paizo.com Recent Posts in Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)paizo.com Recent Posts in Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)2012-11-15T22:14:47Z2012-11-15T22:14:47ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Neil Spicer (Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#162009-10-14T14:41:16Z2009-10-14T14:41:16Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">NSpicer wrote:</div><blockquote> I'll note that you've called it Falcon's <i>Hallow</i>. And you go on to do it several more times throughout your submission. Clearly, you mean Falcon's Hollow... </blockquote><p>I have to come back and offset this comment a bit. I just noticed the original PFS Open Call for #43 also erroneously called it Falcon's <i>Hallow</i> rather than Falcon's Hollow. ;-)
<p>—Neil</p>NSpicer wrote:I'll note that you've called it Falcon's Hallow. And you go on to do it several more times throughout your submission. Clearly, you mean Falcon's Hollow...
I have to come back and offset this comment a bit. I just noticed the original PFS Open Call for #43 also erroneously called it Falcon's Hallow rather than Falcon's Hollow. ;-) --NeilNeil Spicer (Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut)2009-10-14T14:41:16ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Asgetrionhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#152009-10-14T01:24:31Z2009-10-14T01:24:31Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">yoda8myhead wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Asgetrion wrote:</div><blockquote> some Pathfinders (especially if from Cheliax) might be Neutral or even Evil.</blockquote><p>Maybe in non-organized play games, but in PFS no one is allowed to be of an evil alignment.
<p>And the major artifact can be retrieved at any tier, because it won't be on anyone's chronicle. It goes to the Society for research or hoarding in the vault. </blockquote><p>Ah, you're absolutely correct; my bad! I'm almost tempted to admit that this shows how well I know the PFS rules, but then again, I'm a Chelaxian — we break the rules all the time! ;)yoda8myhead wrote:Asgetrion wrote: some Pathfinders (especially if from Cheliax) might be Neutral or even Evil.
Maybe in non-organized play games, but in PFS no one is allowed to be of an evil alignment. And the major artifact can be retrieved at any tier, because it won't be on anyone's chronicle. It goes to the Society for research or hoarding in the vault. Ah, you're absolutely correct; my bad! I'm almost tempted to admit that this shows how well I know the PFS rules, but then again, I'm...Asgetrion2009-10-14T01:24:31ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Zizazathttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#142009-10-13T20:09:02Z2009-10-13T20:08:58Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">NSpicer wrote:</div><blockquote>Your response above comes across as sarcastic to me, and runs the risk (fairly or unfairly) of painting you as someone who doesn't accept feedback very well. But in your earlier replies, you do appear to desire and appreciate feedback. So, in the interests of that, I'm going to offer some as well...because I think you had the seed of a good idea in this scenario proposal. I just think your execution and communication of that idea didn't come across very well.</blockquote><p>It is not an easy thing to realize something you though was thought out and rational is actually a steaming pile.
<p>I very much appreciate all the feedback, and hope to make my next submission stronger for it. You took quite a bit of time to break everything down in serious detail, and I thank you.</p>NSpicer wrote:Your response above comes across as sarcastic to me, and runs the risk (fairly or unfairly) of painting you as someone who doesn't accept feedback very well. But in your earlier replies, you do appear to desire and appreciate feedback. So, in the interests of that, I'm going to offer some as well...because I think you had the seed of a good idea in this scenario proposal. I just think your execution and communication of that idea didn't come across very well.
It is not an easy...Zizazat2009-10-13T20:08:58ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Neil Spicer (Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#132009-10-13T20:05:24Z2009-10-13T18:43:52Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Zizazat wrote:</div><blockquote> Yes, you are correct. Shame on me for not assuming that a party of good aligned PCs would slaughter an NPC in an encounter without any provocation, proof, or even at that point suspicion of anything. How quaintly naive of me. :) </blockquote><p>I read through your submission and the feedback others have given. Your response to yoda8myhead (aka Mark) prompted me to chime in. Your response above comes across as sarcastic to me, and runs the risk (fairly or unfairly) of painting you as someone who doesn't accept feedback very well. But in your earlier replies, you do appear to desire and appreciate feedback. So, in the interests of that, I'm going to offer some as well...because I think you had the seed of a good idea in this scenario proposal. I just think your execution and communication of that idea didn't come across very well.
