I was recently inspired by the AoW adventure callen the Lord of Redhand (I think?) which was created to offer the players an adventure that predominately relied upon roleplay and investigation rather than the standard series of combat encounters.I thought the adventure was a breath of fresh air and saw it as an excellent model to follow to create such an adventure for the Shackled City AP.
The Demonskar Ball seemed ready made for such a side trek/adventure. I used the information given by James in the Hard Cover and added to it but am still left with plenty of deliemas.
The problems I faced was 1) to find an appropriate location between the adventures to insert such a side trek/adventure
2) create rewards that were not experience based so the adventure would not throw out the power level of the party &
3) to try and make it fun for the players when combat was not an option.
I have placed my first attempt at this on the RPGenius site but want to make improvements.
So what I am trying to achieve in this thread is to get peoples advice how to improve what I have written and to get people to add to it themselves.
I wish to use this adventure soon so any help is most welcome.
Summary of Events
Event One
The party receive their invitation to the Demonskar Ball to be held in a fortnight and investigate the event. One of the party members is given the Nabthataron Invitation.
Event Two
Costumes and Coaches are hired, dance and etiquette lessons sought.
Event Three
Arrive at the Demonskar Ball and socialise in the foyer, potentially with Lord Vhalantru, Celeste, Lady Ophellha and the Stormblades.
Event Four
The party is moved into the Grand Ballroom and formally greeted by the Aslaxins, the Lord Mayor, Embril, Asfelkir and Alek.
Event Five
The Song of Heaven Competition occurs. Annah performs against one of the characters while the rest of the party dance. Cora attempts to damage one of the parties costumes.
Event Six
Kozomagon’s Folly is held, a dance celebrating the disastrous creation of the Haunted Village and the tragedy surrounding one of Sundabar’s good friends. Winning the dance ensures a valuable prize and the title of Mayor of Liduton.
Event Seven
The guests move to the dining hall and meet the other guests seated on their table. These include Dalam - a half-orc ex-bodyguard, Vortimax – a cantankerous alchemist and mage, Geneth – a disguised dwarven guild master, Bolar – a gnomish mapmaker and the Bradly-Dipinshires – two extremely pompous nobles.
Event Eight
The party enjoy the first course, toast Sundabar and engage in conversation with the guests including Bolar about Keygan.
Event Nine
Second Course. Riddle competition. Geneth discusses thieves and scoundrels with the party to test their character and alliances. Dalam becomes increasingly annoying and boisterous with each drink.
Event Ten
Main Course. Alek amazes all the guests with his strength. Dalam challenges the strongest party member to a Test of Strength outside.
Event Eleven
Fourth Course. Todd attempts to poison the party’s food while the Stormblades distract the party with insults and intimidation.
Event Twelve
Final course. Crater Cake prepared by Lady Aslaxin. The party are placed in a quandary when they are told the cake caused illness to all who sampled it last year. Lady Aslaxin comes to the table to see how her new recipe was received before judging a spontaneous Boasting Competition on the table between Dalam, Vortimax and the party.
Event Thirteen
The Clash of the Armies. The party is paired up with a Stormblade who attempts to trip, unbalance and embarrass them during the dance.
Event Fourteen
The Demonskar Dance. The character that received the Nabthatoran invitation dances with Lord Aslaxin through a series of complicated steps and the winner of the Song of Heaven hands over Alakast to Lord Aslaxin to complete the dance.
Event Fifteen
The party are awarded medals of honour and other rewards depending on how well they succeeded during the night during the final ceremony.
I wish I had something as cool as this when I ran the ball. What I did was move some of the noble interaction from the Cusp of Sunrise to the ball, since the PCs are nobles and they already are members through their families. Then I had the Surabar-Demon play done as a series of charisma/acting checks. Sometimes adding half their BAB during the combat parts. Zachary fumbled and tripped, leaving the PC playing the demon perfectly positioned to administer a killing blow. But the PC decided to "monologue" to give Zachary a chance to "sneak attack" her while prone. She was a little too involved in her monologue to notice it until a half-second later, when she then uncerimoniously dropped to the floor and "died".
