gustavo iglesias wrote:

Gary, I have a question.

At the end of this adventure, the players
** spoiler omitted **

I believe that's somewhere in the book, or Gary's mentioned it before.

** spoiler omitted **

Given what happens with Vetra-Kali at the end of that adventure, now I'm wondering if when it comes time for the showdown with Thorn the PCs will

EDIT: And I just saw Gary's response. That option could lead to considerable amusement as well. The Hells versus Abaddon!

In Book V...

** spoiler omitted **

Gary McBride
Fire Mountain Games

This sound incredibly interesting :).

Let's see what my players decide to do.

Game play update

Pressing F5 every 5 minutes to see the V book is out. Want to see if LE Antipaladin is similar to the one we are using in the campaign

@Gary: A question about the rituals to call the hell hounds and nightmare. What does once per year mean. Per person? So could each pc use the Ritual? I dont think this was the Intention. If not... what is the limiting factor? my players would not be themselves If they didnt try it at least. I know them too well. So why cant each one do the ritual to have a Nightmare? I am asking for an ingame reason. I know it would be too much!

how do other gm rule in this case ?

@Patrick,
I limited the hell hounds and nightmare rituals to being only used once by the group, not per individual person. If they wish to know why, tell them they only have the true names of those four particular creatures, hence only one summoning (similar to Hexor and Vexor). In my game, they summoned the hell hounds and ingnored the nightmare "because nobody in the group rides a horse".

Pressing F5 every 5 minutes to see the V book is out. Want to see if LE Antipaladin is similar to the one we are using in the campaign

I feel your pain

@Gary: A question about the rituals to call the hell hounds and nightmare. What does once per year mean. Per person? So could each pc use the Ritual? I dont think this was the Intention. If not... what is the limiting factor? my players would not be themselves If they didnt try it at least. I know them too well. So why cant each one do the ritual to have a Nightmare? I am asking for an ingame reason. I know it would be too much!

how do other gm rule in this case ?

I understand the ritual as only being possible in the Horn. So I limit it to once per year in the Horn. It's possible to use it again in different "horns", or other daemon-demon-devil worshipping sanctuaries of unholiness created by high level archdeacons-demon princes-dukes of hell.

@Gary: A question about the rituals to call the hell hounds and nightmare. What does once per year mean. Per person? So could each pc use the Ritual? I dont think this was the Intention. If not... what is the limiting factor? my players would not be themselves If they didnt try it at least. I know them too well. So why cant each one do the ritual to have a Nightmare? I am asking for an ingame reason. I know it would be too much!

how do other gm rule in this case ?

Patrick,

And thanks to everyone for their enthusiasm and interest in "Way of the Wicked". No one wants Book V out the door more than me. But as soon as I'm happy with it, we'll release it. And not before.

But that is coming real soon.

Hope that helps,
Gary McBride
Fire Mountain Games

Thanks for the clarification :-)

And thanks to everyone for their enthusiasm and interest in "Way of the Wicked". No one wants Book V out the door more than me. But as soon as I'm happy with it, we'll release it. And not before.

But that is coming real soon.

Hope that helps,
Gary McBride
Fire Mountain Games

Seeing that Throne of Nights was taking some atention, I thought Book V was already finished and in route to publish :(

I'm curious. For those who have run Book II, what did you use to represent the dungeon?

As I look at how much time the PCs will be in the dungeon, I'm trying to figure out how best to build it.

Previous games I've either used a battle mat, or a printed version of the map scaled to fit. However, looking at the sheer size of the dungeon, it is bigger than my largest battle mat and it would take a lot of paper (that would have to be resized as it is 10' squares rather than 5' squares).

I'm thinking towards building something a little more permanent using something like dwarven forge, or if I have time to build using Hirst Arts tiles. The kicker of course being that those will both cost a fair bit of money (and for the Hirst Arts stuff quite a bit of time making tiles). Plus wanting it to be somewhat permanent, but still 'moldable' towards what the PCs decide to do when the make 'improvements' to the dungeon.