<p>I'll take your submission piece by piece and offer commentary for you. Please keep in mind, I'm only giving feedback because you asked for some. Any criticism I might have about your proposal is only about your proposal...not you as a person. So please don't take anything I might say personally or as a negative reflection on you as a hopeful freelance author.</p>
<p><b>Feedback:</b>
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>In short, I think it's really cool that Paizo gives new authors a chance to jump into game design with short, succinct PFS scenarios. It's a good training ground...and, in some ways, even harder than large adventure design...because the small word-count (both in the 750-word proposal and the 7,000-word adventure) and 4-hour scenario limitations force you to hone things down to the brightest, most-polished piece you can produce. I'd liken it to the difficulties in crafting a great shortstory vs. a novel. Anyone can ramble on and on and fill out a book. But, writing a compelling, entertaining shortstory is often a far greater work of art.</p>
<p>My two-cents,
<br />
—Neil</p>Zizazat wrote:Yes, you are correct. Shame on me for not assuming that a party of good aligned PCs would slaughter an NPC in an encounter without any provocation, proof, or even at that point suspicion of anything. How quaintly naive of me. :)
I read through your submission and the feedback others have given. Your response to yoda8myhead (aka Mark) prompted me to chime in. Your response above comes across as sarcastic to me, and runs the risk (fairly or unfairly) of painting you as someone...Neil Spicer (Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut)2009-10-13T18:43:52ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Zizazathttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#122009-10-13T17:27:04Z2009-10-13T17:27:03Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Derek Poppink wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
There might be some miscommunication here. You mention in the introduction that "it can become commonly known that Zindul the druid is using an Orb of Storms". If that's commonly known, then of course the players are going to want to intercept a druid they spot wandering the area. Note that most groups will try to obtain proof from conversation before attacking.</blockquote><p>•ashamed•
<p>I thought that wasn't until they arrived in Falcon's Hollow, my bad :)</p>Derek Poppink wrote:There might be some miscommunication here. You mention in the introduction that "it can become commonly known that Zindul the druid is using an Orb of Storms". If that's commonly known, then of course the players are going to want to intercept a druid they spot wandering the area. Note that most groups will try to obtain proof from conversation before attacking.
*ashamed* I thought that wasn't until they arrived in Falcon's Hollow, my bad :)Zizazat2009-10-13T17:27:03ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Derek Poppinkhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#112009-10-13T17:05:52Z2009-10-13T17:05:51Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Zizazat wrote:</div><blockquote>Yes, you are correct. Shame on me for not assuming that a party of good aligned PCs would slaughter an NPC in an encounter without any provocation, proof, or even at that point suspicion of anything. How quaintly naive of me. :) </blockquote><p>There might be some miscommunication here. You mention in the introduction that "it can become commonly known that Zindul the druid is using an Orb of Storms". If that's commonly known, then of course the players are going to want to intercept a druid they spot wandering the area. Note that most groups will try to obtain proof from conversation before attacking.
