This adventure (plus the backdrop article on Alhaster) is all in all a wonderful piece that breaks the boundaries of typical adventures. I can't put it down and I must tip my hat to Richard Pett for a great adventure. I think it is a piece of brialliant creativity.
It is truly unique.
But I must say that my party will most likely struggle with it because everything up to this point requires weapons. Go to the evil feast unarmed? Hell no.
Plus, there's no way that the Lawful Good cleric of Heironeous will be able to walk the streets of slavers and bandits, witness the fiendish gestapo, and go to the ball without being arrested, slaying all the city watch, the Blessed Angels, and of course Zeech himself.
This may sound strange, but it's almost too much evil. The feast and the events are too grisly for any Lawful Good character (and I believe I will have two of them in my party) to bear.
Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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A good tactic here is to include an additional scene with Tenser/Manzorian, who is himself lawful good. Perhaps he pulls the like-minded PCs aside and gives them a speech about knowing when is the right time to act, etc. Basically, have him acknowledge that they are going to see some difficult things in Alhaster, and that there will be time to address those things and change them, but that now is the time to keep their eyes on the prize, which is stopping the machinations of the Ebon Triad and Kyuss.
If that doesn't work, let them go crazy fighting everything they want to until they die.
--Erik
I, too, thought it was a great adventure & backdrop. The Blessed Angels are very cool (of course, that could just be the freak in me talking, but I digress), & it was good to finally see a half-orc that could pass for human (in the spirit of 1E). I also liked the whole decadent freakshow, the undead cleric of St Cuthbert, the fate of Bucknard, & the fact that one of the guests is named "Kilraven" (is Pett a fan of the old comic series, by chance?).
One thing I noticed in the party part of the adventure is that it didn't give any details on how to run the bird killing contest. It says Zeech nails 6 birds, but doesn't give ACs for the creatures.
Erik, since there is no telling when the online supplement for THIS issue is going to be available, could you give us Realms players a heads-up about where Alhaster should be in the Forgotten Realms?
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Creative Director
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Oops... It might be hidden somewhere in the text, but it's certainly possible that the birds' AC scores got left out. Corollaxes are from Monster Manual II; they have an AC of 17. That's all you should need to run the contest.
As for the adventure itself, it's probably the most unusual of the Age of Worms adventures; it's this Adventure Path's "Foundations of Flame," in that it's an adventure with relatively little combat that requires other abilities for success (non-combat spells, skills, bards, etc.). If no one in your party has any of these abilities, you should probably consider focusing on the combat sections of the adventure or shortening (or even ommiting) portions of the adventure. The only thing the PCs need to accomplish here is to arrange a meeting with Lashonna, so if you ensure they do that, the rest of the adventure isn't "required" for the rest of the campaign.
Now, that said... if there ARE any characters who enjoy roleplaying encounters or have characters with lots of ranks in Diplomacy or Bluff or Sense Motive, you'd be doing them a great disservice in glossing over this adventure. It gives these characters a chance to finally move into the limelight and "save the day" rather than be supporting role characters who hang back to heal and buff the fighters. Additionally, it answers a lot of questions and introduces a lot of NPCs that will play key roles in the coming adventures, so if you skip "Redhand" you may well be shooting yourself in the foot.
Erik's advice on having Manzorian take aside characters who might not be able to tolerate the goings-on in Alhaster is great. Actually, it's the Chaotic Good characters that you'll have to look out for, I would think, due to Alhaster's overwhelming law and oppression of cruelty. Chaotic Good would be the type to snap and attack everyone in sight. A Lawful Good character will at least have the laws of this land to cling to, even if those laws are suspect, they certainly do keep down petty crime in town! A paladin might be asking himself some serious questions after seeing how a Lawful Evil town's laws can result in less crime than one might see in a neutral or good town...
Can anyone tell me where I might find some detailed info on Longsaddle, the Harpells, and Starmantle?
With the Rapid Reload feat it certainly is. Without, and without a repeating crossbow of your own... not so much. Prince Zeech isn't that interested in fairness.