This is a really good idea. I will be swiping the whole lot for our game this weekend.
Have you expanded on these ideas at all? What exactly is served during each of the courses? Wasn't there a recent Dragon article featuring 100 meals or some such thing?
Our last session was strongly RP interaction with the Storm blades. A follow up encounter will work out real nice (esp since the paladin smited (smote?) Todd with a Flaming mug o' ale). I may change the NPCs seated at the PCs table a bit however.
Man, good idea. Please post any other ideas you may have (so I can steal them before the week end :) )
I was amazed at the work you posted on the scap resources page. (mandatory link) I'll read through it and coment in more detail later this week. First impression, though, is WOW!
I created a similar thread a while back (a long while by the looks of it) over here..
I thought the same thing, and ran a heroes feast for my party as a conclusion to the flood festivel. It was a gala ball, were the party got to meet everyone from Alek Tercivel, spoke with the PC monk of st cuthbert about leaving for the demonskar area soon, some good verbal sniping between the PC fighter and the storm blades, the Cha 18 elven sorcerer chatting up vhalantru, and the rogue well, lets just say being rogueish, and trying to suduce Rhiavaldi. And the best the barbarian humiliating the mayor by beratting him over the security of his city, and getting drug out of the mayor's residence by the rest of the party.
Super great fun. We played that session a year ago and the party still refrences it.
One of the best decisions I've made during the entire campaign.
When my players and I ran the Demonskar Ball as a social event, I used the Wormfood article on preparation in Dragon #340, so they could gain some Diplomacy modifiers. Then they employed magical aid like an extended Eagle's Splendor. Apparently, they felt that their gold was burning a hole in their collective pockets, so I let a couple of them make their masquerade outfits out of glamerweave (from Eberron).
With a large population of gnomes in the city, there were plenty of dancing lights for illumination, food, drinks, and a band: dwarf on drums, elf on flute, human on lute, and a pair of halflings on the piano.
The Wizard thought he would cast mage hand to open the doors for him, glitterdust to make confetti, ghost sound for a fanfare, and whispering wind for something to say "Oh my goodness, there he is!" into the ears of the ladies. Of course, he couldn't resist unseen servant to get the drinks and chill touch to cool them.
Our charismatic Elven Cleric made a big splash by showing up on Vhalantru's arm, which literally made the other three player's jaws drop. Later, she made her Dance checks (trained) to become the belle of the ball. Also, she had made herself glowing with Light of Lunia (from Spell Compendium).
The party Paladin agreed (after much discussion) to wear the glabrezu outfit. The Wizard cast an Enlarge Person so the Paladin could make an untrained Dance check against Zach Aslaxin. Just imagine: there's the Paladin dressed up like Nabthatoron, with those two great big pincer arms on strings.
After much wining, dining, and chatting it up with NPCs, the Lord-Mayor announced his new tax programs to the assembled aristocracy. For example, all adventuring parties must have a charter to operate within the city of Surabar (which the locals have nicknamed Cauldron). Also, a new import tax was coming into effect. Maavu and the Mayor of Redgorge went nuts and stormed out of the ball.
Later in the evening, an Umber Hulk burst through the dance floor and began murdering people left and right. Of course, the PCs charged into the fray regardless of the fact that none of them were armed with anything but touch spells and furniture.
This attack of course gave the government a big excuse to bring in the orc mercenaries to re-establish order and establish the Spellguard (which takes the place of the MTA in my campaign). Also, Maavu has a shadow of doubt cast on him for being absent when the Umber Hulk arrived. Now the players are totally on edge and don't know who they can trust!
Hopefully, all of you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it for you!
All the ideas presented here will have made the Demonskar ball a truly noteworthy event. Prior to my reading this (and the notes on RPGgenius) the Demonskar ball would have been barley more then a footnote in the adventure. Now armed with most excellent, most creative ideas I'm sure it will be, well, a ball!
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I love some of the idea written above. The mage that used all the cantrips to show off- fatastic and introducing the tax 'reforms' during the event is a another nice touch. I hope people don't mind me including their ideas in my write up!?