<p>However, if your intent was that the party encounter an unknown druid early in the scenario that turns out to be the villain later, that makes for a very different encounter. If so, I'd recommend leaving out the "commonly known" phrase and allowing players to speak with the druid. Give him a cover story or have him send the characters on a wild goose chase (potentially a true one like the hobgoblins so Sense Motive won't reveal he's lying). He doesn't have to be evil to oppose the Lumber Consortium, so detect evil won't necessarily call him out.</p>Zizazat wrote:Yes, you are correct. Shame on me for not assuming that a party of good aligned PCs would slaughter an NPC in an encounter without any provocation, proof, or even at that point suspicion of anything. How quaintly naive of me. :)
There might be some miscommunication here. You mention in the introduction that "it can become commonly known that Zindul the druid is using an Orb of Storms". If that's commonly known, then of course the players are going to want to intercept a druid...Derek Poppink2009-10-13T17:05:51ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Zizazathttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#102009-10-13T16:45:23Z2009-10-13T16:45:23Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">yoda8myhead wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
I think the point is that you should <i>never</i> assume player action. Once you state in the adventure what PCs do and don't do, the railroad alarm goes off in people's heads and they stop having fun. Sure, chances might be slim that players jump the rails when they see him the first time, but if they do, the scenario's done. End of story. You must assume that PCs can and will do anything and design around that. </blockquote><p>Yes, you are correct. Shame on me for not assuming that a party of good aligned PCs would slaughter an NPC in an encounter without any provocation, proof, or even at that point suspicion of anything. How quaintly naive of me. :)yoda8myhead wrote:I think the point is that you should never assume player action. Once you state in the adventure what PCs do and don't do, the railroad alarm goes off in people's heads and they stop having fun. Sure, chances might be slim that players jump the rails when they see him the first time, but if they do, the scenario's done. End of story. You must assume that PCs can and will do anything and design around that.
Yes, you are correct. Shame on me for not assuming that a party of...Zizazat2009-10-13T16:45:23ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Joshua J. Frosthttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#92009-10-13T16:33:57Z2009-10-13T16:33:56Z<p>I don't read the emails. I just save the attachment, move the email to the folder from which I reply later, and then review the attachments.</p>I don't read the emails. I just save the attachment, move the email to the folder from which I reply later, and then review the attachments.Joshua J. Frost2009-10-13T16:33:56ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Mark Moreland (Director of Brand Strategy)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#82009-10-13T15:33:03Z2009-10-13T15:32:33Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Zizazat wrote:</div><blockquote>I guess it was on my email and not in the write up itself, but personal feeling is that the Orb should fall in the river during the dam encounter. Zindul would rather trust it going back to Nature's hands than falling into the PCs.</blockquote><p>Given that fact, I would also suggest that the submission be self contained in the future. If you can't get all the information you want to tell Josh in the 750 word count of the document, you need to revise the document, not add additional information in the body of the email.
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Zizazat wrote:</div><blockquote>I'm still not sure why showing the player's their adversary before they are supposed to realize that he's the guy they are looking for is such a problem. And again, anything but the most liberal interpretation of locate creature to me would fail to find Zindul after they players only (likely) observe him from a distance. Just because players <b>want</b> to do something doesn't always mean they should succeed. </blockquote><p>I think the point is that you should <i>never</i> assume player action. Once you state in the adventure what PCs do and don't do, the railroad alarm goes off in people's heads and they stop having fun. Sure, chances might be slim that players jump the rails when they see him the first time, but if they do, the scenario's done. End of story. You must assume that PCs can and will do anything and design around that.Zizazat wrote:I guess it was on my email and not in the write up itself, but personal feeling is that the Orb should fall in the river during the dam encounter. Zindul would rather trust it going back to Nature's hands than falling into the PCs.
Given that fact, I would also suggest that the submission be self contained in the future. If you can't get all the information you want to tell Josh in the 750 word count of the document, you need to revise the document, not add additional...Mark Moreland (Director of Brand Strategy)2009-10-13T15:32:33ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Zizazathttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#72009-10-13T10:16:58Z2009-10-13T10:14:31Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">yoda8myhead wrote:</div><blockquote>And the major artifact can be retrieved at any tier, because it won't be on anyone's chronicle. It goes to the Society for research or hoarding in the vault. </blockquote><p>And, on the whole, quite useless to game play if someone where to keep it for some reason. Which is why it was chosen. The idea of sending the Society to actually retrieve it seems like a much stronger hook out of the gate. I guess it was on my email and not in the write up itself, but personal feeling is that the Orb should fall in the river during the dam encounter. Zindul would rather trust it going back to Nature's hands than falling into the PCs.
