I am a huge fan of the Shackled City Adventure Path. The underlying plot is excellent and the initial Villans are sinister, intelligent and manipulative.
Vhalantru is a fantastic villian but...why do the characters hate him?
After all they only find out he is the bad guy just before they kill him.
I intend to remedy this in my capain by having Jil kidnap a party member by luring him to the Lakeside Pavillion once again to secretly meet with Artus. Once kidnapped the party member will be questioned by Vhalantru in a Last Laugh safehouse before being turned to stone and 'hopefully' have his statue rescued from the safehouse before it is taken by Jil in the morning to Vhalantru's manor.
I also struggle with the AP climax build up once Vhalantru is killed. The adventures proceeding the Foundation of Flame just seem..well..such an anti climax to the players.
The Cagewrights are unknown by the players, have had no interaction with them and become just a series of encounters to the party when they discover their two headquarters. Unlike Vhalantru who they have at least met in Life's Bazaar they have no emotion motivation to attack this group except the being told they are the braintrust of the villians.
Do people have any ideas how to make these final adventures more 'climatic' to the players? Foreshadowing ideas? Connections?
Anyway thanks for reading
Delvesdeep
From the info that has been give on the webpage the hardcover should help out with some of these issues... Mabye take a look when it comes out...
However my PC's could not stand Valadrue... he charged 10% of worth of 500GP each time someone came in or out of the City gates, they hated this and prased the day that the wizard could cast Telport
Two things I did may help you with your dilemma.
1) Introduce Vhalantru Early, and Often: Start out by introducing him as a political villain early in the campaign. I played up his role as the ailing mayor's advisor, not even trying to hide the fact (from the players) that he was likely just using the mayor as a puppet. In each adventure I included at least one scene where Vhalantru's machinations were an obstacle to their progress. In Life's Bazaar, the players dicovered that Lord Vhalantru had ordered the city watch to minimize their efforts to search for missing victims. In Flood Season, Vhalantru issued a public statement that he was increasing the size of the town guard using hired half-orc mercenaries to act as "emergency crews" in case of floods; likewise, in Zenith Trajectory, these new guards were popping up everywhere and it was becoming apparent that he was replacing the existing watch with his own loyal troops. Slowly over the course of the campaign I introduced his buildup of power and made him a political, but not physical, obstacle to the party's progress. That way, by the time they discovered his true form they already hated him for being an evil politician, so discovering he was a beholder made killing him all the sweeter.
2) Beef Up the Role of Embril Aloustinai: Throw her name around a lot, especially in relation to Vhalantru. Have the party run afoul of her in Flood Season when they go to the other temples for help, and essentially play up her role as the mastermind behind the Cagewrights' plot. That way, when Vhalantru is dead and the Cagewrights' plan is still in motion, the party can easily see that she is the "true villain" who must be stopped in the last three adventures.
Creative Director
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The hardcover (hopefully) does the job of forshadowing the villains in Shackled City. One thing that stands out in my mind about Vhalantru is that we've included more details on how the tax increases affect the city as the campaign goes on. If the PCs equate the new unfair taxes that force them to spend money with Vhalantru, they'll end up hating him soon enough.
One of the difficulties with running Shackled City is the fact that there are probably TOO many villains. It's harder to get angry at a nebulous organization than it is at a single villain. The advice about making Embril more visible and antagonistic is good advice.
Excellent <drums fingers together>
I shall start bringing in Embril as down on the party soon. I am think that it is unlikely that they will meet her before heading down into the dungeon in Life's Bazaar, but I already put a bit of animosity between the church of Helm (FR game) and the monks order with in the church of Kelemvor (of which she is a part, though truly she is still loyal to Murkyl or was until going mad for Adimarchus), as he is trying to bring this particular sect of the Monks of the Long Death into line with Kelemvor's teachings (which she secretly despises).
So... I am thinking that I will have a heroes feast as others have suggested after Life's Bazaar and have her attend, but insinuate that the players actions have undermined the publics faith in the watch and government by making it look like they couldn't handle that problem and that this perception will... have to be taken care of (leaving that nebulous so they are unsure if it is a threat).
