Way of the Wicked Book 2 advice

[Narcolepta]

Hey everyone, I've been running WotW for about two months and my group LOVES it. But I have an issue that I'd like advice on.

They took the Horn and everything, cleared it out, and they've been rebuilding/restocking/entrenching. During this time, they figured out the trick to the teleporter thrones. They already knew the passwords "Yah" and "Rah," so the cleric sat down in one of them and just started going down the alphabet: "Ah, Bah, Cah, Dah..." until he hit "Vah," which sent him to the lost teleporter *that they shouldn't know exists.*

Long story short, it caused some issues involving the angel-snake-lady and her entourage, and the PC's decided to destroy that chair. So now, the Harkon invasion force (week 12, event 7) is thrown off entirely, as that chair is integral to them getting in and causing problems.

I have two ideas.

One is to say that there's simply another teleporter somewhere with a password similar to "Nen" password that the magic circle on floor 3 uses, and they use that to get in.

The other is that when Harkon finds information about the chairs, he also finds out how to fix them when they are broken, given enough time, money, and the craft wondrous item feat.

I'm leaning a bit toward the latter, because that tidbit of information is actually something they've been trying to figure out.

Then again I could just say that the incursion force is SOL and they need another way in.

What do y'all think?

[Mathwei ap Niall]

The teleporter is a nice way for them to invade and attack but not necessary depending on how well the PC's have defended the other entrances.
Swap out one of the clerics spells for a decent infiltration spell and have them use that to get in and out.

[Narcolepta]

Any ideas on a good infiltration spell? They have the other entrances pretty well covered. We're talking iron doors, superb locks (DC 40), pit traps, skeleton archers behind murder holes, and a wandering incorporeal being with lifesense 60. They've actually posted the vast majority of their defenses on the entrances, which is why I was excited to see that the book actually had a plan to bypass them.

[Mathwei ap Niall]

Gaseous form + Hide from Undead, or just a good Rogue with Hide from Undead and/or Invisibility Sphere. The rogue currently with the party can open those locks with a decent set of lockpicks and taking 20. Easier thing to do is simply pour acid over the lock and push. They aren't trying to leave the place intact.

Simply use the same tactics against them that they use against you and relax. If they give you any issues with it just say do you not want this tactic to work the next time they try to use it?

[wolaberry]

A wand of fly, some invisibility and a determined group can get to any of the three entrances. An inquisitor is not above subterfuge to meet his goals. He could intercept a supply run from Farholde and impersonate some minions. that would allow him and a small group to get inside easily. The bogards probably can't tell humans apart anyway. The disguises are truly tested if the "minions" encounter a cohort or PC.

With this plan, Harkon tries to maintain the ruse as long as possible before striking. If he is smart / lucky he can get one or more people out with sensitive info. That puts the PCs on a desperate search, trying to find the scout before he can reach town and rat them out. If the PCs aren't catching on, start having minions turn up dead. Harkon does not know his every spell will be detected in the sanctum, so the PC's will notice eventually.

[wolaberry]

A diligent group who takes time to survey the surrounding woods could stumble over the lost throne but it isn't likely. As teleporting does not work (until it has to for Eric and Richard), that entire class of spells is off the table. Surveillance could work, Harkon has his men monitor who comes and goes for a few days, waits until a large portion are gone and attacks.

He could go as far as creating trouble. Sniping bogards, stealing supplies, setting traps. A celestial flying round outside should get the PC's undivided attention. If they see one fly south into the woods they will probably follow it. That either lets harkon take out the group that investigates the celestial (even if it is only an illusion this works as the party has no reason to disbelieve). Or he takes advantage of the reduce troop presence in the horn and attacks.

[Grollub]

I wouldnt throw in an extra "teleport throne" .. your players were pretty smart to figure that command word out, reward them on that part.

hmm, as to Harkon's attack.

If the group does have the horn all locked up tight, with no way in, Harkon would probably have to scout for a few days, once he finds out the throne doesnt work.

Unless they have stockpiled food for the entire time and intend to "turtle" they need to have supply runs. Which means Harkon sees comings and goings, and a target.

You could ambush the supply runs.

The illusion/ decoy leading into an assault could work too.

I would also consider adding someone to Harkon's group who can pick lock/bypass locked door.. and attack at the upper level. All you really need to do is penetrate 1 level, and have the group get to a throne to teleport to another level to renew a rear assault.