<p>I'm still not sure why showing the player's their adversary before they are supposed to realize that he's the guy they are looking for is such a problem. And again, anything but the most liberal interpretation of locate creature to me would fail to find Zindul after they players only (likely) observe him from a distance. Just because players <b>want</b> to do something doesn't always mean they should succeed.</p>yoda8myhead wrote:And the major artifact can be retrieved at any tier, because it won't be on anyone's chronicle. It goes to the Society for research or hoarding in the vault.
And, on the whole, quite useless to game play if someone where to keep it for some reason. Which is why it was chosen. The idea of sending the Society to actually retrieve it seems like a much stronger hook out of the gate. I guess it was on my email and not in the write up itself, but personal feeling is that the Orb...Zizazat2009-10-13T10:14:31ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Mark Moreland (Director of Brand Strategy)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#62009-10-13T02:21:01Z2009-10-13T02:21:01Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Asgetrion wrote:</div><blockquote> some Pathfinders (especially if from Cheliax) might be Neutral or even Evil.</blockquote><p>Maybe in non-organized play games, but in PFS no one is allowed to be of an evil alignment.
<p>And the major artifact can be retrieved at any tier, because it won't be on anyone's chronicle. It goes to the Society for research or hoarding in the vault.</p>Asgetrion wrote:some Pathfinders (especially if from Cheliax) might be Neutral or even Evil.
Maybe in non-organized play games, but in PFS no one is allowed to be of an evil alignment. And the major artifact can be retrieved at any tier, because it won't be on anyone's chronicle. It goes to the Society for research or hoarding in the vault.Mark Moreland (Director of Brand Strategy)2009-10-13T02:21:01ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Asgetrionhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#52009-10-13T01:52:40Z2009-10-13T01:52:39Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Zizazat wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Derek Poppink wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
Your introduction and summary need work. The introduction needs to introduce Zindul, the Orb of Storms, and the druid's plan to flood Falcon's Hollow. It also needs to establish why the Pathfinder Society is involved (the Orb of Storms). Pathfinders have no interest in clearing out ruins of unwelcome creatures unless there are fantastic discoveries to be made. That's work for paid mercenaries or benevolent adventuring parties.
<br />
</blockquote><p>I really appreciate the feedback you both provided. I was really unsure how best to spend my 750 words, and the merc work is definitely out of place for the Society.
<p>I felt that it was perfect acceptable, however, to show the PCs the druid early because a) they cannot track him (and I doubt any DM would allow a subsequent locate create spell) and b) a party full of 'good' aligned PCs are going to brutally attack and kill a lone druid walking across an open field without any provocation to do so. Keeping in mind c) that Zindul/DM has the option on dropping a Storm of Vengeance to cover his escape. </p>
<p>It seems though that my vision of this scenario was not expressed adequately enough. While obviously thought trough in great detail, it was not clearly expressed and missed the 'wow!'</p>
<p>Thanks again guys, and hopefully we'll all keep learning! </blockquote><p>I echo what the others said, and I have to say that I don't see the point in having the PCs encounter the druid too early. Also, you're assuming that all PCs are Good-aligned, which is often not the case; some Pathfinders (especially if from Cheliax) might be Neutral or even Evil (like Erik Mona's cleric of Asmodeus).
<p>Now, if the PCs are denied from using their abilities or spells (such as Locate Creature or Charm Person or Detect Evil), the GM •must• do it in a logical fashion — if the players realize that you just "robbed" them of an encounter with the BBEG •no matter what they do or try•, they're going to get VERY frustrated at you (I personally hate this as a player, too). If the druid has to use Storm of Vengeance to escape, you're also risking a TPK, and potentially getting physically assaulted by the players.</p>
<p>I know my own (veteran) players would do the following things:
<br />
1) Try to catch up with the druid and talk to him (using Sense Motive and Diplomacy to discern his motives).