Hehe...Fairness? After all the PCs have seen up to this point? Psh.
After reading this post, I'm thankful my group's paladin has turned to the path of evil and the ways of the Black Guard, although I do wish I'd run a game one day with characters who can stay good.
With the Rapid Reload feat it certainly is. Without, and without a repeating crossbow of your own... not so much. Prince Zeech isn't that interested in fairness.
I thought there was a rack of MW repeating crossbows for their use? Or are those only for the non-PC guests...
Also, ya think Zeech might be offended if the mage starts casting Cat's Grace or Haste before the event?
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Creative Director
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With the Rapid Reload feat it certainly is. Without, and without a repeating crossbow of your own... not so much. Prince Zeech isn't that interested in fairness.I thought there was a rack of MW repeating crossbows for their use? Or are those only for the non-PC guests...
Also, ya think Zeech might be offended if the mage starts casting Cat's Grace or Haste before the event?
I know at one point the entire rack was of repeating crossbows... which makes it easier for everyone to have a chance at winning. We don't have our office copies of this issue yet so I can't confirm that's the case. I do know the last time I looked at the adventure they were all repeating crossbows though...
I don't think Zeech'd be particularly be offended at people casting spells before the event, although he might mock the person for not trusting his inate abilities and his reliance on augmentations.
I don't think Zeech'd be particularly be offended at people casting spells before the event, although he might mock the person for not trusting his inate abilities and his reliance on augmentations.
On the topic of Zeech, how'd he fall? (I mean he WAS a Paladin 8.) I didn't see much on it in either Prince of Redhand nor the writeup on Alhaster.
Or is that something that is yet to be revealed?
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Creative Director
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I don't think Zeech'd be particularly be offended at people casting spells before the event, although he might mock the person for not trusting his inate abilities and his reliance on augmentations.On the topic of Zeech, how'd he fall? (I mean he WAS a Paladin 8.) I didn't see much on it in either Prince of Redhand nor the writeup on Alhaster.
Or is that something that is yet to be revealed?
It's in the subtext of the adventure; basically, Lashonna's advice and influence caused him to turn his back on Hieroneous and embrace Hextor.
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Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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Plus (at least in my original thinking) he was merely the latest generation of a line of increasingly indolent lords who existed at the extreme east of the Shield Lands, and consequently had to be a lot more pragmatic. In such an atmosphere Zeech perhaps always approached his paladinhood a bit lazily, if earnestly in the beginning. But the compromised world around him, riddled with the river traffic of the bandit kingdoms and the real politik of Nyrond and the Urnst States, forced him to view the world in shades of gray, rather than in black and white. Add in the fact that he is mentally unhinged and you've got a perfect storm.
When Zeech talks about "liberating" the kingdom 20 years ago, he's talking about "rescuing" it from the benevolent lawful good (albeit arrogant) Shield Lands. He is not just a fallen paladin, but a traitor to his knighthood and to his country's proud tradition of solidarity and nobility.
--Erik
My latest Dungeon copy FINALLY arrived yesterday (Jan 5th) instead of its expected arrival time before Christmas so I don't mind saying I was thoroughly annoyed and nearly ready to voice a strongly worded complaint (even taking into account holiday mail traffic). Anyway, it finally arrived and last night I ravenously read through the Prince of Redhand. When I read the adventure background and synopsis I breathed a disappointed sigh. My players, despite their veteran years, are very combat oriented and I imagined this adventure was going to be a snore. What's so exciting about attending a party filled with a bunch of excentric, creepy guests (and host)? After reading it though I have to give Richard Pett major props. This is one of the best adventures I've ever read. It's so ... different and interesting. Forcing PCs to use some of their more subtle skills is great. And it's one of the few adventures that gives bards a chance to be even moderately useful (I think bard is a rather silly class, but that's another topic). Anyway, I'm very excited to run this adventure and am now anxious for the party to move on from the earlier adventures already. As I've mentioned on other threads the real benefit, IMO, to using adventure paths or really any published adventure is to flavor your own campaign with ideas, tactics and plotlines that are completely different (and often better) than a DM's own. The Prince of Redhand is a perfect example of this. I never would write an adventure like this nor even think to run my PCs through it, but I'm really glad Mr. Pett did. It's a great adventure and I can't wait to run it!