Sean Mahoney
So Embril with basically become the Leader of the Cagewrights, at least in appearances. I've already preordered the Hardcopy so the information on the taxes will be most helpful James thankyou. Focusing on the head cleric will do just nicely thankyou.:)
I was considering playing Vhalantru (elf form) as a 'good guy' for the fist few adventures until the players catch on that he isn't all that he seems. I also intended on having Orbius (beholder form) be more prevelant in the AP by having more sightings, rumours and even appearances of him. I want the party to truly hate the beholder while still liking the elf.
Does any have any advice or comments associated with this?
Delvesdeep
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To make Vhalantru seem more sinister, I've had him have numerous audiences with the PCs (I'm up to Flood Season right now). I've put on my best Jeremy Irons imitation, and dropped vague but sinister lines like:
"I will be sure to keep an eye out for services you can perform in the name of the city"
"I believe I speak for the Lord Mayor when I say ..."
"It would appear that the town is indebted to you for your timely actions. I will be sure to see that you are justly rewarded."
And the like. They seem dubious of this 'noble's' attention already.
PS - I can't wait for the HC as well. I hope that it arrives at my door before I finish Flood Season! I've altered a lot of the Shackled City to fit my alternate story, and set it in the Forgotten Realms, but there's a treasure trove of stuff waiting there for me, I'm sure!
James that new avalar of yours is certainly scary! Why the change from the kenku to a T-REX?! Is your attitude going to change to mimic your new 'persona'?
Delvesdeep
I intend to use the "Flood Festival" to introduce Embril and Vhalantru with a slightly more shadowy side. There will be arcane contests (I stole the notion of the "Duel Arcane," from the D&D books, and came up with a few categories). As head of the temple of a goddess devoted to magic, she'll definitely be there, but her attitude will shine through a little for the perceptive PCs.
I have to do some jigging because the PCs couldn't get through Skaven Umbermead's door, and didn't manage to get to the large hall in the Kopru ruins - so basically, they've missed the only two real clues they've had access to so far (Skaven's books, and the bits of the leftover cages). So I'm playing with that a little - the Wizard of the group has been approached by Haanu Pershai to investigate some strange "imports" (basically, he'll learn about the stuff that came through the city and didn't seem to go anywhere else - since it went into the Kopru ruins) and he'll get the same information that they could have garnered from searching the large room with the Mud Slaad.
So, between the Heroes' Feast (where Vhalantru will make a speech about the PCs), the Duels Arcane (interacting with Embril), and some clashing with the Stormblades, I should be able to put the notion of one dark figure potentially behind it all for the PCs to begin disliking right now.
I'll definitely add sightings of the beholder, though, as rumours. Or maybe a city watchman found petrified (and shattered with bits missing so they can't just bring him back and question him). Something like that.
One thing I'm looking forward to the Flood Festival for is introduction of many of the NPCs the players interact with later - Alek, the various temple heads, etc. Shall be fun.
Sounds good! Could you give me a few details about Duels Arcane?
Delvesdeep
Delvesdeep,
I publish a newsletter/newspaper for the characters to read. It is rife with the rumors provided by the AP, as well as advertisements for Cauldron's shops, pictures of Cauldron's nobility and noteworthy events. This tool facilitates information gathering in a somewhat dramatic way. Vhalantru's words are quoted and his actions recorded; the Stormblades latest exploits are published; Lady Rhivadi's extravagant parties are reviewed, Tygot banters about his collection of artifacts. Foreshadowing the weakness of Lord Mayor Severean Navalant's reign could occur weekly in a published journal (Yes, the Cagewrites would squash a free press - perhaps Nidrama is it's editor)?
Perhaps the pen could be mightier than a sword when it comes to information gathering?
Delvesdeep,
I publish a newsletter/newspaper for the characters to read. It is rife with the rumors provided by the AP, as well as advertisements for Cauldron's shops, pictures of Cauldron's nobility and noteworthy events. This tool facilitates information gathering in a somewhat dramatic way. Vhalantru's words are quoted and his actions recorded; the Stormblades latest exploits are published; Lady Rhivadi's extravagant parties are reviewed, Tygot banters about his collection of artifacts. Foreshadowing the weakness of Lord Mayor Severean Navalant's reign could occur weekly in a published journal (Yes, the Cagewrites would squash a free press - perhaps Nidrama is it's editor)?
Perhaps the pen could be mightier than a sword when it comes to information gathering?
Could you be so kind as to forward a copy of these to me. My email address is michael.farrell@optusnet.com.au. It sound very interesting.