I tried to come up with a reward system to use during the event that didn't involve XP. This is what I came up with. If you have a better systems or comments on it please write -
Demonskar Points/Rewards
Throughout the Demonskar Ball the players can gain points for succeeding in various competitions, social interactions or dances and occasionally be penalised for them also. These points are added together at the end of the night before Event 15 to see what (if any) rewards are given to the party.
Other rewards can also be gained throughout the Ball if the party ask the right questions, discuss suitable topics, flatter the correct people or observe the appropriate situations. Many of the guests have rewards in differing forms to offer.
Alternatively, if the players handle people poorly they could make a large amount of powerful people hostile towards them in a very small space of time.
Delvesdeep
P.S. Thanks for all the compliments and thanks Chief for the link!
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Once again feedback or information how you ran the night is extremely welcome. What did you do about delievering the invitation and the players obtaining costumes etc?
Here is my take (unless I change them because of a better idea from you:)
Description of Sequence of Events
Event One – The Invitation
A hawk delivers the invitation that has the small elaborate rolled parchment tied to one of its legs with gold ribbon. The hawk remains until a reply is tied to its leg.
Investigation from the party reveals the following – (Feel free to modify the Gather Information DC depending upon who the characters go to for the information.)
DC 10 – The Demonskar Ball is one of the most prestigious events to transpire in the city and only Cauldrons elite is invited.
DC 15 - Guests hire or purchase a costume for the night of one Cauldrons Founders or Demon Invaders. Costumes are hired out quickly. The symbol at the top of the invitation indicates which costume you are expected to wear –
Mountain = Founder, Crater = Demon
DC 18 - The ball is a celebration of the Cauldrons Founder and his victory over the invading Demonskar army. The night is organised and run by the Aslaxins on the top floor of the Cox Nixie. Guests arrive in a coach while onlookers watch from the street and guests from the top floor balcony.
DC 22 - Features of the evening include an elaborate 5-course banquet with delicious foods and wines from the Frontier Lands, musical renditions, and a series of complicated dances, awards and games. Guests often seek dancing, etiquette and even musical lessons from the Bluecrater Acedemy before the night.
Event Two – The Costume, Coach & Lessons
Costumes & Masks
Each party member will need to hire or buy a costume and mask for the ball. The character that received the Nabthataron Invitation will need to hire two costumes; the Nabthataron costume to wear during the Demonskar Dance and another costume to wear for the rest of the evening.
The most obvious location for this is at Sarleens Silks & Finery. There is a cumulative 10% chance per day leading up to the event that the better costumes and masks are hired/sold before the night. Four days before the Ball only shabby masks and costumes remain. So time is definitely of the essence!
Costume Bonuses/Penalties
Elaborate Costumes - bestow a + 2 Bonus to Charisma Based Skill Checks for the
duration of the Demonskar Ball. Guests compliment the party on their choice of costume.
Average Costumes – give no bonus or negatives to the wearer.
Poorer Costumes – bestow a –2 Penalty to the wearer for any Charisma Based Checks
for the duration of the night. The servants wear these costumes during the evening so guests will regularly confuse the characters will servants during the evening if they are wearing these outfits.
No Costume – bestow a –3 to all Charisma Based Checks. People will openly
stare and scoff at the party if they arrive at the party with no costumes.
Costume Descriptions
Nabathoron Costume (only hired to someone with the appropriate invitation)
- Large bull horned demon costume with red glowing eyes, large bat-like wings, wicked claws and knifelike barbs emerging from the forearms. Two small-clawed arms dangle out of the costumes chest. (The Nabathoran costume cost 200gp to hire and 2000gp to buy.)
Elaborate Costumes
The most elaborate costumes cost 100 gp to hire for the evening or 1000gp to buy. Available elaborate costumes include :
- Fat red scaled suit with small horns, white eyes and a magic mouth that growls and rumbles like a demon. Whip included.
- A horned skull suit that has stilts (Balance DC 5 every minute of use) making the wearer appear 5 feet taller (can be removed). A scythe is included and assists with balance.