P.S. I too became a little nervous during the reading that the party events were a bit "too evil", creepy and twisted for your average good character to stomach but then I reasoned that *that* is what makes the whole scenario difficult. The characters have a job to do and it isn't to overthrow Alhaster and kill every wicked thing in sight. Really, haven't we all been in situations where we had to endure someone we loath in order to accomplish a task (although hopefully not to the extent that's laid out in the adventure)? Anyway, I do like the suggestion of having Tenser give the party a heads-up to stay focused on the task but I regard the offensiveness of the entire town atmosphere and the grotesque party events as the ultimate *challenge* of this adventure. What fun!
Anyone in FR thinking that Redhand should be the missing kingdom Erlkazar from the Lands of Intrigue boxed set?
Don't know. If you read the Erevis Cale trilogy, you will see that Starmantle has a "feel" very close to what I have read so far on Redhand. It is crawling with all kinds of humanoids and its leadership (barely present) seems to be quite evil and corrupt. So I would stick to Eric's suggestion.
Bocklin
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Creative Director
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Having to cope with the overwhelming evil of Alhaster without trying to kill everyone is certainly one of the major themes of this adventure. Likewise, having to cope with the overwhelming law of the place should cause problems for chaotic characters. (Why is it that law vs. chaos always takes a distant back seat to the good vs. evil? Why are paladin PCs so eager to work with a chaotic good ally and instantly attack lawful evil creatuers; aren't both as offensive to a lawful good character?)
And as for "bards being useless," I have to disagree. Certainly, "Prince of Redhand" plays to the bard's strength, but don't be so quick to write off the bard. By the time the party is 15th level, the bard should be able to be boosting everyone's attack rolls and damage rolls by+3. For damage alone, that bonus can easilly equate to well over 30 points of bonus damage each round.
Anyway... I'm not gonna turn this into a "rah rah bards" thread. I'm curious to hear about how everyone's games go with this adventure; it's very different from the other adventures in the Age of Worms, and I think that difference will be a welcome change by the time most parties get to it.
My group still has a ways to go before getting to Redhand (starting Champion's Belt later today), but I'm already thinking about how I'm going to portray Alhaster. Since they wind up ruling the place I want them to be attached to it and recognize the people are good folk (other than that halfling butcher).
I'm planning on continuing the campaign after the last part of the AOW with an epic level adaptation of the Rod of Seven Parts. The firt post-AOW adventure will probably be the liberation of Redhand, taking out Zeach may technically put them in charge, but I assume that some nobles won't take a change in management lying down. I envision Quemp rallying his old barbarian tribe to make a bid for command at the least. At the dinner the PCs have pretty decent odds at befriending two men who command troops, this seems like a good set up for war.
We've got a good feel for Alhaster, but what of the rest of Redhand? Other than the Glories, are there towns and villages? What kind of military forces are there? I think expanding the province makes a nice background for a small war for control. Any thoughts from the Greyhawk experts?
This adventure is absolutely fantastic! I find the lack of combat encounters very very refreshing as Mr. Pett puts it himself "not every challenge can be overcome with steel and spell." This adventure is exactly the kind of thing I do with my own homebrew campaigns. Loads of intrigue. Tons of detailed NPCs with their very own specific motivations and unique circumstances. The events at the banquet are priceless. What a great RPG experience. Kudos to you Mr. Pett. Come down out of that tree.
We've got a good feel for Alhaster, but what of the rest of Redhand? Other than the Glories, are there towns and villages? What kind of military forces are there? I think expanding the province makes a nice background for a small war for control. Any thoughts from the Greyhawk experts?
I believe there's a bit of info on Redhand in "Iuz the Evil," but not a lot. There's also a short entry in the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer.
I just got my copy on Friday, and just finished "Redhand."
I think this is the best Age of Worms installment so far, and one of the best adventurers I've ever read in the magazine. Richard has provided all the NPCs and imaginative events that make this kind of adventure so terribly hard to run.
