Exactly two years ago I have submitted first note, concerning this campaign. It's a hell of time, when I look back.
We did not know what to think about D&D 3#E.
We did not know about Pathfinder.
But we were keen to play and I was eager to run high fantasy campaign in "from zero to hero" style.
And s here I'm, two years later, with 30 sessions, four chapters under my belt. It was a nice ride and I'm willing to continue it. I have some ideas and some things to show: Netheril, Underdark, perhaps hort trip to another planes and final confrontation with BIG EVIL. Yes, I still plan to build diorama for it and make that final showdown memorably.
There were some issues, but I think we are keeping fine. We still like to meet, throw some jokes and dice, slay some monsters, eat some snacks, loot some treasures and gain another level of experience. Overall, this campaign is very important to me and has become a considerable pillar of my hobby life. Sławek likes to mock me for it in his rants (yes, he's still bitter and constantly accuses me of thievery, internet hacking, double-crossing etc.), but I take it as good omen. If he is so angry, it means I was good Dungeon Master.
I have a few ideas on my mind, I try to experiment with some new tricks, methods of game running, with overpowering game mechanics and day-to-day problems of dungeon Master. There were times, when I was tired, completely deprived out of ideas, without enthusiasm. But those low points go away and I find myself fascinated with my campaign.
Yes, I know, we play rarely, especially in last months. Family obligations, unpredictable events are major factors. What more, I think there are some other factors: game mechanics issue: rules are wearing us down, perhaps after two years my players got used to playing and to world, so it is not as much appealing to them as it used to. But nevertheless, I think we can finish it and have some good memories.
So... We have spent two years in Forgotten Realms. I think we are in a middle of our journey. At first I planned to let the heroes achieve epic destinies and levels 21-30, but I don't know, if we will be able to manage such power in game terms. We shall see.
I'd like to wish my friends and players good luck, many high adventures, exciting sessions, memorable NPCs, fine treasures and worthy foes to defeat. I'd like to play more often with whole group around the table. I'd like to continue.
See you next time!
P.S.
For some time I'm working on webpage devoted to this campaign and you can found it here.
Monday, 24 May 2010
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Chapter Four: Shadowdale - Session 30 - Against the drow
Last session was held on Saturday, April 3rd and we met at Adrian's place. Unfortunately there were only three of us, as Terentz was unable to show due to his commitment's to Star Wars campaign he's involved in too.
Session began with shopping: selling loot, buying new equipment and wandering around the city of Urmlaspyr. First of all heroes set out to find a forge, where the could make an armour of dragonhide. Of three ones available, the magical one was chosen. Although run by wizard not blacksmith, and propelled with fire elemental instead of traditional oven, it was chosen and for a price of 1000gp after four weeks armour was finished. With help of Avelon heroes sold loot and bought some magical items, re-equipped themselves, made visits to their gods' shrines, ate a delicious meal at best tavern and had fun. Also, Ren was stunned with possibility of making shopping at Aurora's store, which he used with delight.
After week and half, "Sky Mill" raised anchor and set sail to open sea. After vanishing from watchers' eyes, ship climbed into air and flew over lands of Sembia and Cormyr into Dalelands. Crossing over deep woods and glimmering rivers, fields full of crops and orchards, flying ship arrived at Shadowdale and mad landing on Mirrorman's lake near watermill. After short introduction to two guardsmen, heroes moved to village. They were shocked with sight of Lathander's Temple in form of huge, glass pink swan, disappointed with Elminster's tower (squat, curved two-storeys tower surrounded by bushy garden). After leaving a letter to wizard in his postbox and short chat with Lhaeo, his servant and secretary, heroes moved to village, where a weekly market and festival was held. An evening of games, drinking and dancing was much priced reward after a long and perilous adventures.
Next day heroes moved to meet Bard of Shadowdale, a famous Storm Silverhand. Her farm was a short walk from centre of village. Lovely house surrounded by trees, flowers and ringing with birdsong, children laugh welcomed them with hawk face of man, sitting on a bench. He greeted heroes and told he will look after wife, "unless she's in Aglarond now". while waiting heroes noted unusual mask on shelf above fire place. Storm returned from garden and welcomed guest, weaving them to kitchen. While preparing chicken soup they chatted about prophecy and Storm advised to seek some answers in Candlekeep. Menwhile she mentioned that if heroes help Lhaeo with some tasks, he will arrange meeting with Elminster.
It turned to be true. In exchanging of garden arrangement, cleaning base of tower and household, appointment was set. Ren spent night in tree form and had a short but pleasant chat with elderly wizard. Next day all PC's met with Elminster, who advised them to seek opinion of greatest of all wizards, long dead by his own actions Karsus. To seek his aid the were to find a portal, leading back in time. Fortunately one was nearby, although it lead to moment 600 years before Karsus' birth. As heroes opted to search for it, Elminster asked them to deliver a book to his friend, a deep gnome hermit.
