. He sold off his wealth to hire mercs, all of whom have since been wiped out. Now he works as a merc himself, tracking down escaped slaves, and various troublemakers, while seeking rumor of a flame-haired dwarf-maid (his dughter's body having never been found). Also he seeks mithril items of Firesoul-clan design, hoping the trail will lead to the guilty parties.
Korinn is a dragonborn Paladin. Her clan uprooted from Abeir to put the memories of dragon tyrant rule behind them and seek a new destiny in Faerun. En route, their vessel was attacked by pirates and sunk. Korinn was rescued by a kindly priest (perhaps of Ilmater), and assisted in the grieving process (having apparently lost her entire family, including her mate and two young). Upon reaching the mainland (perhaps Calimport), she learned of dragonbron young matching her children's description being sold as slaves, possibly to a Gensai with resistance to their dragonbreath. Korinn rescues one with her newfound divine powers and learns that her eldest escaped and fled north. The trail leads to the Moonsea...
For adversaries I plan on using Drow outcasts and Zhents, as well as a BB (not so E)G who is a Conan rip-off (I know FR already had a Conan rip-off). This character will be a bounty for Osrik and possible ally later depending on how things play out. Basically he will be a McGuffin to lead the characters into larger events.
For the Zhents, I plan to do a version of the Templars as they were represented in Assassin's Creed. They will operate secretly all over the realms and try to appear like good-guys at times while secretly conspiring to bring about total domination of Faerun.
Any help fleshing this out is appreciated... I'm still trying to learn the Realms
You can download some older source books here: www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/do...
Got some info on the Dalelands in there. The Dalelands wasnt that affected by the Spellplague, so most of that information should still be relivant. Most of the NPCs in there are probably all dead by now, being like a 100 years later, but the towns and buildings and what not should still be there. Some of the taverens and inns might have some different names now.
Hope that helps some.
For me, the above picture perfectly illustrates what it means for the orcs and ogres of Thar and surrounds to be united under the leadership of the Zhents. IMC, that is an invoker/warlord of Cyric leading the Zhents to conquer various cities of the Moonsea and potentially the Dalelands.
Sons of Gruumsh is just a starter: I would also throw in the clash between the Zhents and the Warlock-Knights of Vaasa. The Warlock-Knights have a similar goal as illustrated in Rich Baker's excellent novel Swordmage.
If you can, grab 3.5E's Mysteries of the Moonsea and convert some of the encounter sites over to your game. Personally, though, I would enlarge Sons of Gruumsh and make more of the beginning in Melvaunt where the party can encounter (and expose) the Zhent conspiracy among the merchants and the thieves guild and then also expand the middle section leading to the fortress into a larger wilderness adventure. Perhaps the liberation of Melvaunt from the Zhent conspiracy becomes the goal of the heroic tier?
Think I'm going to take some liberties with realmslore and say that Bane returned secretly after the time of troubles, and the Zhents abandoned all of their old holdings. They now work in complete secrecy and use magical compulsions to keep their agents honest. As the PCs become unwitting thorns in their plans, Zhent agents will begin to attack them on sight.
As they peel away the onion, the PCs will realize that the conspiracy runs deep and that friends and mentors are involved. Most of the Zhents will see themselves as altruistic, trying to put an end to the chaos caused by the infighting between races, guilds, and nations. The PCs early missions will be influenced by the Zhents. Slay this orc tribe, that renegade drow, etc.. But each of these things, while perhaps good deeds in the short term, will have removed powerful rivals standing in the way of the Zhent's path to dominance.
In the paragon tier the pcs will only begin to understand the truth and by the epic tier will have a chance to stop it all by making alliances with powerful (sometimes evil) beings. Depending on how that goes they may save or doom Faerun through their efforts. In the later case I may run a successor campaign set in Kara-Tur. Then the PCs could be Faerunian expatriates, or Kara-Turian natives.
I kinda have a thing for oriental adventures, so the next campaign may be set there in any case.
In the heroic tier the PCs main foe will be my Conan homage Durnald (yes, it sounds just like Durnan). Durnald is a wanted man in the Moonsea and his connections with barbarians, orcs, and bandits will spark the PC bounty hunter's rage, but the highest reward will be offered for his capture rather than his death so that he can face public justice. One of the PCs patrons in this tier will be a character played by Christopher Lee affecting Count Dooku.
In the paragon tier the patron will have been revealed as a secret Bane worshiper and become the villain for that tier. At this point Durnald (if still alive) will be a potential ally against the conspirators.
In the epic tier the puppet master will be revealed as Fzoul, or a similar character, and he will have achieved dominance over the region as well as surrounding areas.
Any info on what races and classes your players are going to use?
Durnald Lore
A character knows the following information with a successful History check.
DC 15: Durnald is a mercenary and bandit leader who operates in the Moonsea region. He is known as the Bronze Lion and he commands his followers through their fear of his might.