Delvesdeep
Could you be so kind as to forward a copy of these to me. My email address is michael.farrell@optusnet.com.au. It sound very interesting.
Delvesdeep
Better yet would be if you have the ability to post these somewhere that we could check them out. They sound like a very good idea and would definately be something I would consider adding to my game as well (especially if I can simply plagerize yours!)
Reminds me of the newspapers in Arcanum...
Sean Mahoney
Here is a copy of the first newspaper. I am currently running Life's Bazaar and so I have only published this copy. I will post other copies of the Scroll and Feather as they are published. I print on both sides of a single sheet of paper, no reason to waist paper, and I use parchment paper for a (melo)dramatic effect. I use two columns on the first page, but this didn't translate in the e-mail.
All of the ideas for these newsletters come from other sources: Relgore Himtooth comes from Dry Spell, a perfect third level adventure to be set between Life's Bazaar and Flood Season. Relgore's name could even be changed to Drakthar to foreshadow Drakthar's Way (the new Shackeled City adventer). The message board contributed Vhalantru's quote, the pictures come from D&D's website (Sharn images and the Minatures' Monster Gallery). Rumor's in Cauldron will make up the bulk of the information contained in the papers. Nothing is original.
I even mail these papers out to my players between game sessions (with their characters names on them of course) for another (melo)dramatic effect. By giving the players downtime to digest relevant information, I think it contributes to the dynamics of the game. Offstage events like tax rate hikes will be introduced and even taken care of between game sessions. The Stormblades editorial will question (if not insult) the player's actions. Perhaps the characters will publish responses?
Scroll & Feather
Need a Sharp Sword? Find the best prices in Cauldron at GURNEZARN’S SMITHY.
Kidnappings Continue
For over three moons a score of Cauldron’s citizens have disappeared. In the latest incident, four children were kidnapped from Lantern Street Orphanage. Despite Inspector Innvar’s assurances that his best man is trying to find the missing persons, Cauldron’s citizens worry that there are nefarious forces at work in and around Cauldron. Some explanations:
“Evil cultists are kidnapping people and sacrificing then to an evil god who has two heads and tentacles for arms.”
“A magical disease is causing people in the city to vanish. The same thing nearly wiped out the gnomes of Jzaridune 75 years ago!"
“A cloaked figure collided with me in the street and knocked me down. She uttered some horrible curse, glared at me with her ghostly face and haunting blue eyes, then strode off.”
Who or what is responsible for this crisis? Could a secret guild of Halfling rogues be responsible for the kidnappings and robberies? One thing is for sure, Keygan Ghelve is one of the finest locksmiths in the world. Only a skilled rogue or spellcaster could bypass one of his locks without the proper key.
Image of Bugbear goes here
Wanted: Relgore Himtooth 2000 gp Reward. The bugbear known as Relgore Himtooth is the leader of a band of humanoid thugs that prey on travelers and raid small farmsteads, stealing the valuables within and occasionally murdering the occupants. Contact Sergeant Skylar for reward.
Revelations or Hersey?
One of the stolen orphans is the offspring of the Dwern and Iomogen Stormshield, two adventures who perished a few years back.
One of the children kidnapped from the orphanage is the bastard son of the Lord Mayor.
Jeneer Everdawn, one of the missing townsfolk, did volunteer work at the local orphanage. Coincidence? I don’t think so!
Page 2
Picture of city council meeting goes here (I used scene from Sharn.
Lord Mayor Navalant, Lord Taskerhill and Lord Vhalantru give audience to Inspector Innvarr
In the name of the Lord Mayor, Lord Vhalantru withdraws Cauldron’s men-at-arms from their outposts and patrols. Lord Vhalantru’s remark, “In an effort to concentrate our search for the missing kidnap victims.”
Cauldron’s nobility, lead by Annah Taskerhill, vow to find the missing children.
From Caldron’s Exchequer - Someone in Cauldron trades in strange currency. Coins stamped with a jester instead of the sovereign. The authorities are trying to find the source – Terri
Merchants Announce Fishermen’s Longest Day Festival celebrated this Starday. A prize is awarded for the strangest creature fished out of Crater Lake. Who knows what will appear in the fishermen's nets this year? Perhaps the infamous tentacled beast lurking in the cold depths of the lake?
