I've been going through the stats of NPC's and villains in STAP to make them more interesting/less wussy (I'm looking at YOU deathknight Vanthus!), and I've come across two interesting villains.
Diamondback (as I have already seen from others' ideas) can have a future in the STAP as a pain or a boon, and so that throws up the question of advancement. BUT she is a battledancer, the rules for which I don't have, and so I need your advice... what class combination would be best for the dancing danger? I'm going to make her into an elf (as it fits with the model I have, the GW wood elf wardancer noble).
And Vanthus Vanderboren. If my memory serves me right (which it does as I just looked it up), then death knight gives +3 CR. I was thinking of perhaps giving him the Vampire Lord template. Is this a bad idea? WHat better sorts of undead could I make Vanthus instead so he as at least survivable? Perhaps make him lose Lemorian when he dies?
For me I reworked Diamondback as Rowyn from SWW since Rowyn is an ally and Diamondback ran off she fits into my plans. As for Vanthus, I like Vanthus the DK, but I would remove the Lemurian template and probably the levels of aristocrat when he comes back (Actually I just made him a rogue straight up) so when the pcs face him he is actually mostly up to snuff... But thats how Id do it, that and apply Turins Augmented Antagonist Template.... but That's because 1 villian verses a party at that level feels like a waste of time...
that and apply Turins Augmented Antagonist Template.... but That's because 1 villian verses a party at that level feels like a waste of time...
Please link me to this template!
I have a suspicion that I shall have to post the "Improved Augmented Antagonist" and "Greater Augmented Antagonist" templates at some point soonish... ^^
I have a suspicion that I shall have to post the "Improved Augmented Antagonist" and "Greater Augmented Antagonist" templates at some point soonish... ^^
Yes, Yes you will! *makes evil hypnosis eyes*
What?! What do you mean you made your will save!? Alright fine, Please then? *resorts to begging, makes diplomacy check*
There's a 'Greater' augmented antagonist? GIMME!
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please?
...Diamondback (as I have already seen from others' ideas) can have a future in the STAP as a pain or a boon,...
I know this doesn’t have any direct bearing on the intended subject, but I’m kind of proud of how Diamondback has progressed (RP wise, not necessarily in levels). I’ve just updated our blog and it does a great job, if I do say so myself, of showing how integral the character has become to the story in our group. It’s not a long read, so please take a look.
...Diamondback (as I have already seen from others' ideas) can have a future in the STAP as a pain or a boon,...I know this doesn’t have any direct bearing on the intended subject, but I’m kind of proud of how Diamondback has progressed (RP wise, not necessarily in levels). I’ve just updated our blog and it does a great job, if I do say so myself, of showing how integral the character has become to the story in our group. It’s not a long read, so please take a look.
Now THAT, was an interesting read.
Nice scene!
Now THAT, was an interesting read....Diamondback (as I have already seen from others' ideas) can have a future in the STAP as a pain or a boon,...I know this doesn’t have any direct bearing on the intended subject, but I’m kind of proud of how Diamondback has progressed (RP wise, not necessarily in levels). I’ve just updated our blog and it does a great job, if I do say so myself, of showing how integral the character has become to the story in our group. It’s not a long read, so please take a look.
Nice scene!
Thank you, both. I really appreciate the encouragement. And another thank you to Laurellien for allowing me to slightly off topic for a moment. I have referred to both of you as “earlier reviewers” in my note to my group announcing the update.
By the way, anyone who does stop by the blog, feel free to comment there. My group gets a real jolly out of the idea that there are other people following their exploits. I may even use you as a "guest appearance" in the actual game!
Thanks!
I will have a look at the blog when I have time. I have looked at it several times, but have only read fragments.
From what you write on the forums, you sound like a DM with a lot of ideas and enthousiasm, and I like that. It reminds me of my own campaign.
Woe, hold on. I gotta nip this in the bud. First, I can’t take credit for any ideas. Not a single one could be called original. In fact, I’m not even the original DM in our group. Tracerbullet42 started us out and he left to pursue other interests (a girl) right around the time we hit the Sargasso. I’d been doing the blog almost from the beginning, but that was just reporting what happened in game. Most of my ideas came from him or from you lot on this board. Indeed, some of Tracer’s ideas came from here, as well. There are a few ideas you might call “original” in that I am unaware that they have been applied to the STAP before. I’m referring to the idea I sought help for in another thread regarding bringing Rowyn back as a revenant and modeling her after the character of Nicole Wallace from “Law & Order: CI,” but clearly just the mention of the inspiration demonstrates that it’s not original. I’m not sure where the “choose which NPC dies” came from (Maybe it was Tracer or maybe it was Batman Forever) but I’m sure that’s not original, either.