I'm curious. For those who have run Book II, what did you use to represent the dungeon?

As I look at how much time the PCs will be in the dungeon, I'm trying to figure out how best to build it.

Previous games I've either used a battle mat, or a printed version of the map scaled to fit. However, looking at the sheer size of the dungeon, it is bigger than my largest battle mat and it would take a lot of paper (that would have to be resized as it is 10' squares rather than 5' squares).

I'm thinking towards building something a little more permanent using something like dwarven forge, or if I have time to build using Hirst Arts tiles. The kicker of course being that those will both cost a fair bit of money (and for the Hirst Arts stuff quite a bit of time making tiles). Plus wanting it to be somewhat permanent, but still 'moldable' towards what the PCs decide to do when the make 'improvements' to the dungeon.

I'm going to be using a combination of three things: a battlemap, sheets of large graph paper (3 ft size) that you can get at any school supply store, and a regular printed map straight from the book. I'll draw out each room on the battlemap when they first enter, then have the players map out the interior themselves, and draw the changes they themselves want to do on the small printed map. Lastly, when everything's done, I'm going to redraw each room on the large graph paper.

Game update:

Looks pretty cool John !

John,

Another great update. Thanks for continuing your journal!

I've already used a few ideas in my own Way of the Wicked campaign.

Gary McBride
Fire Mountain Games

Gary, we would be really happy to know something about the date to book V. Just to have an idea.

Alaryth: on Firemountaingames facebook page, it's stated that it's done, and sent. It should be on sale today or tomorrow.

So press f5 repeatedly :)

If it makes you guys feel better, Book V is awesome. So press F5 faster :-)

Alaryth: on Firemountaingames facebook page, it's stated that it's done, and sent. It should be on sale today or tomorrow.

So press f5 repeatedly :)

Cool ¡¡¡ :)

(That happens for my lack in Facebook, Tweeter and similars)

Book V is done. It's making its way through the system. More real REAL soon and thanks for your enthusiasm for "Way of the Wicked".

Gary

Who is herbo and why he has Book V? Now I'm jelous :/

Herbo is Jesse Emerson who has a well-deserved editing credit on Book V of "Way of the Wicked".

Jesse did a superlative job editing our book.

Thanks, Jesse!

Gary McBride
Fire Mountain Games

Quick question to everyone here

@DSMRT

@ DSRMT -- What race were you thinking of taking, given the name?

Herbo:

Kevin: I just assumed Human, what race do you think appropriate?

Kevin: I just assumed Human, what race do you think appropriate?

With that kind of name I was thinking maybe half-elf or half-elf (drow descended), or even goblin. I think mainly the first option because check out the Google result of "Selvetarm" and notice the nickname.

Huh, interesting, maybe I'll make him a half-elf or something then. Thanks for the heads up!

Huh, interesting, maybe I'll make him a half-elf or something then. Thanks for the heads up!

What'll really be fun is if your players, like mine, catch the Forgotten Realms reference and start crying or pouting because "I don't wanna face a demigod at this level."

Only one of my players might get that, the rest of us didn't get into d20 until Pathfinder.

Only one of my players might get that, the rest of us didn't get into d20 until Pathfinder.

I know three of mine will get it, maybe four. All but one started in 2nd Ed.

I think I'm also going to give him the domain ability instead of a companion. Not sure if Earth or Water domain. You mentioned the crab, so maybe water. However, earth has better abilities.

Has someone spelled out the three prayers the pc must recitate each day? I would love to have the pc at least twice (beginning of the ritual and the last time) say "something" other than just: "we perform the ritual and prayer".

I mean the Supplication to Darkness, the Cursing of the Light and the Call across the Void.

Has someone spelled out the three prayers the pc must recitate each day? I would love to have the pc at least twice (beginning of the ritual and the last time) say "something" other than just: "we perform the ritual and prayer".