<br />
2) Try to cast Detect Magic and Detect Evil (and potentially Detect Thoughts) without the druid noticing (spellcasters hanging to the back at max. range) to make sure he's who he says he is and not on "shady" business.
<br />
3) Prepare for battle "just in case". </p>
<p>Honestly, I think my players would realize what's going on and consequently this short scene meant to be a "teaser" might turn into the final encounter.</p>
<p>Finally, I have to say that I'm not a big fan of adventures that are built around powerful magic items — is there any particular reason why the druid couldn't have found a stash of Call Lightning and Control Weather -scrolls instead of the Orb? And should the PCs gain this item regardless of their Tier? Because it's way too powerful and valuable for low-level characters, IMO.</p>Zizazat wrote:Derek Poppink wrote:
Your introduction and summary need work. The introduction needs to introduce Zindul, the Orb of Storms, and the druid's plan to flood Falcon's Hollow. It also needs to establish why the Pathfinder Society is involved (the Orb of Storms). Pathfinders have no interest in clearing out ruins of unwelcome creatures unless there are fantastic discoveries to be made. That's work for paid mercenaries or benevolent adventuring parties.
I really appreciate the...Asgetrion2009-10-13T01:52:39ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Zizazathttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#42009-10-12T23:58:45Z2009-10-12T23:58:45Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Derek Poppink wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
Your introduction and summary need work. The introduction needs to introduce Zindul, the Orb of Storms, and the druid's plan to flood Falcon's Hollow. It also needs to establish why the Pathfinder Society is involved (the Orb of Storms). Pathfinders have no interest in clearing out ruins of unwelcome creatures unless there are fantastic discoveries to be made. That's work for paid mercenaries or benevolent adventuring parties.
<br />
</blockquote><p>I really appreciate the feedback you both provided. I was really unsure how best to spend my 750 words, and the merc work is definitely out of place for the Society.
<p>I felt that it was perfect acceptable, however, to show the PCs the druid early because a) they cannot track him (and I doubt any DM would allow a subsequent locate create spell) and b) a party full of 'good' aligned PCs are going to brutally attack and kill a lone druid walking across an open field without any provocation to do so. Keeping in mind c) that Zindul/DM has the option on dropping a Storm of Vengeance to cover his escape. </p>
<p>It seems though that my vision of this scenario was not expressed adequately enough. While obviously thought trough in great detail, it was not clearly expressed and missed the 'wow!'</p>
<p>Thanks again guys, and hopefully we'll all keep learning!</p>Derek Poppink wrote:Your introduction and summary need work. The introduction needs to introduce Zindul, the Orb of Storms, and the druid's plan to flood Falcon's Hollow. It also needs to establish why the Pathfinder Society is involved (the Orb of Storms). Pathfinders have no interest in clearing out ruins of unwelcome creatures unless there are fantastic discoveries to be made. That's work for paid mercenaries or benevolent adventuring parties.
I really appreciate the feedback you both...Zizazat2009-10-12T23:58:45ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Derek Poppinkhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#32009-10-12T20:40:16Z2009-10-12T20:40:16Z<p>Thanks for sharing your submission, Zizazat.</p>
<p>I'd recommend against a phrase from a nursery rhyme as your submission's title. It's not very evocative or heroic.</p>
<p>Your introduction and summary need work. The introduction needs to introduce Zindul, the Orb of Storms, and the druid's plan to flood Falcon's Hollow. It also needs to establish why the Pathfinder Society is involved (the Orb of Storms). Pathfinders have no interest in clearing out ruins of unwelcome creatures unless there are fantastic discoveries to be made. That's work for paid mercenaries or benevolent adventuring parties.</p>
<p>The summary needs to give an overview of the following encounters and describe how they are linked. After reading the submission I could tell that you wanted the party to visit a number of locations around Falcon's Hollow, but I could not tell why they would visit them (and why the order would be sequential).</p>
<p>The storms in the region should be established from the start (it shouldn't require rescuing slaves). I like the idea of using weather as an obstacle throughout the scenario. Work more of this into the introduction and summary as the hook for the submission.</p>
<p>It's probably not a good idea to let the characters see Zindul in encounter b. You can't assume that creative parties won't find a way to close the distance and confront him.</p>
<p>Sincerely,
<br />
Derek</p>Thanks for sharing your submission, Zizazat.