However, the enthusiasm – that’s all me!
I appreciate the compliment, really I do. I just wanted to make sure that credit is given where it is due.
I have looked at it several times, but have only read fragments.
Here’s where the needy side of Troy comes out. Oh, please, whenever you stop by, please leave a comment, good or bad. You have no idea how much it encourages me, as well as my players, to know that somebody outside our group showed interest. Because of comments like yours, we have started to think of our blog as a kind of serial TV program and our game is the writing (with Wizards of the Coast producing ;)
Don’t forget: Savage Tide with Fire Trolls Feel free to bookmark it. We play most every Tuesday, and I try to have the blog updated by week’s end, but invariably before the next game. Come by and visit often.
And thank you, thank you, thank you for encouraging me and my players!
And, Laurellien, sorry again for co-opting your thread.
I’m not sure where the “choose which NPC dies” came from (Maybe it was Tracer or maybe it was Batman Forever) but I’m sure that’s not original, either.
Just to be nitpicky and a HUGE nerd, It was from "The Dark Knight", which was an awesome movie, while Batman forever made me want to vomit.... just to split hairs.
But yea Ive read some of your blog as well and have been seriously considering adding the fire trolls to the Stap as the inspiration is from an awesome movie.
But back to the Original Topic, I have made Diamondback into Rowyn from SWW and Vanthus is getting a MAJOR overhaul this weekend, probably losing all remnants of aristocrat and who knows what else. Also Avner became an aristocrat/rogue in my game as he is now going to be a villian and PC foil...
Woe, hold on. I gotta nip this in the bud. First, I can’t take credit for any ideas. Not a single one could be called original. In fact, I’m not even the original DM in our group. Tracerbullet42 started us out and he left to pursue other interests (a girl) right around the time we hit the Sargasso. I’d been doing the blog almost from the beginning, but that was just reporting what happened in game. Most of my ideas came from him or from you lot on this board. Indeed, some of Tracer’s ideas came from here, as well. There are a few ideas you might call “original” in that I am unaware that they have been applied to the STAP before. I’m referring to the idea I sought help for in another thread regarding bringing Rowyn back as a revenant and modeling her after the character of Nicole Wallace from “Law & Order: CI,” but clearly just the mention of the inspiration demonstrates that it’s not original. I’m not sure where the “choose which NPC dies” came from (Maybe it was Tracer or maybe it was Batman Forever) but I’m sure that’s not original, either.
But isn't that what DM-ing is all about? "Borrowing" ideas and make them your own?
And the enthusiasm, that is the good thing. Because it rubbs off on your players. Then your players inspire you with their game, so that you keep getting new ideas and keep being a good DM.
There's a 'Greater' augmented antagonist? GIMME!
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please?
In due course Laurellien, in due course. I have a hefty bit of 'work' (forum posting) material to do this coming week it would seem ... ^_^
RE: GM'ing Goodness
In generalized agreement with the above posters a "good" GM seems to do two things: (a) excite his/her player group with portrayal of critters, NPCs and villains and (b) has no shame in pillaging ... er "borrowing" anything and everything available to interject into the game. Having a solid grasp of the rules and keeping the game flowing as smoothly as possible are nice added bonuses, albiet some times not possible.
That is what such forums as this can achieve when at their best: inspiring others to achieve at least a bit more than would have otherwise been possible without these 'sparks' of inspiration from others.
But isn't that what DM-ing is all about? "Borrowing" ideas and make them your own?And the enthusiasm, that is the good thing. Because it rubbs off on your players. Then your players inspire you with their game, so that you keep getting new ideas and keep being a good DM.
Oh, yeah, I dig it. I just don't want to take credit for anything that wasn't mine - especially since one of you might read the blog and say, "Hey, wait, Luna, that was MY idea, not Troy's. I'm offended and I'm gonna sue. Further, I am going to fart in your general direction - never mind that I might be over-seas from where you are - and send out all sorts of negative vibes to ruin your kharma."
Or maybe I just want you all to know how much I appreciate all that you have contributed to my game.
Either way, thanks!
Oh, and that enthusiasm thing? No doubt! My players have gotten a lot of that from me, but I've gotten a lot from you lot, so thanks again!
So, maybe what I'm saying is, "It's your blog, too." Come on by and see how much of you and your suggestions end up in our story! You might be surprised. And don't hesitate to take credit in the comments section.