I mean the Supplication to Darkness, the Cursing of the Light and the Call across the Void.

That would be sooooo cool ! May be not 222 times though ^^

Patrick Kropp wrote:

Has someone spelled out the three prayers the pc must recitate each day? I would love to have the pc at least twice (beginning of the ritual and the last time) say "something" other than just: "we perform the ritual and prayer".

I mean the Supplication to Darkness, the Cursing of the Light and the Call across the Void.

That would be sooooo cool ! May be not 222 times though ^^

I would absolutely love to see this too! It'd really get the players interested in the whole ritual

I'll bite. Here's a pulled-out-the-bum rendition of a

It is done.

Now it will be a bit before we start book III. Looking forward to it, though.

One question: How did your players found the treasure room? My players have done level 1-3 and I think they have no chance of ever finding it. the combination with pressing and command word to find the real chamber is really hard.

So at all: How did your players found the real treasure chamber?

One question: How did your players found the treasure room? My players have done level 1-3 and I think they have no chance of ever finding it. the combination with pressing and command word to find the real chamber is really hard.

So at all: How did your players found the real treasure chamber?

Ezra knows about it. The book states he can give the players it, as long aas they work together. Ezra the Thrice Damned can't care less about the treasure.

Ok... I imagined the meet Ezra the first time in the treasure chamber.

How has the Third Eye (the one in the treasure chamber) found its way to the treasure chamber? Ezra - as incorporeal - can´t touch it.

Ok, let put it clear: The dirges say the three eyes have been stolen from Vetra Kali. Why is one in the treasure chamber? How did it get there?

@Patrick,

Has anyone given Ezra Thrice Damned Class Levels?

I have a very specialized necromancer in my group and I think if he presses hard enough he will easily controll Ezra (and through him ANY SPAWN). I hope my players don´t run amok and just sacrifice everything they can spare to the wraiths and create a wraith army.

If Ezra is even controlled by the pc then they could do so possibly with no repercussions.

@Patrick,

** spoiler omitted **

Yes, but the THREE eyes were stolen - this is clearly spelled out. I imagine the eyes fell to the floor when the Victor banished / killed Vetra Kali on this plane. 1 was taken by a priest (who was later trapped in the cave), the other have been rescued by Halthus the flayer.

So when did the cultist find time to bring one in the treasure chamber?

Has anyone given Ezra Thrice Damned Class Levels?

I have a very specialized necromancer in my group and I think if he presses hard enough he will easily controll Ezra (and through him ANY SPAWN). I hope my players don´t run amok and just sacrifice everything they can spare to the wraiths and create a wraith army.

If Ezra is even controlled by the pc then they could do so possibly with no repercussions.

No, not at all. He's already a CR 6, which makes her a pretty tough cookie to deal with at this level. Almost staggeringly so. I suppose you could just as easily make him a regular dread wraith, lose the two templates, and give him a couple of classes of cleric or necromancer. He's already got an incredible Will save given what she is. Could also always use the Spell-Stitched template from 3.5 to give a +2 bonus against channels and saves. Gain a few sorcerer spells as well, based on Wisdom. Which is a fair bit so it could get really nasty overall.

@Patrick
Actually, I believe the Sons were unable to finish the ritual to bring forth Vetra-Kali (Gary might be able to clarify this), and perhaps the Victor arrived at a Dramaticaly Appropriate Moment (DAM for short, or at least that's what I say in my games :) ), disrupting the ritual and the Sons had to respond quickly to prevent the Eyes from being uncovered. Halthus accidently recovered one Eye without fully realizing it's significance, but clearly the original plan was to disperse the Eyes to be retrieved later on, and to later reclaim the Horn, as it seems to be the focal point for the ritual itself.

Patrick Kropp wrote:

Has anyone given Ezra Thrice Damned Class Levels?