I'd recommend against a phrase from a nursery rhyme as your submission's title. It's not very evocative or heroic.
Your introduction and summary need work. The introduction needs to introduce Zindul, the Orb of Storms, and the druid's plan to flood Falcon's Hollow. It also needs to establish why the Pathfinder Society is involved (the Orb of Storms). Pathfinders have no interest in clearing out ruins of unwelcome creatures unless there are...Derek Poppink2009-10-12T20:40:16ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Elizabeth Leib (RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#22012-11-15T22:14:47Z2009-10-12T20:31:24Z<p>Here are my thoughts.</p>
<p>Intro:
<br />
I would spend some more time on the introduction, devote a few more sentences describing what's to come to really grab the reader's attention.</p>
<p>Druid Crossing:
<br />
Is this an encounter? Just seeing the druid? Also, what if the PCs use magic to track him and follow him (Locate Creature, for example). I like how not all of the encounters are just combat, but it seems like you need something more here.</p>
<p>Gold Falls:
<br />
"There are several different skills that might allow the PCs to realize that the rain alone isn’t making the water rise."
<br />
Be more specific. Which skills?</p>
<p>Wolfrun Hills:
<br />
I'm not clear on where the PCs confront Zindul before the fight in his lair.</p>
<p>Zindul's Lair:
<br />
I would play up the crumbling cliffs, describing how the PCs may find themselves teetering near the edge, surrounding by a pack of wolves. This could make for a very cinematic and exciting scene.</p>
<p>Overall, I like how the storm theme continues throughout the encounters. However, I'm not sure what the villain's motive is. Why flood the town? Fitting all your ideas into a 750 word proposal is hard, but you should try to answer basic questions like this to tie the story together.</p>
<p>Keep writing and good luck on future submissions!</p>Here are my thoughts.
Intro:
I would spend some more time on the introduction, devote a few more sentences describing what's to come to really grab the reader's attention.
Druid Crossing:
Is this an encounter? Just seeing the druid? Also, what if the PCs use magic to track him and follow him (Locate Creature, for example). I like how not all of the encounters are just combat, but it seems like you need something more here.
Gold Falls:
"There are several different skills that might allow...Elizabeth Leib (RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32)2009-10-12T20:31:24ZForums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Rain Rain Go Away (rejected)Zizazathttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k1o0?Rain-Rain-Go-Away#12012-11-15T22:14:47Z2009-10-12T18:43:40Z<p>Rain rain, go away…</p>
<p><b>A.</b> <i>Brief Introduction</i>
<br />
In the waning days of summer Commander Odeber has sent word to the Lodge house. “The time has come once again to clear out the ruins of Northsap, lest any unwelcome creatures get too comfortable before arrival of fall.“
<br />
<b>B.</b> <i>Brief Summary of how PCs proceeded</i>
<br />
Rescuing the slaves from Northsap and escorting them back to Falcon’s Hallow sets the stage to further investigate the strange storm upstream at the Gold Falls. The encounters below are laid out in sequential order.
<br />
If the PCs require a large cudgel to motivate them, then it can become commonly known that Zindul the druid is using an Orb of Storms to aid his plans. The prospect of a powerful magic item can be a carrot for the players, or the Society, to continue onward.