- Succubus outfit with bat wings, tight low-cut black body suit, small red horns and red sword.
- Small imp costume with a huge nose, bat wings, scorpion tall and small trident.
- Four fake arms attach to the wearers side clutching a variety of weapons. A black-scaled snake ‘tail’ is worn from the waist and two belts are worn across the torso to cover the breasts. Two fake swords are included.
Average Outfits (50 gp to hire, 500 gp to buy)
- Small demonic fly outfit with red eyes, long fangs, four torn transparent wings and green claws.
- Lemure costume consisting of a full length, hideous worm outfit and makeup to apply to the face and hair.
- Horned head, clawed gloves and black pants, top and cloak.
- Small black leather wings, red horns hair band, trident, green and red face paint.
Poorer (Servants) Outfits (20gp each to hire or 50 to buy)
- Half masks with red, green or black robes.
Coaches
Coaches can be procured from Balqueens Stables for the evening with driver included. Coaches can be custom built for the players here but such an operation will take far more time than the two weeks before the Ball.
There are three coaches that can be hired at the start of the two weeks. The Royal Coach is hired within the first 3 days, the Ruby Coach is hired within 6 days and the Standard Coach is hired within 10 days of the Ball before being hired to other guest.
Coach Bonuses/Penalties
Royal Coach - Arriving in a Royal Coach ensures a + 1 Bonus to all Charisma Based Skill checks for the duration of the Demonskar Ball.
Ruby Coach - Arriving in a Ruby Coach ensures a + 1 Bonus for the Events Three & Four
Standard Coach- No Bonus or Penalty
Horse- Arriving via horse bestows a –1 penalty to all Charisma Based Skill Checks for the evening
Via Foot- Walking to the Demonskar Ball is frowned upon and the characters will receive a –3 penalty.
Coach Descriptions
Royal Coach (300 gp)
Beautiful spherical gold gilded coach with intricate ivory carvings of unicorns, soft blue leather seats, blue curtains, large white and gold wheels, 2 drivers and a doorman dressed in white and gold finery and 2 huge majestic white horses. Wine, fruit and cheeses are provided for the trip. Offers a very comfortable ride. Seats 4.
Ruby Coach (200 gp)
Deep red and gold, open top coach with white cushioned chairs, two gold doors depicting a grinning demonic face, 1 driver and a doorman dressed in red and gold finery, 2 white horses with red and gold stitched blankets. Offers a comfortable but slightly bumpy ride. Seats 6.
Standard Coach (75 gp)
Square hardwood coach with flat wooden chairs a single driver dressed in a grey woollen coat and hat. Two small horses, brown and grey, pull the coach. Offers an uncomfortable ride that may damage a players costume (10% chance) as it gets caught on a splinter or the step etc. Seats 8.
Lessons
Lessons in dance and etiquette can be sought at the Bluecrater Academy from Madame Pomprus for 10 gp per person, per lesson. The respected teacher is highly sought after and after 8 days she will be completely booked. If the party get to her within 3 days they can obtain more than one lesson a day. Madame Pomprus will not give any more than 2 lessons a day to any student.
For every 3 dance lessons the party have they receive they gain a + 1 to their Dance Skill checks during the Ball.
For every 2 etiquette lessons the players receive a + 1 to the Formal greeting and banquet dining diplomacy checks.
Professor Palendor is the head of the Musical Arts Facility of the Bluecrater Acedemy and is well versed in the music of the night. He is expensive, charging 30 gp a lesson and only takes students who can demonstrate musical talent (Perform DC 15). Professor Palendor will only teach one lesson a day and will be booked out by the 4th day after the Invitation is received by the party.
Professor Palendor is quick to anger and is easily insulted. If a player disagrees with one of his requests or is late to one of his lessons he cancels the lesson immediately. A second ‘offence’ ends an chance of further lessons and earns that character a –3 penalty during the ‘Song of Heaven’ competition.
