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I think the title says it all. I'm looking to eventually run the behemoth that is Slumbering Tsar after my first attempt imploded. Starting at 1st level this time, to give the group some time to fit themselves into their characters, so I need something to get them up to 7/8. I was looking at Lost City of Barakus because I like running dungeons, and because it just sounds cool, but Stoneheart Valley is the actual adventures that Greg Vaughan used to get his own players ready. I guess what I want from you Paizonians is an opinion: What would you use, of these two products, to get a party ready for Slumbering Tsar?
I'm starting this behemoth up myself in a few weeks. This thread jas been invaluable in its suggestions and advice. The party is shaping to include:
Hmm, I suppose that it's true that real gods should be untouchable. I don't really want to set off a wave of follow up campaigns of god murder. I suppose then the dragon could be considered to have stolen a small fragment of divine power? Something that makes him rather more formidable than the standard setup. I sadly lack access to the mythic book, so I can't really make use of them. I like the volcano suggestion, and was already thinking along those lines. The addition of the sneaky nook is a good, and evil, touch that will really make my players sweat. Is there anything in particular that could be done to the dragon itself, rather than with environment and setup?
As the title says, I'm looking for how you wonderful forumites might go about turning a plain old great wyrm red dragon into a nasty campaign ending badass of a dragon god. I've already thought about removing his vunerability to cold. Any suggestions? You can assume a party of 6 PCs at lvl 20, with access to Core, APG, UM, and UC.
Korran:
You are certain, judging mostly by smell, that he is in fact intoxicated. Whether this will actually affect his card playing remains to be seen. He swiftly deals out a game of Trumpets, and settles into playing with a grin. It appears that he is enjoying himself. Your hand is passable, but not quite what one might call good. Thankfully, chance is a large part of this game. It takes luck and speed to match up cards in Trumpets, and you have the edge on this sot today. He flips the first cards, and it begins.
Errin:
The herald nods to you as you approach. As you voice your request he starts shaking his head. "The Lord Azaryen has requested that he not be disturbed until later this evening. I believe the Lord Samuel is with him as well. I will pass along your desires, however. Should the Lord deign to speak with you, I will send someone to inform you at once sir." He accepts the package with aplomb, and goes to set it with the appropriate gifts. This strange unavailability is rather unlike Lord Azaryen during public moments. And to blockade himself in his study with his heir? Odd for him. Your musings are interrupted by a bit of overheard gossip. A maid is speaking with another of the house staff in argumentative tones: "I am sure of what Wibley told me! He saw three men skulking about the mine today when the guard changed shifts out there. They weren't familiar to him, and I would think that would mean something to you. Maybe that doxy you keep seeing has given you cloudy eyes, hmm?" Rhys:
The men hop to it as you command them. Despite Mank's commanding presence, Simm is practically hopping mad by the time Johan and Tyryn return with the horses. With everything ready, you make for the Middlefield Copse.
As you travel, Johan asks you "So Rhys, they really want 3 boars for the evening? Do they think it just pops out of the ground or something? I mean, come on. Mank is good, but he's old! Unless the Seven are staring straight at us today, we'll be lucky to get one without losing someone, or any of the dogs. I'd be surprised if we could bag two without blood, but three?! Not on your life." Beatriz: You get the sense that Ser Donnel isn't directing his anger in any one direction, but is rather frustrated by many things. "My Lady, one of my guards informed me of your mood. I believe he said that the Shadowater boy had urged him to see me. I came with haste, as is expected of me. I do my duty, so why can-" He stops himself with a tight jaw. After a moment, it relaxes. "Forgive me, milady. Your Lord Father's choice of guests has me very concerned with the security of the keep. Many of these men tried to kill him during the war, and I don't think he made friends out of very many of them. Despite his assurances to the contrary, I fully expect at least one of them to try something during this celebration. Does this satisfy you?"
Beatriz is his only True Heir. As we discussed earlier, the continuing scandals of our line are mainly based in our House's apparent curse, aka, the usual lack of proper Heirs. This leads to Lords wandering afield to sow their oats, and then reaping what they've sown later in life, should it prove fruitful.
Rhys:
At first you aren't sure whether the old dog heard you, but after a moment, Mank opens his eyes and stares at you for a bit. Perhaps deciding that you are worth his time, he slowly raises himself up from the ground. Standing at full height, he is just above your waist. Was he always this big? Perhaps it has been too long since Mank has been out.