We should also give credit to Richard for the Alhaster backdrop. It added tons of flavor, tone, and hooks, similar to Erik Mona's "Diamond Lake" contribution. With this adventure/backdrop, I finally feel like the Age of Worms has refocused itself, restoring much of the imaginative momentum that Erik started in that first installment.
Well done, Richard. Come down from the tree before you catch cold.
P.S. I guess this also means you won my vote for the cagematch. Greg shouldn't feel bad, though. He only had 16 pages to your 43 (counting the backdrop).
I must say I'm getting a bit annoyed that my holiday break is over and this issue hasn't arrived in Michigan yet 19 days after its supposed shipment date and three days before it's supposed to be available in newsstands. I've been reading the AP like installments of a novel every month.
Anyhow--regarding Alhaster and Redhand, there is a Living Greyhawk website on the bandit kingdoms (banditkingdoms.com, I think) that gives quite a bit of detail about the region and its politics. Earlier, in another thread, I posted some speculations on what kinds of diplomatic and military challenges the party might face if they accept the responsibility of ruling Redhand at the end of the campaign. (Not that I qualify as a Greyhawk expert, but I've been researching this one to stay ahead of the party and give proper Greyhawk flavor.) (The thread is AOW Endgame... HERE THAR BE SPOILERS!)
Just for that I removing your name from the author's bio section at the end of "Kings of the Rift".
P.S. I guess this also means you won my vote for the cagematch.
Blast.
I knew I shouldn't have blown my carefully cultivated, 2006 "lurker" status. There was far too much at stake. Greg, I did enjoy your adventure, and pound for pound it worked for me on many levels. However, Redhand was just plain meatier, akin to an chubby english goose, stuffed to the gills with 43 pages worth of goodies.
(pause as Chris thinks of a way to regain Greg's lost confidence and restore the potential approval he seeks as desperately as Sally Field at an Oscar speech)
However. . .
(tread carefully, Chris)
I think that the match ws unfair. Seriously. . . if you want a REAL cage match, it makes more sense to pit Pett's "Prince of Redhand in #131 to Vaughan's "Kings of the Rift" in #133. This matchup starts on an even playing field, as both competitors will receive the equal hooplah that goes into the Age of Worms adventure path.
You heard it here first folks.
(finish strong with a personal plug, ya knucklehead!)
Oh yeah, if you really want my opinion, the best part of #131 was the "Next Month in Dungeon" sidebar, pg. 14.
(don't forget to smile, and present a hearty "thumbs up!")
:ding:
(finish strong with a personal plug, ya knucklehead!)
Oh yeah, if you really want my opinion, the best part of #131 was the "Next Month in Dungeon" sidebar, pg. 14.
Oh, doubtless sir. Doubtless!
I must say I'm getting a bit annoyed that my holiday break is over and this issue hasn't arrived in Michigan yet 19 days after its supposed shipment date and three days before it's supposed to be available in newsstands. I've been reading the AP like installments of a novel every month.
It has for some of us. I've had mine for about a week.
GGG
Oh, doubtless sir. Doubtless!
(finish strong with a personal plug, ya knucklehead!)
Oh yeah, if you really want my opinion, the best part of #131 was the "Next Month in Dungeon" sidebar, pg. 14.
Yes, I to can hardly wait for the much anticipated Caverns of the Ooze Lord.
G'night gents,
GGG
Wow, this sounds so cool, I can't wait to get my hands on this adventure. Damn you, postal service!
I haven't finished reading the module yet, but I'm not surprised that Richard Pett has crafted yet another instant Dungeon classic. I’m starting to think he has not only maxed out his skill ranks in “Craft: Adventure”, but has Skill Focus as well…
My reaction to his description of Alhaster makes me think of a communist state such as North Korea (Pyong-yang) or maybe the Soviet Union where the government goes a long way to demonstrate economic health through its propaganda machine when this is far from the truth.