<br />
<b>C.</b> <i>Brief Summary of each encounter</i>
<br />
<b>a.</b> <i>Ruins of Northsap</i>
<br />
When the PCs arrive in the Ruins of Northsap, they will quickly discover that something indeed has taken up residence – Hobgoblins! The Hobgoblins naturally are holding a few slaves, taken on the outskirts of Falcon’s Hollow. The slaves once free tell the PCs that the weather in the Vale has been very hash and unseasonable for several weeks. Torrential rain storms have been raging upstream and the Foam River has been creeping ever upward on Falcon’s Hallow.
<br />
<b>b.</b> <i>Druid Crossing</i>
<br />
While traveling to Falcon’s Hallow the PCs will see Zindul heading south to the dam site. Everyone is crossing a fairly large, open plain. The druid cannot be tracked and if the PCs attempt to follow him at this point, he will quickly lose them.
<br />
<b>c.</b> <i>Falcon’s Hollow</i>
<br />
The town shows signs of serious storm damage. While talking with the townsfolk, the PCs learn that three weeks ago a savage storm rained down on the town with acid rain and lightning bolts. The main logging house on the Foam was totally destroyed by direct lightning strikes, and many of the docks were damaged by acid rain and strong winds. Townsfolk also tell of massive rain storms near the Gold Falls and that seem to rage for days on end. The Foam River is rising daily.
<br />
<b>d.</b> <i>Gold Falls</i>
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Talking with Mierson Berekland and others at the Gold Falls Inn confirms there have been very strong rain storms at the base of the Falls for several weeks, bad for business. The PCs are likely to have traveled through one to get here. A stranger, who did not stay at the Inn was seen at the top of the Falls holding a shiny orb in one hand before the last storm broke. There are several different skills that might allow the PCs to realize that the rain alone isn’t making the water rise.
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<b>e.</b> <i>Dam Site</i>
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Less than half a day down river from Falcon’s Hallow, Zindul has been busy here as well. Rather than making rain, he is building a dam! Along the river bank long, thin earthen bricks are being stacked into the river. There are chunks missing in the nearby hills where the earth has been removed. Zindul has been traveling here, using his Stone Shape spells to transform 15’ cubes of earth into long, thin bricks which are being stacked and placed by several (4-6) brown bears. Between the dam and the torrential rains Zindul means to flood Falcon’s Hallow off the map! At this stage of construction the dam will be fairly easy (2-3 hours) for the PCs to destroy, after the bears have been dealt with.
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<b>f.</b> <i>Wolfrun Hills –Bandits <b>(optional)</b></i>
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When confronted by the PCs Zindul will attempt to flee back to his lair in the Wolfun Hills. The local bandits (about 6-8) know better than to bother Zindul, but he will rely on their nature to ambush his pursuers.
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<b>g.</b> <i>Wolfrun Hills – Zindul’s Lair</i>
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The crumbling cliffs form a grotto which Zindul lives in. He is also living in equilibrium with a pack (4-6) of Dire Wolves who will not be thrilled by the presence of outsiders and attack.
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<b>D.</b> <i>Brief Conclusion</i>
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The PCs cannot completely fail in this investigation, Falcon’s Hallow cannot be flooded off the map as Zindul intends. However there is plenty of leeway to allow the PCs to fail early, or not ‘get it’ and see the extent of their failure/inaction. More buildings can get flooded close to the Foam as the waters continue to rise. Zindul can use the Orb to summon a Storm of Vengeance once a month and plans to attack the town again directly with it which can also be worked into the story at the DM’s discretion, as it has been about one month since the last attack.</p>Rain rain, go away…
A. Brief Introduction
In the waning days of summer Commander Odeber has sent word to the Lodge house. “The time has come once again to clear out the ruins of Northsap, lest any unwelcome creatures get too comfortable before arrival of fall.“
B. Brief Summary of how PCs proceeded
Rescuing the slaves from Northsap and escorting them back to Falcon’s Hallow sets the stage to further investigate the strange storm upstream at the Gold Falls. The encounters below are laid out...Zizazat2009-10-12T18:43:40Z