I have a very specialized necromancer in my group and I think if he presses hard enough he will easily controll Ezra (and through him ANY SPAWN). I hope my players don´t run amok and just sacrifice everything they can spare to the wraiths and create a wraith army.

If Ezra is even controlled by the pc then they could do so possibly with no repercussions.

No, not at all. He's already a CR 6, which makes her a pretty tough cookie to deal with at this level. Almost staggeringly so. I suppose you could just as easily make him a regular dread wraith, lose the two templates, and give him a couple of classes of cleric or necromancer. He's already got an incredible Will save given what she is. Could also always use the Spell-Stitched template from 3.5 to give a +2 bonus against channels and saves. Gain a few sorcerer spells as well, based on Wisdom. Which is a fair bit so it could get really nasty overall.

Did you even understand my concern? Either my english skills suck or you don't have any clue about the necromancer or a standard evil clerics abilities. At least in my book Ezra will easily fail such a will save.

I think I make him a real dread wraith. So they have to deal with him on equal terms. And if Hey really plan to use a wraith army (Or even a squad) Ezra must be dealt with because he is the true master. he created the other spawns. so te players must always be careful.

Patrick Kropp wrote:

Has anyone given Ezra Thrice Damned Class Levels?

I have a very specialized necromancer in my group and I think if he presses hard enough he will easily controll Ezra (and through him ANY SPAWN). I hope my players don´t run amok and just sacrifice everything they can spare to the wraiths and create a wraith army.

If Ezra is even controlled by the pc then they could do so possibly with no repercussions.

No, not at all. He's already a CR 6, which makes her a pretty tough cookie to deal with at this level. Almost staggeringly so. I suppose you could just as easily make him a regular dread wraith, lose the two templates, and give him a couple of classes of cleric or necromancer. He's already got an incredible Will save given what she is. Could also always use the Spell-Stitched template from 3.5 to give a +2 bonus against channels and saves. Gain a few sorcerer spells as well, based on Wisdom. Which is a fair bit so it could get really nasty overall.

Did you even understand my concern? Either my english skills suck or you don't have any clue about the necromancer or a standard evil clerics abilities. At least in my book Ezra will easily fail such a will save.

I think I make him a real dread wraith. So they have to deal with him on equal terms. And if Hey really plan to use a wraith army (Or even a squad) Ezra must be dealt with because he is the true master. he created the other spawns. so te players must always be careful.

Yes I understood your concern, and yes I am fully understand what a necromancer and evil cleric can do. I've played undead before. I know how much it can suck to be controlled and essentially not play your character anymore. I'd rather be dominated. If Ezra would easily fail her save with a +8, then your necromancer must have a stupid high Charisma. The cleric I could see, but not the necromancer. It's 10+1/2 class level+CHA. On average we're talking Will DC 16. Even then he can only control them for a few minutes each time X/day and maybe the three regular wraiths.

I wouldn't use a real dread wraith as that's a CR 13. That's way too high for these guys. They'd get slaughtered quite quickly.

If you want, custom make an item for all of the wraiths that'll give them a +4 resistance bonus against being turned, commanded, or channeled against. That'll help somewhat. There's a cloak for 11,000 gold, but I don't know if you want to make the undead that rich. Maybe a rod for Ezra to counteract the commanding should they be successful.

So the suggestion I've been given regarding the wraith problem vs the necromancer and evil cleric is as such:

Iron Kingdoms book Monsternomicon I - Take Crafty template which gives you any three feats, as well as other stuff. CR +1.
WotC book Libris Mortis and Savage Species - Take three feats from Libris Mortis that'll give +8 turn resistance while they're in a group, as well as the cloak for +12 total, and one level of the Emancipated Spawn PrC from SS for the dread wraith, giving him +14. CR +1. If you took all three levels that'd give you +18 resistance on top of your will save. CR +3.

In total, Ezra has CR +2, and the other wraiths are CR +1, but they all have a minimum of +12 resistance. Short of rolling a 1, the cleric and necromancer would have a very hard time controlling them.