Heroes poked around Shadowdale for two weeks, awaiting aurora's delivery, but after receiving items (among the others armour of black dragon hide and Bag of Holding) the set out to descend to Underdark. So the wend below and found gnomish hermit tortured by band of drow. fight erupted and despite advantage in numbers, drow were defeated but Kyrils was slain in course of combat, while Avelon unleashed negative energy on her foes, doubling suspicions where her faith actually falls.
Behind the Screen
- Mask and Storm's husband are legacies of campaign ran by me ten years ago. Mask belonged to Adrian's long time running character Gilliand, who was destroyed by Bane during Second Battle of Shadowdale and merged with a waive. Storm's man, Krzywonos, is former character of cool friend of mine, Darek.
- Jarod finally placed his faith in Tymora.
- Fight with band of drow was designed to check, how Pathfinder rules go along with quite large combat with many participants. Result are quite disappointing, as there is many rules to remember, contradicting effects that slow game down.
Session began with shopping: selling loot, buying new equipment and wandering around the city of Urmlaspyr. First of all heroes set out to find a forge, where the could make an armour of dragonhide. Of three ones available, the magical one was chosen. Although run by wizard not blacksmith, and propelled with fire elemental instead of traditional oven, it was chosen and for a price of 1000gp after four weeks armour was finished. With help of Avelon heroes sold loot and bought some magical items, re-equipped themselves, made visits to their gods' shrines, ate a delicious meal at best tavern and had fun. Also, Ren was stunned with possibility of making shopping at Aurora's store, which he used with delight.
After week and half, "Sky Mill" raised anchor and set sail to open sea. After vanishing from watchers' eyes, ship climbed into air and flew over lands of Sembia and Cormyr into Dalelands. Crossing over deep woods and glimmering rivers, fields full of crops and orchards, flying ship arrived at Shadowdale and mad landing on Mirrorman's lake near watermill. After short introduction to two guardsmen, heroes moved to village. They were shocked with sight of Lathander's Temple in form of huge, glass pink swan, disappointed with Elminster's tower (squat, curved two-storeys tower surrounded by bushy garden). After leaving a letter to wizard in his postbox and short chat with Lhaeo, his servant and secretary, heroes moved to village, where a weekly market and festival was held. An evening of games, drinking and dancing was much priced reward after a long and perilous adventures.
Next day heroes moved to meet Bard of Shadowdale, a famous Storm Silverhand. Her farm was a short walk from centre of village. Lovely house surrounded by trees, flowers and ringing with birdsong, children laugh welcomed them with hawk face of man, sitting on a bench. He greeted heroes and told he will look after wife, "unless she's in Aglarond now". while waiting heroes noted unusual mask on shelf above fire place. Storm returned from garden and welcomed guest, weaving them to kitchen. While preparing chicken soup they chatted about prophecy and Storm advised to seek some answers in Candlekeep. Menwhile she mentioned that if heroes help Lhaeo with some tasks, he will arrange meeting with Elminster.
It turned to be true. In exchanging of garden arrangement, cleaning base of tower and household, appointment was set. Ren spent night in tree form and had a short but pleasant chat with elderly wizard. Next day all PC's met with Elminster, who advised them to seek opinion of greatest of all wizards, long dead by his own actions Karsus. To seek his aid the were to find a portal, leading back in time. Fortunately one was nearby, although it lead to moment 600 years before Karsus' birth. As heroes opted to search for it, Elminster asked them to deliver a book to his friend, a deep gnome hermit.
Heroes poked around Shadowdale for two weeks, awaiting aurora's delivery, but after receiving items (among the others armour of black dragon hide and Bag of Holding) the set out to descend to Underdark. So the wend below and found gnomish hermit tortured by band of drow. fight erupted and despite advantage in numbers, drow were defeated but Kyrils was slain in course of combat, while Avelon unleashed negative energy on her foes, doubling suspicions where her faith actually falls.
Behind the Screen
- Mask and Storm's husband are legacies of campaign ran by me ten years ago. Mask belonged to Adrian's long time running character Gilliand, who was destroyed by Bane during Second Battle of Shadowdale and merged with a waive. Storm's man, Krzywonos, is former character of cool friend of mine, Darek.
- Jarod finally placed his faith in Tymora.