He obviously knows what he's doing, as he simply wanders out from the kennel and starts off to the staging grounds for the hunt. He turns back once, simply staring at you with deep eyes as he waits for you. Korran:
"Cards?! By the Sheven, yesh I'll play cards! Nobodies in this damn town can plays worth a damn 'cept choo, Murshter Korran!" His drunken outburst of joy finished, he sets about sweeping coins from the table, and pulls out the card deck. "So, shall it be Towers, or Trumpets today?" Errin:
The guards simply groan as you inform them of Ser Donnel's supposed failure in his duties. They are obviously not pleased to be caught between their commanding officer and the Lady of the House. Nevertheless, one of them moves off in the direction of the barracks. You can only presume that he is going to do the smart thing and side with his Lady.
As you arrive back at the castle, gifts ready at hand, you note that banners have been hung outside the gates. The last time such colorful things flew here was the birth of Lady Beatriz. The great hall is currently lacking a Lord Azaryen, but the few guests in attendance this early appear to be enjoying themselves despite that fact. Fruit and wine sits out, and you can spy the servants sneaking more than a few bits from both. Beatriz: Goodman Shadowater's slight aside, the gift is quite gorgeous. Of course, you have little time to admire it as Isoude starts into a tirade about respect for the House, and proper action, etc. You've heard it all many times.
Her rant stops as Ser Donnel bursts into the room. He is obviously not happy, but seeing you dressed as a lady for once, he draws up short. He appears rather unsure as to how to proceed for a moment, before choosing the more appropriate path for now. With a stiff bow in your direction, he addresses you formally. "I was told my Lady wished my presence, that I might inform her of matters of stewardship?" The snide tone in which he says the last bit makes it obvious that he isn't very pleased. With what, you aren't sure.
Beatriz:
Your lady in waiting is exceptionally pleased with your looks, though less so with your attempts at needlework. "My dear, you will never be able to repair your future lord husband's attire if you do not at least make a little time for the use of a needle! If you would just dedicate yourself more fully to the arts of a proper lady, then you wouldn't be so worried and embarrassed right now."
Her countenance darkens slightly as you ask about the watch sergeant, but she answers dutifully anyway. "My lady might remember that I have scarcely been able to leave you alone since this dawn when your Lord Father gave you his commands of the day. Truthfully, I could not say for sure." She softens slightly as she notices your state. "If I had to wager though, child, I would think Ser Donnel is at his post as always today. Are you thinking of seeing him, hmm?" Current thoughts are interrupted by the entrance of Errin Shadowater, the protege of Selyrio Brassa, your Lord Father's best kept merchant. He appears to be bearing something gift-like with him. Rhys:
The three men groan more in jest than in genuine dismay, but there is some note of sour feelings there. Who can blame them? Hunting boar is dangerous enough work when a whole party goes out. With only the four of you and the dogs it will require careful steps and a sharpshooter's eye to peg them before they can gore you.
Being the good men they are, the step to the task as you leave. Coming back to the hounds, Aaron approaches you. "Mind you don't get all three coming to you at once, heh? Otherwise you'll end up like your da, drink notwithstanding. As for the dogs, I know you've got your favorites, but old Mank can still take a boar on by himself when he's in the right mind. Talk to him, see if he's up for it, heh? Can't be good to leave him here hunt after hunt. He'll die from uselessness." With that, he goes back to organizing saddle markers and beating sticks. The dogs can tell something is up. They eagerly crowd the kennel gate, all except old Mank in the back. Korran:
You can still hear the calls of housemaids and serving boys as you rush past all involved to escape the hectic day for a moment. Headwater greets with its usual lack of respect or aplomb, but with more smiles than usual this day. The villagers are doing their own decorating, it seems, and with castle banners by the look of it. The maids must be sharing them again. It might need looking in to later.
The inn, by name of Hearth on the Pond, is currently being cleaned up to look more presentable. While you aren't sure that it will actually do anything, it is a nice gesture. The visiting lords themselves will certainly be staying at the castle proper, but many of their knights will likely be staying here, and it can't hurt to try and impress big men with large weapons. Master Brassa is already well on his way to being piss drunk by the time you arrive, and eagerly greets you with fumbling hands. "Ho, Mister-" He hiccoughs rather loudly. "Sorry, I mean Maester Korran! Well met on this grand day! Did you know that the innkeep has several bottles of prime cherry cordial stored away here? I was never told! I have in fact already enjoyed several glasses, and I can say it is excellent! Care for some?" He picks up the bottle and glass next to him with great care, as though pickled already. You aren't sure how much the rest of his manner is an act, but you know from past experience that his wavering hands are certainly a lie. The man could probably palm a coin while dead drunk and still pull it from some farm boy's ear. Errin: Thankfully the gate captain knows you well by now, and you pass with little fuss. You are certain that the clothes helping you look like you belong here speeds things along as well. Hard for someone to stop you when you look more important than them, yes?