Another interesting tidbit I might have unearthed is the tip-of-the-hat (if you want to call it that) to Greg Vaughn in V’jiss’ familiar Grag. I think the exact wording goes “…Grag, V’jiss…”. Maybe I’m making something out of nothing, but that immediately stood out to me as Greg V.
I feel like the Arbys commercials where I have a big green worm “writhing” over my head all day long.
Having to cope with the overwhelming evil of Alhaster without trying to kill everyone is certainly one of the major themes of this adventure. Likewise, having to cope with the overwhelming law of the place should cause problems for chaotic characters. (Why is it that law vs. chaos always takes a distant back seat to the good vs. evil? Why are paladin PCs so eager to work with a chaotic good ally and instantly attack lawful evil creatuers; aren't both as offensive to a lawful good character?)
Indeed...that's one of the things I like most about this adventure; taking the predominant G vs E reaction and making it ride shotgun for a change. When I get out from behind the screen I often play paladins, and enjoy making sure the distinction is recognized.
My campaign is Eberron, so Alhaster will end up being one of the Lahazaar islands, a veritable pirate kingdom (yo ho ho...). It's hard to say which thing the players will be interested in first: wiping out the Ebon Hand, sacking Ilthane's lair, or figuring out what to wear to the party :)
Also of wonder will be if the party's "face" makes it to the adventure. So far he's managed to almost bite it three times so far; he'll definitely want to keep his head down until then.
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Creative Director
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In Rich's original manuscript after the Lashonna quote it had a neat little quote from Joseph Stalin that said something like, "The Soviet Union's most noteworthy quality is the gaiety of her citizens."
I loved it, and wished it had made the final cut. So your thoughts above are right on about Alhaster.
It was a nice quote, but we cut it for 3 reasons.
1: Opening with a quote isn't really the style of the Age of Worms adventures; it would have looked weird for one of 12 adventures to have such an unusual style at the start.
2: There is no Soviet Union in Greyhawk/Forgotten Realms/Eberron, so a quote from Stalin just seemed "off".
3: I enjoy messing with Rich's words, shaping and molding them into monstrous creatures; it's the Evil Editor Urge. Wait till you see what I'm doing to "Kings of the Rift," you! OUT WITH THE COOL MONSTERS! IN WITH THE DIRE CORBIES AND CARBUNCLE NINJAS!
In Rich's original manuscript after the Lashonna quote it had a neat little quote from Joseph Stalin that said something like, "The Soviet Union's most noteworthy quality is the gaiety of her citizens."
I loved it, and wished it had made the final cut. So your thoughts above are right on about Alhaster.
It was a nice quote, but we cut it for 3 reasons.
1: Opening with a quote isn't really the style of the Age of Worms adventures; it would have looked weird for one of 12 adventures to have such an unusual style at the start.
2: There is no Soviet Union in Greyhawk/Forgotten Realms/Eberron, so a quote from Stalin just seemed "off".
3: I enjoy messing with Rich's words, shaping and molding them into monstrous creatures; it's the Evil Editor Urge. Wait till you see what I'm doing to "Kings of the Rift," you! OUT WITH THE COOL MONSTERS! IN WITH THE DIRE CORBIES AND CARBUNCLE NINJAS!
I wouldn't have it any other way!
Thanks chaps, it was getting rather cold up the oak.
I tend to submit a quotation with every piece I write anyway, as I think it helps to set the piece up, and I've started using small inserts written from adventurer's perspective - but if they get used or not doesn't really add or detract from the adventure I don't think. It's interesting though that I've got Reach (10 out of 10 old bean) picked up the old propaganda thread as it was very much in my mind to write the piece based on tyrants as a whole and the vile Stalin in particular. As for slipping in homages to Greg I would have to categorically deny that as you know my feelings about his grammar.
For anyone feeling that their players may struggle with the evil feeling, I think Erik's idea is great. I'm reminded of how I felt when first reading my favourite adventure - vault of the drow - and wondering how my players would cope with all the evil around, but they were fine.
I'm really pleased with the reaction to Redhand, I was a little concerned that it would fall into the 'love it or loathe it' camp, but it seems that most people quite like it so thank you very much for all your comments. I'm looking forward to the next installment of Worms by that utter cad Logue, and then you all have Kings of the Rift to get ready for - an awesome adventure if ever I saw one.