Professor Palendor never mentions to the character that he will be judging the competition. Two lessons negates any negatives to the perform check for not knowing the song and for every two lessons there after the character gains a +1 to the perform check during the competition.
Before one lesson the character will see Lord Ankhin Taskerhill speaking to Professor Palendor and pass a small pouch of coins over to him. If the player brings the incident up the Professor immediately cancels the lessons.
1,000 gp/2,000 gp is a lot for a costume. A noble's outfit is 75 gp + at least 100 gp in gems and jewlrey. A royal outfit is 200 gp before accoutrements.
But what you could do is add some magical enhancements to make it worth 1,000 gp or 2,000 gp.
Crafing the suit with Craft Wonderous Item and prestidigitation, you can make the suit:
- self cleaning. Suit stays fresh and clean no matter what. If totaly immersed in muck, it cleans off itself 1 cubic foot every six seconds. (200 gp; 400 gp if it cleans you also)
- temperature controlled. It's 20 degrees more comfortable in the suit than if it didn't have the enhancement. It is slow to adjust, but it'll get there eventually. (200 gp)
- magical color highlights. The suits colors and textures are obviously magically enhanced by illusionary highlights. (100 gp)
- Eyes glow red and flare brightly when wearer speaks loudly. (200 gp)
- Obviously magical black smoke emenates from the mouth, or from the entire costume. (not enough to provide concealment, of course)(100 gp)
Using mage hand:
- suit's extra arms and tail are animated, and either move on their own or they punctuate the action of the main arms. (200 gp each)
- even though the costume's arms end in clunky claws, you can manipulate objects as if the end of the claw had an invisible hand attached to it. (400 gp)
Using ghost sound:
- when you speak, your voice is underscored with demonic reverberations and amplified when you speak loudly. (400 gp)
- when you don't speak, sound of creepy demonic breathing and the sounds of a far-off hellish wails of misery emanate from costume. (200 gp)
Using open/close:
- You can open and close the face mask on command. (400 gp)
- You can open and close the entire suit for easy access and removal (400 gp)
Magical competance bonus to skills, such as Perform(acting) & Intimidation:
- +1 (100 gp each)
- +2 (400 gp each)
- +3 (900 gp each)
You can also count the suit as a masterwork tool for use with acting and intimidate. (50 gp each) In fact, it must be masterwork before it can be magically enhanced.
And yes, these enhancements are priced to be added to any fine outfit. Chances are that the nobles already take advantage of such enhancments for their regular clothing. I would say that any outfit beneath a noble's outfit must be masterwork (+50 gp) before it can be magically enhanced.
The other day I picked up the Eberron Adventure - Whisper of the Vampire's Blade in the bargain bin and I was thinking of including that IMC. (Maybe not the flying ship and trains) but the masquerade ball, looking for the killer at the party and the Stormblades are also on the trail of the killer and then a ruins outside of the city. I could probably tie it into Mhad somehow. I think some of this stuff you guys have done is incredible. Thanks for posting it. If you don’t have WotVB you might want to take a look for additional ideas.
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I've got a copy of 'The Whispers of the Vampires Blade' so I take a look when I get a chance. A murder mystery during the Ball would be exciting. I'll have a think about it.
Frank - in a word: fantastic! Great adds detail, descriptions and magical feel. I love the self cleaning garments, growling illusions and the overall additional colour you have added to explain the high prices. Do you mind if I 'borrow' these ideas for my final copy?
Until then please everyone keep up the feedback and suggestions. Here is my next event -
Event Three – The Arrival
When the party arrive they notice a large throng of common citizens outside the Coy Nixie and the gathering of costumed dignitaries standing high above on the top floor balcony watching the guests arrive.
The party is taken through the glass and gold main doors and up the grand stairs to a landing and grand Ballroom doors where they have their invitations checked and their names taken. A small line of nobles stand waiting to be announced, while two musicians play a harp and violin providing beautiful background ambience.
Nobles may turn to talk to the players at this point and remark on their costumes and exploits within the city.
After a brief time the party is announced to the party and many of the nobles smile, acknowledge and welcome their arrival.