As you enter the yard, the Maester of the House breezes by you with apparent haste, gone before a word can be said. At least now your master will have deserving company in his games. Off the the east end of the yard you hear the barking of dogs, certainly from the kennels. It appears that someone is going hunting today, as they all seem very excited. The three men readying four horses on the west end of the yard seem rather less excited than the dogs to be going anywhere. Perhaps they are hunting something dangerous? The guards allow you entrance to the keep itself with nary a wayward glance. Once inside, a passing maid directs you to the Lord's council chambers as the current whereabouts of the Lady Beatriz. An odd place for a Lady to be staying, but this young heir is far from the fancily dressed traditional young woman of Westeros. She has a bit of fire in her. It doesn't take long to wind your way through the great hall and into the council chambers. Sitting by the window is Lady Beatriz Azaryen, bearing all the hallmarks of a true Targaryen. With her is Isoude, her lady in waiting.
The days leading up to Lord Barric Azaryen's uncharacteristic 45th nameday celebrations have been harried to say the least. Greystone Keep itself has been a whirlwind of party planning, and only just now have the invitation responses been received. From the looks of things, it will be a gathering not only of old friends, but enemies as well. In the hamlet of Headwater, just down the road from the keep itself, the townsfolk have been busy as well. Having announced a full tourney to take place, fields have been cleared for a jousting arena, as well as an archery range. The spirits of his people ride high at the moment, and it feels like a grand day is approaching. Beatriz:
Your father has spent the morning of his nameday locked away inside his study, tending to you know not what. He advised you to be on your best behavior today, and the look he gave you was enough to suggest that he meant ladylike behavior. He has procured a new dress for you to wear this day, one more fitting to your current form. It shimmers in the sunlight, golden silks accented by violet sashes and ribbons. It must have cost quite a bit. Say what you might about the man, but he still dotes upon his daughter in his own way. His connections with that Braavosi merchant seem to have produced fruit this day.
You have been left free until the evening meal, when all the guests should have arrived. Your maid fusses continually over you, worrying that the 6 hours left won't be enough, but surely that will be time enough to do something more nerve-calming before you have to be trussed up for your father, right? Korran:
Lord Azaryen's celebration preparations have been going well to plan. At least, as well as you can organize them. You have been playing the role of acting steward at the moment, as Donnell, the current steward, took ill with fever only yesterday. While you expect him to recover soon, the concoction you gave him to lower his fever has unfortunately knocked him clean out as well. Given your sweeping general knowledge of the Keep's day to day operations, Lord Azaryen appointed you to handle things. Best not to disappoint, hm?
For now at least, things are well in hand, and you seem to have a bit of free time until the evening. Perhaps you could find a game of dice in Headwater? Or maybe track down that Braavosi the Lord seems so fond of and have a game of cards with the slick fingered man? Errin:
Your master has been in a grand mood since your return to Azaryen lands. That fancy dress he had bought in the house's colors tickled the fancy of Lord Azaryen enough to pay full price for it. That, and the invitation to dine in the castle tonight, have brought his spirits to a peak.
At the moment, Selyrio Brassa, master trader, is stuffing himself full of chicken and wine at the inn, and stuffing his pockets with pennies and stags from gambling while he eats. He is rather less than fit to pay his visit to the castle quartermaster as he usually does upon his return trips here. Perhaps it would be best if you went in his stead? Not that you have to rush. You have a few hours to yourself for once. Why spend them all doing his bidding? Rhys: For once in his lifetime, Aaron is up before you are. He doesn't say anything as you start checking the dogs, like usual. Even they seem to be more chipper. Perhaps they sense that they will actually get some real use during this celebration.
Once you finish with the hounds, Aaron simply waves you off. Apparently, he'll be handling the planning of the hunt for now. You're sure that he'll ask for your help tomorrow, when the hunt is actually scheduled. Of course, that also means that you spend the next few hours with the beaters and bowmen drilling them not only on hunting etiquette but on proper technique. When noon finally arrives, you're quite sure that at least they won't embarrass you or Aaron tomorrow. Whether they'll be useful is something else entirely. Just when you think that you'll have some time to yourself, Aaron hands off a note to you with an apologetic look. A quick read reveals it to be from the castle kitchen master, requesting more boar meat for the meal tonight. And not just a bit, no, he wants a full 3 hog's worth! You have plenty of time, but it might be nice to have help. Maybe this is a good chance to let some of the others be tested instead?
Dawn greets the walls of Greystone Keep with its golden light as preparations begin for the celebration of Lord Azaryen's 45th nameday. Given their Lord's dour demeanor at the best of times, it came as somewhat of a surprise to hear his announcement that a celebration would be held at all. Still, the smallfolk will take any chance to rejoice in pleasure than slave in the fields.
Got called to work extra hours this weekend, sorry. Monday I should have it up. Hopefully it pleases. I've never been the best homebrewer. I'll work in crom and michaelane whenever they appear. If I knew this system better, I would make alterations to allow heavy armor to more appropriately rule the battlefield, but for now I'll leave it as is.
