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Chapter 4: Structuring the Campaign: Difference between revisions
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Chapter 4: Structuring the Campaign (view source)
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In addition to information about the various regions, towns, and NPCs that you might encounter in these regions, these chapters also provide brief recaps or updates on quests that the heroes might undertake. | In addition to information about the various regions, towns, and NPCs that you might encounter in these regions, these chapters also provide brief recaps or updates on quests that the heroes might undertake. | ||
If the heroes wish to explore the Great Chasm, see Part Three for detailed information on this region. | |||
== This Chapter == | == This Chapter == | ||
The rest of this chapter sets the stage for the growing conflict in the region and offers a rough timeline of upcoming events. It also presents several quests that the heroes might accept as their primary goals heading into this part of the campaign. They might receive these quests from the Meritocrats of Bridgemoor, from Nalatheshi traders, or from [[Kendarian Diplomats|Kendarian diplomats]]. If they present as both competent and politically neutral, they may even receive quests from all three political entities and will need to decide as a party whom they prioritize. | The rest of this chapter sets the stage for the growing conflict in the region and offers a rough timeline of upcoming events. It also presents several quests that the heroes might accept as their primary goals heading into this part of the campaign. They might receive these quests from the Meritocrats of Bridgemoor, from Nalatheshi traders, or from [[Kendarian Diplomats|Kendarian diplomats]]. If they present as both competent and politically neutral, they may even receive quests from all three political entities and will need to decide as a party whom they prioritize. | ||
== Social Confrontations == | |||
Many events or disputes in major cities such as Bridgemoor, Aridala, or Dalewright can be resolved through roleplaying, or social arguments. | |||
If you want to run a more dramatic confrontation instead of relying on singular skill rolls, then you can use the following system. | |||
In social confrontations, there are three rounds, or arguments. A player can use any AWR, INT, or CHA skill, which is rolled against the NPC’s appropriate defense (AWR vs ANT, etc.). For every 2 the player beats the defense by, they gain a +1 to their next argument roll; for every 1 they fail by, they suffer a -1 to the next roll. | |||
You may add circumstantial bonuses to NPC’s defenses based on the scenario. For instance, convincing a [[guard]] to do their job may lower their defense by 2, whereas convincing that same guard to betray their city may bolster their resolve, increasing the relative defense by 5 or even more. | |||
At the end of the three arguments, tally the number of successes. | |||
'''0 Successes.''' ''Complete failure.'' The individual attempts to hinder the player or does the exact opposite of what they request. This may result in combat. | |||
'''1 Success.''' ''Indifferent failure.'' The individual doesn’t respond negatively, but refuses to budge. | |||
'''2 Successes.''' ''Partial victory.'' The individual follows in a limited capacity, such as a guard turning their back when suggesting they should take a break, but not leaving. | |||
'''3 Successes.''' ''Total victory.'' The individual acts according to the players’ suggestions. | |||
== Backdrop: Rising Tensions == | == Backdrop: Rising Tensions == | ||
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==== '''Summary''' ==== | ==== '''Summary''' ==== | ||
Duke Reston Bruneau (Appendix A) learns of the heroes and asks them to escort him to Greenvalley so that he can offer a gift to the Sutian house. | Duke [[Reston Bruneau]] (Appendix A) learns of the heroes and asks them to escort him to Greenvalley so that he can offer a gift to the Sutian house. | ||
==== '''Transit Times to the Bruneau Estate''' ==== | ==== '''Transit Times to the Bruneau Estate''' ==== | ||
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=== Ongoing Quest Opportunities === | === Ongoing Quest Opportunities === | ||
If the heroes did not complete the Bandit Encampment or Underbridge Cult Leader quests in the late summer, they are still available to complete during this season. | If the heroes did not complete the Bandit Encampment or Underbridge Cult Leader quests in the late summer, they are still available to complete during this season. In the early fall, this quest might be offered by any of the major questgivers in Bridgemoor: Hyleth Othen, Kellion Blacksky, Magellus Black, or Melki. The rewards will be the same as laid out in the quest entry in the late summer; simply change the narration regarding the questgiver. | ||
=== Extend Condolences === | === Extend Condolences === | ||
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==== '''Summary''' ==== | ==== '''Summary''' ==== | ||