Heard On the Street
Coryston Pike, one of the kidnapped victims, feared for her life days before she vanished. Gryffon Malek and Krylscar Endercott knew each other. They would meet each other after hours at the Tipped Tankard and drink until the wee hours of the morning. Now they’re both gone!
On a related note, While traveling to Cauldron, the characters completed a couple low level adventures. In "Unfamiliar Ground",I used images of succubi, demons and devils (culled off the D&D site of course) as graffiti for Hazerrack's cave. Then I made the Translator's Ring in "A Dark and Stormy Knight" translate Abyssal and Celestial when it was identified. One character remarked that a theme is developing based on angels and demons/devils. What could be more appropriate for a campaign based on Shackeled City?
In Jzaridune, another thematic vision presents itself to foreshadow Occipitus. Some of the treasures are paintings of fantastic landscapes - the image of the Plain of Cysts (and other hell regions) is a sure fire way to foreshadow Test of the Smoking Eye.
This looks great! Are you sure you can't email the 'newsletter' in newsletter format can you. It would be great to hand over to my players.
Delvesdeep
Here is a list of taxes to be assessed during the Shackeled City Adventure Path. They should get the characters dander up. This is not an original list, it comes from a Dragon Magazine article.
1 Life’s Bazaar Tax Notice
"Nothing exists that is sure but the Dark Angel and the Revenue Collector."
Truly, we who care for the weighty concerns of royal finance appreciate the opportunity to convey to the world at large somewhat of our view of things.
Alas, it falls upon me and my very inadequate staff to garner the treasure that all the Lord Mayor’s other men compete to spend. Since we are vastly
outnumbered by the scatterers of His Majesty's store, we must compensate by being vastly more inventive than they, finding novel ways to gather it in.
What are the monthly taxes, then? Well, now.
There is the Consumption Tax assessed in all stores and markets. It is assessed at ¼ copper piece in the silver on all sales.
Certain goods are designated as luxuries and are subject to the Luxury Tax of 1 copper in the silver.
There is the general Inheritance Tax of 1 silver in the gold.
And of course, we collect tariffs on goods imported from other lands. These rates vary, depending on the state of our relations with the kingdom in question, but they probably average about 1 copper for every 100 pounds of weight of the goods.
A strong sword and a full moneybag - these maketh a kingdom to prosper.
Her Excellency, Terri Stanheort, Chancellor of the Exchequer, serving Lord Mayor Severen Navalant of Cauldron.
2 Drakthar’s Way Tax Notice
"Nothing exists that is sure but the Dark Angel and the Revenue Collector."
Truly, we who care for the weighty concerns of royal finance appreciate the opportunity to convey to the world at large somewhat of our view of things.
Alas, it falls upon me and my very inadequate staff to garner the treasure that all the Lord Mayor’s other men compete to spend. Since we are vastly
outnumbered by the scatterers of His Majesty's store, we must compensate by being vastly more inventive than they, finding novel ways to gather it in.
Oh, yes - we have the tolls collected at booths on certain bridges and roads.
How much is the toll? A mere trifle. Hardly enough to pay for the upkeep. A person on foot pays 1 copper, as does a beast or a cart, while a coach or chariot pays two pence. Yet it all adds up.
A strong sword and a full moneybag - these maketh a kingdom to prosper.
Her Excellency, Terri Stanheort, Chancellor of the Exchequer, serving Lord Mayor Severen Navalant of Cauldron.
3 Flood Season Tax Notice
"Nothing exists that is sure but the Dark Angel and the Revenue Collector."
Truly, we who care for the weighty concerns of royal finance appreciate the opportunity to convey to the world at large somewhat of our view of things.
Alas, it falls upon me and my very inadequate staff to garner the treasure that all the Lord Mayor’s other men compete to spend. Since we are vastly
outnumbered by the scatterers of His Majesty's store, we must compensate by being vastly more inventive than they, finding novel ways to gather it in.
Primarily, there are two. A Market Tax is assessed on every adult and every beast to enter a walled town on the monthly Market Day, of a copper each. And then there is the Alien Tax. Resident aliens are required to pay 1 silver for each adult each month, and non-resident aliens pay twice that. Diplomatic personnel are exempt from such taxation, of course.
A strong sword and a full moneybag - these maketh a kingdom to prosper.