They are then free to mingle with the other guests in the foyer or wander through the side door out onto the large balcony. The party are offered trays of biscuits, cheeses, meats and biscuits to nibble on along with glasses of wine or juices.
The party can mingle with a number of people at this point including –
Lord Vhalantru
Vhalantru sits in one corner on one of the few tables positioned in the foyer ‘sharing’ a decanter of port with Celeste. Lord Vhalantru is dressed as one of the founders, with long grey robes, a white wig and a staff he has laid upon the table. A few nobles approach him to converse during this part of the evening but he seems quite content to sit and watch alone or with Celeste for the majority of the time.
If the party approach Lord Vhalantru introduces Celeste to the party as a noble lady from Sasserine. Celeste is breathtakingly beautiful and seems very interested when Vhalantru mentions some of their exploits. Lord Vhalantru is quite pleasant to the party and offers them to share his liquor with them while he discusses his previous experiences with the night.
Vhalantru also mentions that he was just taking to Celeste about the alarming recent damage to public property in the city and the escalating citizen concern about their safety. He may even mention how Tereson has been petitioning the Lord Mayor to better equip, train and increase the presence of the guard in the city which he has ‘mixed feelings’ about. Vhalantru says he is much more concerned though about the ‘diminishing city treasury’ due to all the repairs and doesn’t believe the cities priorities should be the guard but rather the repair of property. He then asks the party and Celeste what they think? (Of course this is all just a ruse to shift suspicion away from himself and to Tereson when the half-orcs are added to the guard and to disguise Vhalantru’s true motivations behind increasing the taxes later)
After a few minutes of idol chatter Lord Vhalantru asks Celeste politely if she could excuse himself and the party for a brief time so they can discuss something in private. When she excuses herself Lord Vhalantru tells the party about the regular events of the night and in particular the Demonskar Dance.
He may also advise them to watch out for the Stormblades and informs them that they may have been invited to the Ball for more than just their exploits in the city.
The Stormblades
At this point in the night all of the Stormblades stand with their perspective parents. Zachary Aslaxin is nowhere to be seen.
• Cora stands with her parents and four other minor nobles animatedly describing a battle. Until she is made aware of the fact, Cora is unaware of the presence of the party. Cora appears noticeably uncomfortable in her antique silver gown but never the less would be very beautiful if she could wipe the scowl from her face and remain still for longer than a few seconds.
• Todd Vanderbourn stands looking bored by his parent’s side. They show him no interest all. He has painted his face and hands to appear like a skeleton and has long grey robes. Todd thought himself funny and has come as a dead founder as much to embarrass his parents than to amuse himself. Todd sees the party very quickly and goes straight over to Annah to share his find, looking over at the party with a look of evil glee.
• Annah Taskerhill is surrounded by a large group of nobles all hanging on her every word. Her parents look on proudly. Annah has dressed to appear like an angel with a halo, beautiful white-feathered wings, a pure white robe and a tall powdered white beehive wig. When Todd makes Annah aware of the party, she watches them closely and points the party out to her father who scowls in there direction in response. Annah then instructs Todd to inform Cora. If the party gesture or acknowledge the Annah she merely smiles and curtsies.
• Zachary is assisting his parents at this point in the Grand Ballroom.
Ophellha Knowlern
Ophellha looks breathtakingly beautiful in an antique billowing white gown with gold embroidery. Like the majority of the other noble women at the ball she dons a tall white powdered wig but only seems to accentuate her flawless shin and brilliant blue eyes.
Ophellha seems very cold and aloof if the party approach. She will tell the party she actually does not live within the city proper but in the village of Hollowsky where her family’s estate lies.
Ophellha attitude can be changed from indifferent to helpful if the party talk about rescuing the kidnapped children, their relationship with Jenya or their knowledge of her family (Diplomacy DC 20). If Ophellha’s attitude can be changed to helpful, she will advise the party to avoid the Bubbling Cauldron drink other than a mouthful for the official toast.
Demonskar Points
Award the party a Demonskar point if they can learn to avoid partaking too heavily of the Bubbling Cauldron drink from Ophellha.
