Hey guys. So, I'm new to the forums, and I could use a little help with my campaign. I have an overal plan for the campaign, but I need a little advice or constructive criticism on the details.
The campaign is based around the battle between the Dragon Gods Apsu and Dahak. Deities are unable to directly manifest or meddle in the affairs of Golarion due to an unspoken rule that all gods, (Chaotic AND Lawful), must abide. Beings that are nearly deific, or with powers that rival the gods, are technically exempt from that rule. For example: Iomedae hates undead of all kinds, and wants them all obliterated. However, beings like Urgathoa or Zyphus have interests contradictory to hers. Because she is a GODDESS, she is unable to do such things directly. I'm having it be kind of like the price for true godhood. Beings that have not achieved true divinity, (like Demon Lords, Arch Devils, or Empyreal Lords), are able to manifest or directly interfere with the mortal realm. As part of Dahak's plan for Golarion's destruction, he needed an edge or advantage against Apsu and his allies. He was able to circumvent the restrictions placed on him by taking the power of a being who COULD directly influence the world. He went into the dark reaches of the Abyss and swallowed the Demon Lord of Dinosaurs, Zebgavizeb, whole. Using Zevgavizeb's power in concert with his own, Dahak was now free to do as he pleased in the mortal realms. All the other gods became infuriated at this traitorous act, and immediately took up arms to attack him. But, due to their restrictions by the law that still bound them, they were unable to directly challenge Dahak, as he had fled to the mortal realm. They were still able to lend clerics their power, but couldn't actively go to war. Apsu made the ultimate sacrifice; giving up his divinity to directly stop Dahak's advance. Many of the other gods, (even ones like Asmodeus and Norgerber), gave up some of their power to aid Apsu.Their motives may have differed, but many still lended what power they could spare.
The group that I GM for consists of a Celestial Kobold Paladin of Apsu (Bahram), a Black Half-Dragon Elf Conjurer (Skorzah), a gun wielding Syrinx Alchemist (we call him Dumbledore), a Sylph Wind Druid (Shyra), a Animal Lord Elf Ranger (Gwindrath), an Abberant Fetchling Sorcerer (Ixiolander), a Dhampir Ninja (Yoru), and a Samsaran Magi that guides the souls of the dead *(Yorick Morie). Sometimes it's very hard to GM such a large group.
*ripped off of League of Legends.
They encountered a Red Half-Dragon Orc Barbarian who revealed himself as one of five dragon cultists bound to serve Dahak. He also revealed that he was referred to as "The Fangs of Dahak." The other cultists shared similar titles, reflecting the kind of service they gave to their Lord. Aside from the Fangs, there is also the Voice, Claws, Breath, and Eyes of Dahak. Each is a Half-Dragon of the five colors of the evil Chromatic Dragons. After the PCs interrogated him, he somehow managed to teleport away. However, the PCs cut off his wings, rendering him unable to fly until he can have them regenerated.
So far, the PCs have found "Wyrmfang," an ancient dragon-slaying sword, beaten a Tiefling slaver lord of Lamashtu, and are currently laying siege to the Citadel of the Iron Mage, (located a few leagues out of Katapesh). They believe the "Iron Mage" is controlling a bad-turned-neutral Black Dragon named Skarzein, using him to attack Katapesh. The Dragon in question also happens to be Skorzah's father.
I plan on them fighting the mage, clearing the Citadel, and trying to stop Skarzein's attack. I'm planning on them earching for clues about the Dragon Cult and their leader's whereabouts. They will need to hunt down each leader to cripple Dahak's forces, with a few side-quests along the way. Eventually, the magic college they started from in Absalom will send them a letter, saying that the city is under attack. When they arrive, they will find that the city is indeed under siege...by the forces of Dahak. They have to somehow stand against the might of an army of Dragons, Half-Dragons, Kobolds, brainwashed Troglodytes, Orcs, and other "lesser" Dragon-like creatures. I think I might have them somehow rescue Apsu, beating a mortal Avatar of Dahak to banish him from the mortal realms, and take back his stolen power.
Really sorry about the long post...
Any advice or comments would be appreciated. Thanks for reading!
What is Apsu up to right now?
Apsu is currently using all of his power to keep Dahak at bay. He's sort of using himself as a shield over Golarion to prevent Dahak's influence from completely crippling the world. I haven't figured out how I'm going to work him in yet...the Kobold Paladin worships him, though. The PCs have already gotten visions from Apsu offering advice here and there, but the PCs are fighting a battle with no clear goal yet.
Side-quests for (presumably) high level PCs
I'm not so sure if they are advanced or not...they have power above usual PCs of 5th level, but most of that comes from items or added templates. (Half-Dragon, Animal Lord, Half-Celestial, etc)
I do like the ideas...I'm just not sure how to gauge their power yet. I don't want to throw something at them they can't handle, but I still want them to be challenged.
What are the Metallics and imperials up to at this juncture?
The Mallics hav mysteriously vanished from Golarion. I'm thinking they got led into a trap by the Chromatics, and were then imprisoned. I haven't decided about the Imperials yet. The Primal Dragons simply took sides with whomever they wanted.