Her Excellency, Terri Stanheort, Chancellor of the Exchequer, serving Lord Mayor Severen Navalant of Cauldron.
4 Zenith Trajectory Tax Notice
"Nothing exists that is sure but the Dark Angel and the Revenue Collector."
Truly, we who care for the weighty concerns of royal finance appreciate the opportunity to convey to the world at large somewhat of our view of things.
Alas, it falls upon me and my very inadequate staff to garner the treasure that all the Lord Mayor’s other men compete to spend. Since we are vastly
outnumbered by the scatterers of His Majesty's store, we must compensate by being vastly more inventive than they, finding novel ways to gather it in.
What about the seasonal taxes? What are they? Oh, various, various. Indeed, they are probably the backbone of our taxation system. They yield the greatest revenue, and the most regular.
In the spring, every hearth is taxed, from the meanest cottager's hovel to the greatest lord's castle.
Then in summer, the Land Tax is due. Every acre of the kingdom is assessed: a tribute to my staffs perspicacity and enterprise! We also collect the Nobility Tax at that time. Each family displaying tokens of nobility, such as crests, coats-of-arms, household uniforms, and the like, pays 5 golds for the privilege. It is a mere trifle, yet as I said before, it adds up.
In autumn the temples and shrines collect the Tithe: one silver in the gold on all produce, rents, and profits from the land. Sad that it is so steep, and none of it goes into His Majesty's coffers. The churches collect the Tithe, and we collect the Income Tax at the same time. Isn't that quite a lot at one time? No, I think not. The Tithe covers mostly profits from land, while the Royal Income Tax is mostly assessed against merchants and such. There is very little overlap. And the tax on incomes is a mere copper in the gold.
Are there any taxes due in winter, Lord Chancellor? Indeed, indeed! Winter is the very season of taxes. There is the Poll Tax assessed on every head in the Kingdom, the Magic Tax on all magical items, the Sword Tax on every edged weapon, and the Henchmen Tax on all who have retainers.
What we fail to get in the warmer seasons, we recoup in winter, you see. Hiding and running away are far more difficult in the depth of this frigid season, and so taxes are far easier to collect. Pay or freeze, Master Scribe! Oh, yes, that is their choice! Pay or freeze! Oh, yes. Quite.
Poll Tax: Adult, 2 c; child or marketable beast, l c; riding horse, l s.
Magic Tax: Potion, l c; scroll, l s; book, 3 s; ring, 5 s; wand, 10 s; miscellaneous item, 12 s; weapon, 1 gold; artifact or relic, 20 golds.
Sword Tax (on all edged weapons 9 or more inches long): 1 c for every 2 inches of edge plus 1 c for each pound of weight.
Henchmen Tax: every henchmen, 2 s; every hireling, l s.
Hearth Tax: simple dwelling, 1 c; simple dwelling in town, 2 c; simple dwelling in walled town, 6 c; large dwelling, l s; large dwelling in walled town, 3 s; inn, 10 s; manor, 1 gold; castle, 10 gold.
Land Tax: per acre under cultivation, l c; per acre lying fallow, ½ c; per acre of woodland, ¾ c; per acre of barren land, 1 gold; per acre of pond or lake, ½ c; per acre of town-land, 6 c; per acre of fortified land, l silver.
A strong sword and a full moneybag - these maketh a kingdom to prosper.
Her Excellency, Terri Stanheort, Chancellor of the Exchequer, serving Lord Mayor Severen Navalant of Cauldron.
5 The Demonskar Legacy Tax Notice
"Nothing exists that is sure but the Dark Angel and the Revenue Collector."
Truly, we who care for the weighty concerns of royal finance appreciate the opportunity to convey to the world at large somewhat of our view of things.
Alas, it falls upon me and my very inadequate staff to garner the treasure that all the Lord Mayor’s other men compete to spend. Since we are vastly
outnumbered by the scatterers of His Majesty's store, we must compensate by being vastly more inventive than they, finding novel ways to gather it in.
Royal licenses are required of all who would engage in certain trades. A peddler’s license to sell his goods costs a copper per market day, while a beggar's license costs a copper each season.
A manufacturer's license is 2 golds per year, a scholar who desires to operate a school must pay 10 golds per year, while vintners, brewers, bakers, and such pay 2 golds per year.