DC 20: Durnald has a weakness for wine and women and is known to frequent numerous alehouses and brothels throughout the Moonsea. Barkeeps ignore his drunken rages due the large amount of coin he spends at their establishments and the fact that he often leaves his coin purse once the brawls he starts take to the streets.
DC 25: Durnald hails from Damara. In both the Moonsea and his home region he has a mixed reputation. As an outlaw, he is reviled by most authorities and is a wanted man, but some commoners see him as a hero. Tales say he has toppled many evil temples and slain numerous monsters and arcane magic wielders (whom he has a particular fear and hatred of).
Durnald, Scourge of the Moonsea Level 4 Solo Soldier
Medium natural humanoid (XP 875)
Initiative +5, Senses Perception +4
HP 192; Bloodied 96
AC 20; Fortitude 17, Reflex 16, Will 15
Speed 6
Action Point 1
Melee Longsword (standard; at-will) * Weapon
+11 vs. AC; 1d8 + 6
Crushing Surge (standard; at-will; Invigorating) * Weapon
+11 vs. AC; 1d8 + 6 damage, and Durnald gains 3 temporary hit points. Durnald may not gain more than 3 temporary hit points each turn even if he hits with this power more than once. These temporary hit points stack with temporary hit points Durnald already has.
Rhino Strike (standard; encounter) * Weapon
+11 vs. AC; 2d8 + 6
Durnald must use charge and use this power in place of a basic melee attack. If he is using his shield, the movement during his charge does not provoke opportunity attacks.
Brute Strike (standard; encounter; Reliable) * Weapon
+11 vs. AC; 3d8 + 6
Boundless Endurance (minor; encounter; Healing, Stance)
Durnald gains regeneration 5 when he is bloodied
Battlerager Vigor (immediate reaction, when hit by a melee or close attack; at-will)
Durnald gains 3 temporary hit points. Temporary hit points do not stack
Combat Advantage
Durnald deals an extra 1d6 damage on melee attacks against any target he has combat advantage against.
Alignment Unaligned, Languages Common
Skills Athletics +11, Endurance +10, Intimidate +9, Stealth +10, Streetwise +8
STR 18 (+6), DEX 16 (+5), WIS 14 (+4)
CON 16 (+5), INT 10 (+2), CHA 13 (+3)
Equipment Battle worn light shield, chainmail, oathblade longsword +1, potion of healing
Durnald, Bandit Lord Level 4 Elite Soldier (Leader)
Medium natural humanoid (XP 350)
Initiative +5, Senses Perception +4
HP 96; Bloodied 48
AC 20; Fortitude 17, Reflex 16, Will 15
Speed 6
Action Point 1
Melee Greataxe (standard; at-will) * Weapon
+9 vs. AC; 1d12 + 5
Warrior’s Surge (standard; useable only when bloodied; encounter) * Healing, Weapon
Durnald makes a melee basic attack and gains 48 hit points.
Brash Assault (standard; at-will) * Weapon
+9 vs. AC; 1d12 + 5 damage.
The target of this attack can make a melee basic attack against Durnald as a free action and has combat advantage against Durnald for that attack. If the target makes this attack, an ally of Durnald’s choice within 5 squares of the target can make a melee basic attack against the target as a free action and has combat advantage for that attack.
Hold the Line (standard; encounter) * Weapon
+9 vs. AC; 1d12 + 5 damage, and allies adjacent to Durnald gain a +2 bonus to AC and cannot be pulled, pushed or slid.
Lead by Example (standard; encounter) * Weapon
Before the attack, Durnald may shift 1 square. +9 vs. AC; 2d8 + 6, and Durnald’s allies gain combat advantage against the target until the start of his next turn.
Heroic Effort (minor; encounter; Healing, Stance)
Close burst 10; Durnald must be bloodied. Each ally in burst can add +3 to damage rolls until Durnald is no longer bloodied. Durnald also gains 7 temporary hit points.
Impulsive Cleave (immediate reaction, when hit by a melee or close attack; at-will)
Durnald gains 3 temporary hit points. Temporary hit points do not stack
Alignment Unaligned, Languages Common
Skills Athletics +11, Endurance +10, Intimidate +9, Stealth +10, Streetwise +8
STR 18 (+6), DEX 16 (+5), WIS 14 (+4)
CON 16 (+5), INT 10 (+2), CHA 13 (+3)
Equipment Battle worn light shield, chainmail, longsword +2, potion of healing
Durnald, Drunken Lech Level 4 Minion
Medium natural humanoid
Initiative +3, Senses Perception +1
HP 1; a missed attack never damages Durnald
AC 16; Fortitude 20, Reflex 14, Will 16
Speed 6
Melee Punch or Headslam (standard; at-will)
+8 vs. AC; 7 damage
Stumbling Whirlwind (standard; encounter) * Weapon
Close burst 1; +7 vs. Reflex; 7 damage. After the attack, move Durnald 2 squares in a random direction determined by rolling 1d8. This movement provokes opportunity attacks.
Facegrab (standard; recharge 5, 6) * Weapon
+8 vs. Fortitude; 7 damage, and the target is pushed 1 square and falls prone.