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Event Four – Formal Greeting[b]
After ten minutes (or when the party have had enough time) a herald steps from behind the grand arched doors. The Demonskar Herald is a sight to behold. He wears a robe split evenly down the middle – one half red and one white, and dons a full head mask similarly split – one half a hideous snarling red visage of a demon and the other a angelic handsome blond haired man.
In a loud clear voice he says –
[b]Welcome dignitaries and noblemen, denizens of the Demonskar (turning to his left so only his demonic visage can be seen) and founders of our fair city (then turning around to reveal his angelic half).
Tonight is a celebration of Cauldron’s most glorious and monumental of historical events – the battle between good and evil, heaven and hell, arcane hero and demon general – between the founder of our grand city -Sundabar Spellmason and the demonic lord who sought to destroy our ancesters -Nabthatoron.
Please enter through the grand doors to formal greet your Ball Patrons and begin the fabulous festivities!
The Grand Ballroom
The visitors begin to move to the doors immediately and form a line. After a brief minute the party enter through the doors and are greeting with the spectacular sight of the Grand Ballroom.
From the top of the small stairs the party can see the cathedral ceiling and exposed beams sitting thirty feet above their heads. Huge floor to ceiling arched glass windows reveal the lights of the city, the countless stars in the night sky and the bright light of the moon. Great red banners depicting a demonic army hang the full height of the wall between each window on the right side of the Ballroom while equally impressive gold banners showing an army of knights, commoners and robed wizards hang along the left wall.
White light floods the room emanating from the huge crystal candelabras hanging from the rooftop while the polished floorboards softly refect the light. A grand stage sits at the end of the Ballroom filled with musicians to one side and a choir to the other, all wearing robes and masks.
Scores of servants flitter about the ballroom to serve the guests as they enter, all similarly costumed as the musicians, serving drinks and nibbles.
The Patrons
Standing at the base of the stairs, lined up along the left, is the hosts and patrons of the annual Demonskar Ball. At the top of the stairs a servant writes down everyone’s name and asks him or her to pass this to the Demonskar Herald when they reach the base of the stairs.
The Demonskar Herald takes the card and introduces the party collectively at first and then every member individually. The welcoming party are –
• Margaret & Zachary Aslaxin I –
Watching from the stairs while they wait to be introduced, the party observes Zachary and Margaret acting coldly towards the two nobles preceding them. Zachary analyses the nobles costumes with a look of contempt and Margaret scoffs at their attempts at flattery.
When the party are introduced to the hosts this cold façade is quickly replaced with welcoming looks of appreciation and excitement. The two compliment the party on their costumes (if Elaborate), recent rescue of the city (Flood Festival) and recommend any musical members to participate in the ‘Song of Heaven’. Margaret also whispers to the party member who received the ‘Nabthatoran Invitation’ to meet her in the foyer after the banquet.
Have each party member make a diplomacy check (DC 20) during the conversation with the Aslaxin’s. If over half of them succeed the party have completely enchanted the couple with their charm and heroic reputation and the Aslaxin’s mentions the parties past heroics in his opening banquet speech along with the Stormblades. If they half the party fail by more than 10 this will disappoint the couple.
• Zachary Aslaxin II –
If the party have impressed the Aslaxins Margaret Aslaxin, Zachary II mother, doesn’t wait for the Herald to introduce the party to her son and excitedly says – ‘No doubt you have heard of the famous – League of Swords!’ Zachary relies with open contempt dripping from each word – ‘Of course Mother. They are Cauldrons saviours after all’.
Zachary says very little to the party after that merely saying that he hopes they enjoy the Ball tonight because the nobles and the rest of Cauldrons citizens will soon see them as the frauds they truly are.
Zachary then proceeds to ignore any responses excusing himself briefly and walks over to Annah for a quick discussion.
If one the other hand the party have disappointed the Aslaxins Zachary uses the opportunity to tell his parents that the group recently assaulted him and his friends without provocation. Without some quick talking (make sure you get the party to at least attempt to come up with something before making the diplomacy roll DC 15) the group are asked to leave the Ball immediately.
