Allustan

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My group has recently acquired some of the magic items from the Library of Last Resort, many of which were too large to use for medium sized characters or of the wrong kind for the wielder (e.g. no one in the party can wield the +1 keen scythe, and the Titan's adamantine hammer is Huge).

In order to tailor the items so that they may be used, the party's wizard thought to combine "Dispel Magic" and "Polymorph any Object" on the items. Since the polymorph doesnt work on magic items, he could dispel the magic from the item while he cast the polymorph to alter it. Thus making the +1 keen sycthe a +1 keen greatsword (or whatever), or a suit of Large magic armor a suit of Medium magic armor.

Taking it a bit further, characters who wanted to wear a ring of invisibilty but didnt want to give up the finger item slot thought to turn the item into a circlet of invisibility, or broach of invisibility.

I dont see a problem with the characters doing this, and its just the kind of thing I would expect high level parties to be doing. Also, I dont see a problem with the game mechanics, either. Eventually, the party has their hands on so many items they would need to find some way to "retro-fit" them for their use, rather just...taking them to market.

What do you guys think? Has this happened with your group, or have they found some other way to use their "spare" magic items. Do you think its broken that a high level wizard can do this and, other than the spell components (which total no gold value), should it be done with no cost of gold or experience?


I learned a new word today: Triptych. It means "a work consisting of three painted or carved panels that are hinged together", which isnt at all how its used in Richard Pett's "The Prince of Redhand". I love the adventure and it is without a doubt one of (if not the) absolute best adventures in the Adventure Path. But still, I wonder...why Triptych?

Was the Well initially supposed to be three-sided, mirroring the idea of it being built for a group consumed with the idea of a Triad. Was it an author error? Or maybe Im missing something.

Either way, its certainly another thing I can actually say Ive learned solely because a play D&D. Can anyone else say they actually knew the word "Triptych" before reading this?


Well, after reading issue 135 Im already startin to gear up for the grand finale. Suggestions on a mini that could work for The Wormgod? Being that Kyuss is a Huge creature, I wouldnt be beyond using an action figure for the ordeal, if one was appropriate.


I'm a huge fan of Greyhawk and refuse to DM for any other setting, but something that has always bugged me is the misuse of titles in the world. If Zeech is a Prince, then who is the King? And to what Kingdom?

Can Zeech not assume the role of "King" as it might seem too bold to Iuz, who still holds some sway in the Bandit Kingdoms? It seems a bit demure for the mighty Zeech, ruler of his own lands, to retain the title of "Prince", when surely he'd prefer a grander title.

So, why is Zeech still a Prince?


One of my players has recently shown interest in taking the "Mage of the Arcane Order" prestige class and I would like a little more information to provide him with to flesh-out that section of his character. Being something of a "hawker", I know of the Grey College, but their is little source information for that group that I have found.

So, a challenge to the other Hawkers out there...name some of the Arcane Orders (other than The Eight) in Greyhawk and detail what is known of them (and what sources might be used to research them).

Thanks for the help!


My group has nearly finished the HoHR and will soon be entering the The Champion's Belt. After re-reading the adventure in an attempt to polish off some the finer points of the plot, I have a few questions concerning the adventure's continuity. If youve already ran this section of the adventure path let me know how this went for you, or how you plan to approach these problems when you come across them.

1. Raknian decides to assisinate the players for their destruction of the Ebon Triad cell (they may know something about his dealings with cultists) and because they apparently murdered his friend Theldrick. Seeing that he purchased the Apostolic Scrolls ties him to the whole Kyuss/Age of Worms thing, but it doesnt show the players why he wanted to assasinate them, and Im sure my players will want to know ALL about that. Am I missing something?

2. There are a couple of doors leading from the understructure into Raknian's home. My players will naturally want to explore that area as well, assuming that their will be more clues/villians/treasure beyond those doors. How did you deal with the problem of nudging the players away from breaking and entering into Raknian's home?

3. Im sure that my party will go scouting the understructure at night, and in doing so, will eventually defeat Zahol. Then, theirs the Ulgurstasta. Once its released from its slumber, the script states the creature is unable to escape room 32. It has a 20ft reach, but the hallway leading to room 28 is 25ft long, which means it can use of any of its melee attacks against the party. It can use its breath weapon once, and then continue with its tendril attack which has a 40ft reach. All of the archers in the party have magic ranged weapons, so its not impervious to their attacks. Ultimately it would be a short fight if my party trades blows with it in this manner. This means the Ulgurstasta would want to bust into the arena floor to improve its fighting chances. What happens then? That would probably alert any guards that werent complete morons (ultimately disqualifying the players from the last round of the games), and make things a little akward as the arena staff inspects to see where this gaping whole came from the next morning. All in all, the adventure would take a horribly akward twist if this fight goes ahead as written. Suggestions?


I have confidence in my players. They're all veterans. They're crafty. They have a strong knowledge of the rules. They're fair. And they're gonna get creamed by Zyrxog.

With his impossible-to-beat spell resistance, DC 23 mindblast, DC 19 suggestion ability, ability to planeshift, and strong balance of offensive and defensive spells, it just doesn't seem possible that my players (who will be 9th level at the time) are going to defeat him.

In this case, how did some of you who have already played this section of THoHR handle the scenario of a TPK?


Why would the players decide to destroy Ilthane’s egg?

The module alludes to the idea that the players will want to defeat the draconic kobolds and destroy Ilthane’s egg. However, the only arrangement prescribed as part of the peace treaty with Hishka is one involving the players “killing or chasing off the current king and lieutenant” and to have the characters act as an ambassador on behalf of the Twisted Branch tribe to the Free City. Why then, after the players defeat them both and rescue the captives, would they continue further into the home of the lizardmen? Furthermore, if they did continue into the Twisted Branch’s nursery, what would motivate the characters to strike/ignite/freeze/cast remove curse, remove disease, or....pour silversheen on the egg?

Its seems that Mr. Reynolds included this tidbit for a good reason (the encounter with the spawnlings), but I’m certain its something my players just won’t do. They’re more likely to try and take the thing to sell than just hack at the egg of (what they think to be) an unhatched dragon.

If you’ve already finished Blackwall Keep, tell us what your players did in the scenario. If you haven’t, let us know how you plan on dealing with what could be a “hollow encounter.”


In the Three Faces of Evil, the adventurers ultimately defeat the Ebon Triad cultist cell in the Dourstone mine below Diamond Lake. Emerging battered and victorious, the players are quickly tackled by an onslaught of political power struggles on a playing field of intrigue and deceit? What next?

Would Smenk be prosecuted for his crimes of providing services to the evil cult? Smenk, being awfully persuasive, seems to have little trouble bending laws, especially when the local law enforcement is less than vigilant about enforcing them.

What of Dourstone? Does he face the same fate as Smenk, or do his ties with Ebon Triad make him fearless to the petty threats from the bunch of small local politicians.

If both mine managers are taken from Diamond Lake's power struggle, how does the power shift change? How does it affect the players? How do the other mine managers and governor-mayor divide the extreme profits left by the estates of Smenk and Dourstone?

What of the struggle between Dourstone and Smenk? The Ebon Triad probably wont be pleased to learn that Smenk was less than faithful to their agreement, and would certainly want him removed for his knowledge of their activities.

Some of you have already passed this conflict resolution in your own campaigns, and others will have to deal with it soon. Tell us how you will or have dealt with situation, and if you thought it was succesful.