- Fight with band of drow was designed to check, how Pathfinder rules go along with quite large combat with many participants. Result are quite disappointing, as there is many rules to remember, contradicting effects that slow game down.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Chapter Three: Goro Goro Island - Session 29 - Dark beyond part 1 of 1
After Ur, king of the apes was slain, heroes lifted their ship and regrouped. At first the were going to fly away, but alter decided to explore city one more time. Jarod and Ren set out, aided by newly acquired powers of Connal's faith. Their mission was rewarded with some informations: apes lived normally, despite propositions, that demon's essence gave them ability to reason, his disappearance went unseen, at leas it was to early to tell of it's consequences. Ren decided to search library and found some ancient texts and magical scrolls. Meanwhile Jarod found out secret treasure room with throne, two platinum bracelets and mysterious 12 skulls, belonging to elves, humans, apes and dwarf. After some debate, as well as some spells cast, heroes put them into bag.
Ship was lifted out of volcano and set back for returning voyage. Curious about the skulls, heroes tried to activate them, destroy after finding the were vessels of souls and when it turned out to be impossible, they set sails for Togo. Nian was unable to provide answers but was also amused by elven skulls. It almost looked like she recognize them... Finally "Sky Mill" was anchored to Ancient and forgotten city's towers. Heroes descended and soon found first awakened city's inhabitants. They were in poor physical condition, an effect of long sleep and addiction to lotus, but still were working on removing Maggog's insignias and monuments. The greeted PC's with respect and manners and lead them to meet with Lammasu.
A magical creature greeted heroes with warm smile and joy. It introduced them to small flock of awakened ones, described their current situation and doings and invited heroes to small celebration. Before it, PC's decided to check, if Maggog is certainly put to rest. His hiding place was deserted: standing stones and pool disappeared without a trace and only gnawed bones of victims remained.
During feast at base of octagonal tower, Lammasu revealed a gift for heroes. He knew they are good and just people so decided to use his divine powers to reveal future before them. What he learned exceeded his expectations. First of all, he asked heroes what the know about Toril and it's twin world Abeir. He wanted to know, if they met people on Faerun, who visited Averwest. Heroes responded that the the have not, while several people was aware of Averwest existence, there was no one, who personally visited island.
It was because, explained Lammasu, Averwest belonged to Abeir, not Toril. Connal responded that amnish traders erected city and conducted trade with Mastica. Lammasu acknowledged it, marking that heroes arrived in Toril, too. The fact was, Averwest existed in both worlds, was a nexus, a common point between them. Moreover, island was composed of mix of elements belonging to one and other world.
It could explained some strange phenomena and inconsistencies like Nordmen invasions, sudden monster's activity and other.
Second news was a dark vision of future awaiting Toril. In ten to fifteen years a Cataclysm was to fall on world. Magic is going to turn into disease, continents shift, seas rise and mouintains fall down. Abeir was to return and take place of some part of Toril. As Averwest directly in the middle, it was impossible to tell whether it survives or will be destroyed.
Last information was also disturbing. there was someone on Averwest, who was aware of dark future and was taking steps to preserve island as it's own private dominion, protected and cut completely from outside worlds. While it could save many lives, that new heaven could become a hell. Who it was, Lammasu was not able to tell.
Conversation was interrupted by Bale, one of awakened, who openly voiced his disgust for low existence, life full of hardships and rejection of old ways. He got himself involved in dispute with Connal and Ren, but was outwitted and rejected even by his former comrades and finally ran. Feast continued and heroes inquired Lammasu about mysterious skulls the found when it chocked. With a look of surprise on it's face, it stared down on crossbow bolt, that pierced his chest. Bale returned with a weapon and beast to back him up. A huge serpent, the Crawler, followed him. It was a vicious monster, constrictor with poisonous teeth. Quick knife throw of Jaarod disabled Bale, but Crawler attacked. People ran out screaming, while Xandos charged bellowing. Fight was short and vicious, heroes surrounded beast (which smashed Bale). Xandos was able to escape murderous clutches and furiously attacked beast, but once again it was Ren that delivered final blow.
In the meantime, Avelon and Rainer healed Lammasu, for a second time saving his life.
Next day heroes began to prepare to leave. The visited astrologist laboratory, where they found a brass machinery, moving map that showed movement of Goro-Goro and others flying islands. While Ren was opting for taking it on board of "Sky mill" or at least copying it, there was no way to do it. Instead PC's drawn map of island's journey and resupplied ship. They were ready to leave Goro-Goro.
And so, next morning "Sky Mill" raised anchor and flown on to border and fall down, to Toril. With Kyril at helm the safely arrived at Sea of Fallen stars (island was passing over Cormyr). Safely put down, ship set course for Urmalspyr, where heroes were going to sell some loot and re-equip themselves before going to Shadowdale for it's sage advice.
Behind the Courtain
- Jarod gained level.