RE: GM'ing Goodness
In generalized agreement with the above posters a "good" GM seems to do two things: (a) excite his/her player group with portrayal of critters, NPCs and villains and (b) has no shame in pillaging ... er "borrowing" anything and everything available to interject into the game. Having a solid grasp of the rules and keeping the game flowing as smoothly as possible are nice added bonuses, albiet some times not possible.
That is what such forums as this can achieve when at their best: inspiring others to achieve at least a bit more than would have otherwise been possible without these 'sparks' of inspiration from others.
Thanks, Turnin.
By the way, have I ever mentioned how much your icon creeps me the frack out? Just thought I'd mention it. No offence.
...And Vanthus Vanderboren. If my memory serves me right (which it does as I just looked it up), then death knight gives +3 CR. I was thinking of perhaps giving him the Vampire Lord template. Is this a bad idea? WHat better sorts of undead could I make Vanthus instead so he as at least survivable? Perhaps make him lose Lemorian when he dies?
Back on topic - Hey, I really dig this idea. Especially given some of the subtext of Vanthus and Lavinia discussed elsewhere. Does anyone see a problem with 'Vanthus as Vampire' in the plot of the STAP?
Well, vampire is only a small step away from what he will become in the adventure. So I think this might be possible.
I do not know whether you have used the whole of Tomoachan (the first edition adventure), but there is a vampire in it. Perhaps you could link them.
Well, vampire is only a small step away from what he will become in the adventure. So I think this might be possible.
I do not know whether you have used the whole of Tomoachan (the first edition adventure), but there is a vampire in it. Perhaps you could link them.
Gah! I know there is a lot of great references to classic D&D, but I don’t want put in the effort to research it, mostly because the effort would be lost on my group (as it would be if I was playing) simply because we never played those old modules.
I’m thinking, rather, Vanthus becomes a vampire ala Dracula in the, so called, “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” film, or Strahd von Zarovich – enter into a pact with Evil and become a vampire in the process. This is, essentially, the storyline here anyway. Plus (ooh, you got my juices going now!) this fits in so well with something from our campaign world that could tie the STAP into other campaigns we have done or are yet to be completed.
But, Vanthus Vanderboren the Vampire? I could only make that worse if I made him a viscount!
Well, vampire is only a small step away from what he will become in the adventure. So I think this might be possible.
I do not know whether you have used the whole of Tomoachan (the first edition adventure), but there is a vampire in it. Perhaps you could link them.
Gah! I know there is a lot of great references to classic D&D, but I don’t want put in the effort to research it, mostly because the effort would be lost on my group (as it would be if I was playing) simply because we never played those old modules.
I’m thinking, rather, Vanthus becomes a vampire ala Dracula in the, so called, “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” film, or Strahd von Zarovich – enter into a pact with Evil and become a vampire in the process. This is, essentially, the storyline here anyway. Plus (ooh, you got my juices going now!) this fits in so well with something from our campaign world that could tie the STAP into other campaigns we have done or are yet to be completed.
But, Vanthus Vanderboren the Vampire? I could only make that worse if I made him a viscount!
Personally I love me some death knights.... BUT, and thats a big but, I think a death knight should generally be reserved for a powerful WARRIOR or fallen paladin, etc. Flavorly a sneaky, narcassistic, incestous, haughty, demonoid rogue like Vanthus has no business as a Death knight. Again simply my opinion. I do like the idea of a Vampire though. I like it... I think I'll use it.
So I rebuilt Vanthus and then Vampire Vanthus. There not 100% 3.5 compatible as they reflect some houserules that my group is using such as certain skills being smashed together and that skills become class skills every time you level if they are class skills for any of your classes. Otherwise I think they are good (although there is probably errors, feel free to point them out as I make more mistakes than I could count)
Vanthus Vanderboren the Fiend
Male Lemurian Rogue 5/Fighter 7
Chaotic Evil Medium Outsider (Native)
Init +5, Senses Notice -1; Darkvision 60 ft.
Languages Common, Abyssal
AC 29, touch 18, flat-footed 21 (+7 armor bonus, +5 dex, +3 natural, ring or protection +3, +1 Shield)
hp 124 (5d6+7d10+44); DR 10/magic
Immune Poison Resist Acid, cold , electricity, Fire 10; SR 21
Fort +10, Ref +11, Will +2
Spd 30 ft. (6 squares); Fly 30’ (Average)
Melee +3 Keen Two Bladed Sword +17 (d8+8/19-20 x2)
Full Attack +3 Keen Two Bladed Sword +15/+12 (d8+8/19-20 x2) and +3 Keen Two Bladed Sword +15/+7 (d8+4/19-20 x2) and Tail +8 (d6+1)
Base Atk 10/5; Grp +13
Space 5 ft. ft.;Reach 5 ft.