Rich
Ah heck, I can't stay mad at you; you're back in the author bio.
Yay!!
(Chris feels the warm, "sally field" glow of approval that he desperately craved)
That is if that parts makes it through the final edit.
SO. . . you're saying it COULD be cut by the editors. Wow. . . How long is it? You went on and on, didn't you? :)
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I must say I'm getting a bit annoyed that my holiday break is over and this issue hasn't arrived in Michigan yet 19 days after its supposed shipment date and three days before it's supposed to be available in newsstands. I've been reading the AP like installments of a novel every month.
I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan--and my copy was waiting for me at home when I arrived back from vacation on January 2nd.
On the other hand, the latest Dragon supposedly shipped to me on the 3rd, and as of a week later (today, the 11th), it hasn't arrived in my mailbox.
Weirdness. I blame the Acidwraith.
Mr. Pett, somewhere in your past, I imagine you--or, more specifically, one of your characters--experienced an unpleasant accident involving alchemy, if Dragotha's den and the nasty atmosphere of "The Styes" are any indicators. By the way, fantastic stuff, especially the "Alhaster" background info. Come out of that tree already, dag-nabbit.
Ah heck, I can't stay mad at you; you're back in the author bio.Yay!!
(Chris feels the warm, "sally field" glow of approval that he desperately craved)
SO. . . you're saying it COULD be cut by the editors. Wow. . . How long is it? You went on and on, didn't you? :)That is if that parts makes it through the final edit.
It's embarrassing Chris - just embarrassing...
Anyway, see there's this dire flumph, and these carbuncle ninjas and...oh, nevermind I guess you've already read it.I particularly like how the carbuncles shoot throwing star gems out of their head, kinda like how Guiron does in Gamera vs. Guiron.
You know, James, I was going to castigate you for your continual hatred of the noble dire corbie (they're pretty much the kenku equivalent of bugbears in my game), but then you won me back with your reference to the greatest turtle versus giant reptilian knife movie ever made. You're a tricky man, Jacobs...
I must say I'm getting a bit annoyed that my holiday break is over and this issue hasn't arrived in Michigan yet 19 days after its supposed shipment date and three days before it's supposed to be available in newsstands. I've been reading the AP like installments of a novel every month.I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan--and my copy was waiting for me at home when I arrived back from vacation on January 2nd.
On the other hand, the latest Dragon supposedly shipped to me on the 3rd, and as of a week later (today, the 11th), it hasn't arrived in my mailbox.
Weirdness. I blame the Acidwraith.
Mr. Pett, somewhere in your past, I imagine you--or, more specifically, one of your characters--experienced an unpleasant accident involving alchemy, if Dragotha's den and the nasty atmosphere of "The Styes" are any indicators. By the way, fantastic stuff, especially the "Alhaster" background info. Come out of that tree already, dag-nabbit.
Why thank you. That's a spooky assumption as I was absolutely rubbish at chemistry, the teacher - a throroughly strange chap called Doctor Dart - didn't like me and used to accuse me of getting up to all kinds of skullduggery (for which of course I was totally innocent).
I'm looking forward to the next installment of Worms by that utter cad Logue, and then you all have THE HATEFUL LEGACY ::SYMBOL::BY GREG A. VAUGHAN ::SYMBOL:: BY CYRIL VAN DER HAEGEN ::SYMBOL:: BY ROBERT LAZZARETTI GREYHAWK, MID-LEVEL (6TH-12TH), ALPINE FOREST an awesome adventure if ever I saw one.Aw shucks, Rich, now you're embarrassing me. I mean, I know it's great and all. You really didn't have publicly eat your pride like that and all.
Very well, in repsonse to your selfless acquiescence, I humbly accept your vote for "The Hateful Legacy"
Get back on your own thread Vaughan, and stop tampering with my posts - damnation! And it's 'didn't have TO publicly eat...' Goodness gracious! You really are a talentless dimwit :) Arf Arf.