Actually, if we have such a Valyrian name, I'm assuming we're practically cousins to them at this point. Nowhere near important enough to merit high station, but apparently connected rather well. Heck, we took a name from them. I can't see why not. I'm still putting a few things together, but I think we can expect to start by the end of the week. As for family: Lord Barric Azaryen, lord of Greystone Keep, protector of the Silver Hills and their environs. A staunch supporter of the Targaryens, his father fought alongside Barristan Selmy and Aegon V during the War of the Ninepenny Kings. The madness of Aerys II did little to deter him from pursuing a closer relationship with the Targaryens, and his loyal service was rewarded with a lesser member of the house for a wife. His success in birthing an heir proved a turning point for the house, however. Robert's Rebellion was not a good time for the house. Situated amongst many of the rebel riverlords, he saw their lands plundered or ruined until naught but Greystone Keep remained within his hands. He would have fought until the bitter end were it not for his first child being recently born. At the behest of his wife, he bent the knee, and took Robert's pardon. It wounded his pride far more greatly than he lets on. Now with his lands diminished almost to nothing, his wife dead, and his only child a daughter who would rather play at swords than find a suitable husband to empower the house once more, he is a nearly broken man. Only his staunch his stubborn warrior's pride, and his belief that his house can rise again, have kept him going. Recent scandal, resulting from some of his earlier indiscretions in life, have seen the arrival of his bastard son, Samuel Waters, from the southern Riverlands to take a place in the house. Unwilling to let the house go from Azaryen hands, he has named Samuel the heir to the house seat. With an heir at least part his own blood, and the recent iron veins found within the silver mine nearby, he hopes he can turn the tide of his house's fortunes.
I think I was just searching for hard numbers, and found a sliding scale instead. Let's just try and move on, shall we? UF, you'd be surprised. The last maester I played used nearly all of his money on his tonics, herbs, etc. They can be really expensive. Given that our house is a small minor one, I can see our Lord liking his loyal servants enough that Status 3 isn't a problem. A maester commands somewhat more respect than a common merchant or man at arms though, so they have a bit easier access to higher levels, let's say. If somebody wishes to play someone less directly connected, or simply more mercenary but currently involved with the house, then the standard status 2 is fitting. Now, I go to bed. I return tomorrow! Pocsalypse, 7d6 for partition!
Ok, I've been going over it, and I think I see it your way now. I was assuming that the staus of an heir investment was their maximum status, but it's actually their minimum status. So, I'm sorry for getting grrr on you Azaelas. Let's set it this way then: Irnk: you may have up to status 4, to match your lord father, if you wish. UF, as a maester serving a minor house, you may have up to that status as well. People filling important roles in the house, such as master at arms, master of the hunt, sworn sword, etc, may have up to status 3. I would be ok with a merchant that faithfully serves the house's interests to have status 3 as well. Can that work?
All very true, but there is one important fact here: I'm going by the Influence table in House Creation, which gives our House a maximum status of 4, which is attached to our Lord. The other table is not even something I'm considering. If we were playing a group of knights, vagabonds, mercenaries, anything unconnected to the trials and tribulations of a single noble house, then I'd be using the standard table. But we chose to make our own, and as such our Status, and that of those who serve us, and indeed the rest of the world, is determined by the ranking of their Influence score. End of story.
I know this might not jive with the way the mechanics present the world, but I just cannot see a merchant having the same status as a great house. No way. To me, at least, status is part of how far you've come playing the game of thrones. That game is for nobles, and they don't share well. The status of a noble family can rise to great heights because they have the ability to command the respect of other nobles by virtue of vlood. The rest of westeros only gains status through great toil and hard earned respect via their craft, and are unlikely to rise to the lofty heights that tje great houses occupy themswlves. Now, piggybacking your way up the tree on the bacj of a house can merit you grand status by virtue of association, but nothing like a 7.
To answer a question asked in person: I havem't banned the abikity to drop a skill to 1 to gain more skill xp, but you can only drop one. It should be something that will actually impact your character. Similar rules for the Flaw drawback: pick a skill that will actually impact your character. A knight with no stealth or subtlety picking Thieving as his Flaw is not kosher.
Remember that the archetypes are a guide to character building, not the letter of the law. A note for character Status: Your Lord is Status 4, the Heir is Status 3 because that's the minimum she can be. The rest of you guys should pretty much be Status 2, because the house isn't important enough for its servants to have any status beyond a freeman. I think it fits well for the house to have Counter Ermine then. Ever since we betrayed our lords to the Targaryens, our luck with heirs is terrible. We won the field of battle to defeat our foes, but our house has struggled to stay in our family's hands since then. Some might say we are cursed...
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