Brute Strike (standard; encounter; Reliable) * Weapon
+9 vs. AC; 3d8 + 6
Retributive Retch (immediate reaction when Durnald drops to 0 hit points; encounter)
+7 melee; The target is dazed (save ends).
Alignment Unaligned, Languages Common
Skills Endurance +10, Intimidate +9
STR 20 (+7), DEX 12 (+3), WIS 8 (+1)
CON 18 (+6), INT 6 (+0), CHA 8 (+1)
Equipment 3 empty flasks, 12 sp
I'm thinking of using Woarsten Nanther from Sons of Gruumsh as my villainous patron and paragon tier adversary. Nanther will use his alliance with the players to enhance his own position, and will use intrigues to set the other houses against the players. If the PCs continue to assist Nanther he will become the power in Melvaunt.
Or maybe Melvaunt suspects there's an item or two in his personal horde that would be coveted by the players and so make an excellent enticement?
Each player is going to start with a quest based on their background. Osrik's will be to find Coppernight.
Korrin's will be to find her son. There is a rumor of a dragonborn working with Durnald the bandit lord.
A new character, Thorn (shifter avenger), will be searching for evidence of banites.
So I created a skill challenge per the suggestion in Dungeon Delves. I think I came up with a good idea for the dwarven system of magical communication. Any feedback on it or the skill challenge itself is appreciated.
The Secret Communicator
On each level of Coppernight hold, an enchanted bust of Moradin hides a secret communication system. One of them speaks to the characters. “Dwarf friends, please lend us your aid”
This skill challenge represents the player’s efforts to uncover the secret communication system set up by the dwarves at Coppernight hold. Below each bust of Moradin there is a hidden compartment which houses 12 silver hammers (each representing one of the Morndinsamman) and 30 anvils. Striking the right combination of hammers to anvils sends detailed messages to other levels of the dungeon which are then spoken by Moradin’s bust. The players can use this system to contact Coppernight and his men.
Setup: To contact Coppernight the players need to figure out the system and try not to alert the monsters of their presence.
Level: 2
Complexity: 3 (requires 8 successes before 3 failures)
Primary Skills: Arcana, Dungeoneering, Religion
Arcana (DC 15): The character tests the magic of the bust and its components and try to recall the workings of similar arcane devices.
Dungeoneering (DC 15): The character calls upon their knowledge of dwarven architecture to discover the purpose and workings of the bust, and locate the matching devices.
Religion (DC 15): The character recognizes the dwarven god Moradin and the holy symbols of the Morndinsamman, and uses their knowledge of the dwarven pantheon to discover more clues.
Secondary Skills:
Intimidate (DC 10): If the characters have captured any kobolds they can convince the creature to tell them what they know of the device.
History (DC 15): The character remembers a similar device was famously used by the dwarves of Kehll Keep.
Perception (DC 15): The character tests the pitch of each anvil and each hammer leading to a better understanding of how the messages are sent.
Success: If the characters achieve 8 successes, they are able to use the system to send and receive messages, and can contact Coppernight.
Failure: Each time the character’s fail they send a nonsensical message to a random floor of the hold. This may alert the kobolds or their allies. Also they may accidentally set of a trap set by the secretive dwarves.
I really like what you've written up here. Skill Challenges still give me headaches so it's nice to see someone who gets it.
The shadar-kai witch has been going to the dark pool for years to harvest a water-lily that only grows in the shadow-pool. It makes her magic more powerful or whatever... When the dwarves moved in she asked them to continue to let her harvest the flower, but the distrustful dwarves refused adding a crossbow bolt or two for emphasis.
So the witch approached the dragon... "these dwarves are easy pickings. I'll give you stuff if you lair there and allow me to come once a year for this flower." The pool's magic is secondary to the witch, she doesn't need it, just the flower. The kobolds dumped some dwarves in it. Everything that get's tossed in goes to the Shadow Plane to face an unknown fate. A live creature produces a dark duplicate with it's own goals and motivations. A dead creature produces a zombie duplicate.
The heroes will probably assume that the witch is evil and she made the Zombies, but she is willing to talk... all she wants is access to the flower... for now. Netheril might find more use for the pool.
In any event only sunlight can break the power of the pool... and the dwarves probably don't want an open air mine...
Any suggestions on making this scenario more Forgotten Realmsy?
As the afternoon drags on your bones begin to ache from the day's travel. The thought of rest and sustenance leads you to look for a place to camp off the road. You become aware of a desperate yelping sound and can see something through the trees. As you draw near you see a medium sized lightly colored animal struggling with something, it's cries becoming increasingly desperate. You realize it is a dog caught in a trap.
At the same time you hear excited chattering and growling as three small reptillian humanoids rush towards the helpless animal with rusty blades drawn and a cruel gleam in their eyes. What do you do?
This should make the gentler souls want to save the defenseless dog, while other players will simply relish the opportunity to slaughter the evil beasties. It also foreshadows the kobold predilection for trap-use which will come into play once they reach the dungeon.