- The Crawler (A Legendary Sea Serpent) was no match for heroes and hadn't meet expectation for CR 12 monster.
- Finally, after almost two years of playing first mysteries began to solve themselves.
- Adrian called me next day after session to thank me and said he enjoyed it very much. It was so great for me.
- It was second session in that room at Adrian's flat and as well as first one, it was great. I think that minimalistic surrounding enhance concentration on game.
Ship was lifted out of volcano and set back for returning voyage. Curious about the skulls, heroes tried to activate them, destroy after finding the were vessels of souls and when it turned out to be impossible, they set sails for Togo. Nian was unable to provide answers but was also amused by elven skulls. It almost looked like she recognize them... Finally "Sky Mill" was anchored to Ancient and forgotten city's towers. Heroes descended and soon found first awakened city's inhabitants. They were in poor physical condition, an effect of long sleep and addiction to lotus, but still were working on removing Maggog's insignias and monuments. The greeted PC's with respect and manners and lead them to meet with Lammasu.
A magical creature greeted heroes with warm smile and joy. It introduced them to small flock of awakened ones, described their current situation and doings and invited heroes to small celebration. Before it, PC's decided to check, if Maggog is certainly put to rest. His hiding place was deserted: standing stones and pool disappeared without a trace and only gnawed bones of victims remained.
During feast at base of octagonal tower, Lammasu revealed a gift for heroes. He knew they are good and just people so decided to use his divine powers to reveal future before them. What he learned exceeded his expectations. First of all, he asked heroes what the know about Toril and it's twin world Abeir. He wanted to know, if they met people on Faerun, who visited Averwest. Heroes responded that the the have not, while several people was aware of Averwest existence, there was no one, who personally visited island.
It was because, explained Lammasu, Averwest belonged to Abeir, not Toril. Connal responded that amnish traders erected city and conducted trade with Mastica. Lammasu acknowledged it, marking that heroes arrived in Toril, too. The fact was, Averwest existed in both worlds, was a nexus, a common point between them. Moreover, island was composed of mix of elements belonging to one and other world.
It could explained some strange phenomena and inconsistencies like Nordmen invasions, sudden monster's activity and other.
Second news was a dark vision of future awaiting Toril. In ten to fifteen years a Cataclysm was to fall on world. Magic is going to turn into disease, continents shift, seas rise and mouintains fall down. Abeir was to return and take place of some part of Toril. As Averwest directly in the middle, it was impossible to tell whether it survives or will be destroyed.
Last information was also disturbing. there was someone on Averwest, who was aware of dark future and was taking steps to preserve island as it's own private dominion, protected and cut completely from outside worlds. While it could save many lives, that new heaven could become a hell. Who it was, Lammasu was not able to tell.
Conversation was interrupted by Bale, one of awakened, who openly voiced his disgust for low existence, life full of hardships and rejection of old ways. He got himself involved in dispute with Connal and Ren, but was outwitted and rejected even by his former comrades and finally ran. Feast continued and heroes inquired Lammasu about mysterious skulls the found when it chocked. With a look of surprise on it's face, it stared down on crossbow bolt, that pierced his chest. Bale returned with a weapon and beast to back him up. A huge serpent, the Crawler, followed him. It was a vicious monster, constrictor with poisonous teeth. Quick knife throw of Jaarod disabled Bale, but Crawler attacked. People ran out screaming, while Xandos charged bellowing. Fight was short and vicious, heroes surrounded beast (which smashed Bale). Xandos was able to escape murderous clutches and furiously attacked beast, but once again it was Ren that delivered final blow.
In the meantime, Avelon and Rainer healed Lammasu, for a second time saving his life.
Next day heroes began to prepare to leave. The visited astrologist laboratory, where they found a brass machinery, moving map that showed movement of Goro-Goro and others flying islands. While Ren was opting for taking it on board of "Sky mill" or at least copying it, there was no way to do it. Instead PC's drawn map of island's journey and resupplied ship. They were ready to leave Goro-Goro.
And so, next morning "Sky Mill" raised anchor and flown on to border and fall down, to Toril. With Kyril at helm the safely arrived at Sea of Fallen stars (island was passing over Cormyr). Safely put down, ship set course for Urmalspyr, where heroes were going to sell some loot and re-equip themselves before going to Shadowdale for it's sage advice.
Behind the Courtain
- Jarod gained level.
- The Crawler (A Legendary Sea Serpent) was no match for heroes and hadn't meet expectation for CR 12 monster.
- Finally, after almost two years of playing first mysteries began to solve themselves.
- Adrian called me next day after session to thank me and said he enjoyed it very much. It was so great for me.
- It was second session in that room at Adrian's flat and as well as first one, it was great. I think that minimalistic surrounding enhance concentration on game.
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