To realize a revenue on the many goods and services produced in the kingdom is a mammoth task. And there are always those who render the Mayor good service, and rightly expect some reward for their pains. So the Lord Mayor grants certain monopoly rights to his favorites, and all such as deal in the goods or services specified in the grant must pay the monopolist the price that he proclaims. In return, the monopolist must pay the Mayor 2 golds a year.
What sort of goods and services are offered by monopolies? Oh, the usual. Salt, wool, silk, iron, hawking and fencing schools. . . . a wide variety of things.
We have the usual legal fees and duties. A small list.
For the privilege of bringing suit in a royal court, 10 silvers. And if a suit is argued in the royal court, the Mayor gets ten percent of the amount sued for, or a minimum of 30 silvers, from the person who. Is adjudged in the wrong - in addition to what the loser must pay to the winner, whose damages recovered are taxable as income. Harborage in any port is 1 silver a day. To import certain items costs 20 golds, while to export certain items not at your exclusive risk is 10 golds. A bond of 10 silvers is required to leave the country.
Naturalization costs 15 silvers. To practice the profession of magic-user costs a person 15 golds a year. Non-humans must pay 5 golds a year.
These last two assessments are bonds for their good behavior, you understand.
And, to purchase a writ from a Royal Justice costs 5 silvers.
Moneychangers and lenders are charged five percent of their profits a year. 'Tis a varied list, to be sure. Yet we leave no stone unturned, for who knows what may be underneath it?
A strong sword and a full moneybag - these maketh a kingdom to prosper.
Her Excellency, Terri Stanheort, Chancellor of the Exchequer, serving Lord Mayor Severen Navalant of Cauldron.
6 Secrets of the Soul Pillars Tax Notice
"Nothing exists that is sure but the Dark Angel and the Revenue Collector."
Truly, we who care for the weighty concerns of royal finance appreciate the opportunity to convey to the world at large somewhat of our view of things.
Alas, it falls upon me and my very inadequate staff to garner the treasure that all the Lord Mayor’s other men compete to spend. Since we are vastly
outnumbered by the scatterers of His Majesty's store, we must compensate by being vastly more inventive than they, finding novel ways to gather it in.
A benevolence is a grant of money given out of sheer good will. On occasion, the Mayor must needs ask for such from the temples and priests, or his nobles, or such other class of folk. And they search their hearts, and find that they love the Mayor. So they freely offer to the Mayor what he needs. On occasion, the Mayor himself will give a benevolence to some other institution or person. But everyone loves the Mayor, and is glad to see that his expenses are met. Is it not sot?
Are there not always yet a way or two more to extract money from the coffer? To knight a son, a fee is required, usually 50 golds or so. If an heir is a minor when he cometh into possession of his estate, then the Office of Wards runs his estate for him and realizes all gain from the land and possessions until he reaches his majority. And of course, in time of need, the Mayor may offer other honors in his possession for a consideration.
Such as offices, titles, the right to marry a certain noblewoman. Part of our task in the Exchequer is to take deep thought and discover the price of things and men. And I trow we do it well.
A strong sword and a full moneybag - these maketh a kingdom to prosper.
Her Excellency, Terri Stanheort, Chancellor of the Exchequer, serving Lord Mayor Severen Navalant of Cauldron.
7 Lords of Oblivion Tax Notice
"Nothing exists that is sure but the Dark Angel and the Revenue Collector."
Truly, we who care for the weighty concerns of royal finance appreciate the opportunity to convey to the world at large somewhat of our view of things.
Alas, it falls upon me and my very inadequate staff to garner the treasure that all the Lord Mayor’s other men compete to spend. Since we are vastly
outnumbered by the scatterers of His Majesty's store, we must compensate by being vastly more inventive than they, finding novel ways to gather it in.
There are levies. Emergency taxes, mostly. Yet certain ports pay a regular levy of ship money to the Exchequer, which helps support the navy. Nobles, towns, villages, and guilds are required to provide the Mayor a set number of archers, infantry, cavalry, and supplies each year at their own expense. And the list could go on - but, alas, I cannot. Affairs of State, you know.
A strong sword and a full moneybag - these maketh a kingdom to prosper.
Her Excellency, Terri Stanheort, Chancellor of the Exchequer, serving Lord Mayor Severen Navalant of Cauldron.