The Sutians request that the heroes help them convince Duke Reston Bruneau and Duke Leon Marstemal that they should declare war on Nalathesh, or at least consider the ramifications of not responding to the crime. Details on both Reston and Leon can be found in Appendix A. | The Sutians request that the heroes help them convince Duke Reston Bruneau and Duke [[Leon Marstemal]] that they should declare war on Nalathesh, or at least consider the ramifications of not responding to the crime. Details on both Reston and Leon can be found in Appendix A. | ||
Note that this quest should take a long time to complete and includes the likelihood of completing sub-quests in order to progress. Keep track of how long the heroes spend on this quest compared to the overarching timeline. By the time you reach part 5 of this quest, it is likely that at least 6 weeks have passed - possibly more. | Note that this quest should take a long time to complete and includes the likelihood of completing sub-quests in order to progress. Keep track of how long the heroes spend on this quest compared to the overarching timeline. By the time you reach part 5 of this quest, it is likely that at least 6 weeks have passed - possibly more. | ||
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==== '''2. Into the Desert Kingdom''' ==== | ==== '''2. Into the Desert Kingdom''' ==== | ||
In Nalathesh, the heroes may face any of the random encounters that you can find in Chapter 7. Finding and extraditing Isavella is a long-term quest, so introducing other major quests contained within this timeframe would make sense. They may meet Cyrus Drake or Dawn Roledo, battle M’l’ykkri, or even take a side quest down to the Floating Islands. | In Nalathesh, the heroes may face any of the random encounters that you can find in Chapter 7. Finding and extraditing Isavella is a long-term quest, so introducing other major quests contained within this timeframe would make sense. They may meet Cyrus Drake or [[Dawn Roledo]], battle M’l’ykkri, or even take a side quest down to the Floating Islands. | ||
==== '''3. Isavella''' ==== | ==== '''3. Isavella''' ==== | ||
Isavella fled Bridgemoor before learning that Adelaide and Reza defended her. Worried that she has burned her bridge with the Luxxors, she returns to Aridala and hopes to fade into obscurity. She and her two companions have virtually no assets, so quickly realize that they need to make other connections in order to survive. Hence, they get involved with the Sandsnakes, led by Zaiden Destev. | Isavella fled Bridgemoor before learning that Adelaide and Reza defended her. Worried that she has burned her bridge with the Luxxors, she returns to Aridala and hopes to fade into obscurity. She and her two companions have virtually no assets, so quickly realize that they need to make other connections in order to survive. Hence, they get involved with the Sandsnakes, led by [[Zaiden Destev]]. | ||
In Aridala, the heroes can make AWR, INT, and CHA checks to attempt tracking down Isavella. Take the average of their rolls, then subtract their average from 22. The difference (minimum 1) is the number of days it takes them to find Isavella. | In Aridala, the heroes can make AWR, INT, and CHA checks to attempt tracking down Isavella. Take the average of their rolls, then subtract their average from 22. The difference (minimum 1) is the number of days it takes them to find Isavella. | ||
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If the heroes are in Nalathesh during the early fall, they will likely become involved in one or more of these quests. If they are the guests of the Luxxors, then they are naturally positioned to serve as the Luxxors’ personal emissaries. | If the heroes are in Nalathesh during the early fall, they will likely become involved in one or more of these quests. If they are the guests of the Luxxors, then they are naturally positioned to serve as the Luxxors’ personal emissaries. | ||
Carefully note the Prerequisites section of these quests, if they have one. Some of these quests are two sides of the same coin: finding intelligence on Neferu will help the leader of the Sandsnakes, and conversely the heroes may find themselves conscripted into Neferu’s efforts to find and defeat the Sandsnake leader. | Carefully note the Prerequisites section of these quests, if they have one. Some of these quests are two sides of the same coin: finding intelligence on [[Neferu]] will help the leader of the Sandsnakes, and conversely the heroes may find themselves conscripted into Neferu’s efforts to find and defeat the Sandsnake leader. | ||
Also note that the M’l’ykkri Rot quest from late summer may still be available in early fall. | Also note that the M’l’ykkri Rot quest from late summer may still be available in early fall. | ||
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==== '''2. Disrupting Religious Rites''' ==== | ==== '''2. Disrupting Religious Rites''' ==== | ||