Atk Options Smite Good
Spell Like Abilities (CL 12)
3/day- Darkness, Poison (DC20)
1/day- Desecrate, Unholy Blight (DC18), Contagion (DC 18), Blasphemy (DC21)
Abilities Str 16 (+3), Dex 21 (+5), Con 18 (+4) Int 12 (+1), Wis 8 (-1), Cha 18 (+4)
SQ Trapfinding, Trap sense +1, Sneak Attack +3d6, Evasion, Uncanny Dodge
Feats Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Two-weapon Fighting, Two-weapon Defense, Improved Two-weapon Fighting, Exotic weapon proficiency (Two Bladed Sword), Weapon Focus (Two Bladed Sword), Weapon Specialization (Two Bladed Sword),
Skills Acrobatics +15, Bluff +15, Diplomacy +15, Forgery +10, Intimidate +13, Jump +12, Knowledge (Local) +10, Profession (Sailor) +8, Sense Motive +8, Swim +12.
Possessions +3 Keen Two Bladed Sword, +3 Mithral Shirt, Masterwork Dagger, ring of protection +3, Amulet of Natural Armor +2, Boots of Speed, Shadow Pearl, 4 Gold Earrings (worth 400 gp each)
Vanthus Vanderboren the Vampire Fiend
Male Lemurian Vampire Rogue 5/Fighter 10
Chaotic Evil Medium Undead Outsider (Native)
Init +11, Senses Notice +19; Darkvision 60 ft.
Languages Common, Abyssal
AC 37, touch 21, flat-footed 28 (+10 armor bonus, +7 dex, +4 natural, ring or protection +4, Shield +2)
hp 225 (15d12 +105); DR 10/Silver and magic
Immune Poison, detect lies, detect thoughts, discern alignment
Resist Acid, cold , electricity, Fire 10, turn resistance +4; SR 24
Fort +18, Ref +18, Will +8
Weakness vampire weaknesses
Spd 30 ft. (6 squares); Fly 30’ (Average)
Melee +4 Keen Flaming Burst Two Bladed Sword +27 (d8+15/19-20 x2) or Slam +22 (d6+9 and Energy Drain)
Full Attack +4 Keen Flaming Burst Two Bladed Sword +21/+10/+11 (d8+15/19-20 x2) and +4 Keen Flaming Burst Two Bladed Sword +21/+11/+6 (d8+10/19-20 x2) and Tail +12 (d6+9) or Slam +22/+17/+12 (d6+9 and Energy Drain)
Base Atk 13/8/3; Grp +22
Space 5 ft. ft.;Reach 5 ft.
Atk Options 1/day -Smite Good (+15 damage)
Spell Like Abilities (CL 12)
3/day- Darkness, Poison (DC20), Unholy Aura
1/day- Desecrate, Unholy Blight (DC18), Contagion (DC 18), Blasphemy (DC21), Unhallow, Horrid Wilting
Abilities Str 28 (+9), Dex 25 (+7), Con --- Int 14 (+2), Wis 10 , Cha 22 (+6)
SQ Trapfinding, Trap sense +1, Sneak Attack +3d6, Evasion, Uncanny Dodge, Blood drain, Dominate (CL 15th, DC 20), Energy drain, Alternate form, Children of the night, Create spawn, Spider climb, Fast healing 5, Unholy Fortitude.
Feats Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Two-weapon Fighting, Two-weapon Defense, Improved Two-weapon Fighting, Greater Two-weapon Fighting, Improved Two-weapon Defense, Improved Toughness, Exotic weapon proficiency (Two Bladed Sword), Weapon Focus (Two Bladed Sword), Weapon Specialization (Two Bladed Sword),
Skills Acrobatics +17, Bluff +25, Diplomacy +17, Forgery +11, Intimidate +15, Jump +17, Knowledge (Local) +11, Notice +19, Profession (Sailor) +9, Sense Motive +17, Search +10, Stealth +17, Swim +17.
Possessions +4 Keen Flaming Burst Two Bladed Sword , +5 Mithral Breatsplate, Ring of protection +4, Amulet of Natural Armor +4, Cloak of Resistance +4, Boots of Speed, Belt of Giant Strength +6, 800 pp, *Contingency- Harm (if reduced to 20hp or less)*
Hope you like them or find any ideas useful :P