Finding unauthorized religious ceremonies will require the heroes to succeed a DC 16 INT check. A CHA/ | Finding unauthorized religious ceremonies will require the heroes to succeed a DC 16 INT check. A CHA/Gossiping check is also acceptable. If all the heroes fail this check, then they can try again in 1 week, giving them time to engage with the city or potentially take other quests. | ||
Once the heroes find an unauthorized religious ceremony, they can very easily disrupt it. Talking over the liturgy, interrupting the clergy’s sermon, or even committing acts of vandalism such as overturning altars or statues will all cause the service to be disrupted. | Once the heroes find an unauthorized religious ceremony, they can very easily disrupt it. Talking over the liturgy, interrupting the clergy’s sermon, or even committing acts of vandalism such as overturning altars or statues will all cause the service to be disrupted. | ||
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'''Secret 1.''' Godking Neferu’s real name is Relian Ios Ahnadi. The Ahnadi family has been passing down the Godking’s mask for many generations, preserving the illusion of an immortal leader when they are in fact just mortal dynastic monarchs. | '''Secret 1.''' Godking Neferu’s real name is Relian Ios Ahnadi. The Ahnadi family has been passing down the Godking’s mask for many generations, preserving the illusion of an immortal leader when they are in fact just mortal dynastic monarchs. | ||
'''Secret 2.''' Neferu is worried that General Tenemei is gaining too much soft power within Nalathesh’s military. He would have Tenemei removed from office, but thinks that Tenemei already has too much support and would overthrow Neferu if he tried anything. | '''Secret 2.''' Neferu is worried that General [[Tenemei]] is gaining too much soft power within Nalathesh’s military. He would have Tenemei removed from office, but thinks that Tenemei already has too much support and would overthrow Neferu if he tried anything. | ||
==== '''5. Rewards''' ==== | ==== '''5. Rewards''' ==== | ||
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==== '''3. Grace Grove''' ==== | ==== '''3. Grace Grove''' ==== | ||
Detailed information on Grace Grove can be found in chapter 6. Be sure to reach the entries for Amelia Grace and Tusken Sparrow in Appendix A as well. Queen Amelia will be delighted to meet more heroes and hear of their stories. | Detailed information on Grace Grove can be found in chapter 6. Be sure to reach the entries for Amelia Grace and [[Tusken Sparrow]] in Appendix A as well. Queen Amelia will be delighted to meet more heroes and hear of their stories. | ||
'''Tusken and the Foresters.''' Tusken perceives Amelia’s interest in the heroes as a threat to his influence over her, and so while he is decorous and cordial to the heroes’ faces, he will scheme about ways that he might remove them from the picture, such as sending them into the heart of the Wychwood to face a grizzly death. While in the wilderness away from Amelia’s eyes, he might even attack the heroes himself. | '''Tusken and the Foresters.''' Tusken perceives Amelia’s interest in the heroes as a threat to his influence over her, and so while he is decorous and cordial to the heroes’ faces, he will scheme about ways that he might remove them from the picture, such as sending them into the heart of the Wychwood to face a grizzly death. While in the wilderness away from Amelia’s eyes, he might even attack the heroes himself. | ||
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Grunhilde is a '''Greater [[Forest Witch]]''' (CC chapter 4). This encounter should be deadly: ML = (½ the party level) +4. Add additional monsters from the Dangerous Foes sidebar as appropriate to reach this difficulty. If any of the major Dergue are still alive, they are present for this fight; this may cause the encounter’s adjusted ML to be even deadlier. | Grunhilde is a '''Greater [[Forest Witch]]''' (CC chapter 4). This encounter should be deadly: ML = (½ the party level) +4. Add additional monsters from the Dangerous Foes sidebar as appropriate to reach this difficulty. If any of the major Dergue are still alive, they are present for this fight; this may cause the encounter’s adjusted ML to be even deadlier. | ||
Tree roots puncture down from the cavernous ceiling, and vines, ivy, lichen, and mushrooms grow along the walls and floor. This allows Grunhilde to benefit from any of her primal spells that require the use of plants. | Tree roots puncture down from the cavernous ceiling, and vines, ivy, lichen, and mushrooms grow along the walls and floor. This allows Grunhilde to benefit from any of her [[Primal Spells|primal spells]] that require the use of plants. | ||
'''The Portal.''' One entire wall of Grunhilde’s chapel contains a large podium that serves as a shallow, semicircular stairway up to a portal. This portal will take the heroes to the Everwilds if they step through it. | '''The Portal.''' One entire wall of Grunhilde’s chapel contains a large podium that serves as a shallow, semicircular stairway up to a portal. This portal will take the heroes to the Everwilds if they step through it. | ||