• Lord Mayor Severen Navalant
The Lord Mayor speaks with authority and confidence, politely thanking the party for their work assisting the town guard in rescuing the kidnapped orphans and retrieving the wands. If he is corrected he smiles politely but takes the comments as a personal insult. Never the less the Lord Mayor thanks the party sincerely for their work in the city but then quickly changes his mood and remarks sternly ‘that now that the city is safe the party will surely be moving on to Sasserine or another more needy city’.
Have the party make a Spot Check (DC 25) when talking to the Lord Mayor to notice him take a worried glance over to his side where Lord Taskerhill watches on with interest.
• Embril Aloustinai
The ravishingly beautiful High Priestess of Wee Jas, Embril is dressed to appear as the angel of death, with black wings, thick black robes, gloves which appear like skeleton hands and a scythe. Her head and exquisite facial features have been left untouched.
Embril appears very cordial to the party gracelessly taking them for their bravery and heroics in the city- ‘Your skill at arms and bravery in battle are more than welcomed in our fair city. The church of Wee Jas rejoices at your success and offers you aid whenever you need it.’
She may even flirt with one of the more charismatic male party members saying after they speak to her or compliment her in some way- ‘I did not realise that your skills included charming ladies also! Be careful the rose that seems to have no thorns.’
With a Dipomacy Check DC 20 she adds –‘We value adventurers of your ilk in the Church of Wee Jas. If you desire magical power, our church’s doors are always open to you.’ and gives the characters a disarming smile and wink.
A Sense Motive Check (DC 25) reveals that Embril is hiding her contempt for the party behind a friendly façade.
• Asfelkir Hranleurt
The half-orc cleric currently heads the church of Kord in the city. Still basking in the aftermath of a thoroughly successful Flood festival. Asfelkir has all but ignored the near disastrous floods that almost took the city. Afterall the city was saved wasn’t it?!
Asfelkir despises the party for their success and will attempt to belittle them for whatever reason he can – dress, manners, size etc. Asfelkir is a huge beast of a man, with small tusks and a pig like nose.
Asfelkir is proud of his recent recruit – Zachary Aslaxin II, and his churches association with the cities nobility as a result. The party are a problem that needs to be rectified as far as he is concerned.
• Lord Alek Tercival
Alek Tercival is an honoured guest of the Aslaxins at the Demonskar Ball after being a longstanding hero of the city and rescuing young Zachary II from bandits when the noble was a child. He was also invited as the representative of the Church of St Cuthbert.
Alek has been absent from the city for quite some time and has only returned recently (wearing his gift from the ‘Trumpet Archons’ – his ruby cloak and eye clasp). Alek has unwisely chosen, to the Aslaxins dismay, to wear his shining armour and sword rather than any costume. He felt, wrongly, that he was above such traditions and people would not care one way or the other,
Alek is warm and flamboyant, eager to share heroic stories and his opinion to anyone and everyone. His etiquette and social graces are noticeably reduced this evening and he offends many nobles with his unyielding convictions and opinions.
If the party have met with Alek before give them an Intelligence check (DC 20) to realize this.
If the party has developed a previous repour with the Paladin of St Cuthbert have him discuss with the party the untimely death of Sarcem and the strength of character his childhood friend – Jenya has shown as High Cleric since his absence. Reveal his obvious remorse for not being present to assist during the parties search for the culprits and wands.
Demonskar Points
- Award a Demonskar Point if the party spot the Lord Mayors worried glance towards Lord Taskerhill.
- Award the party a Demonskar Point if they can learn of Embril’s true feelings towards them.
- Award the party a Demonskar Point if they impress the Aslaxin’s during the Formal Greeting.
- Penalise the party 2 Demonskar points if they disappoint the Aslaxins.
Very nice. If you don't have all your notes posted by this Saturday I may be forced to not play the Demonskar ball until next week. I really like the half angel half demon herald and its connection to other, more "serious" events. Good work.
Bloody Root,
Have a look through the RPGenius website that Chief's Slaad created a link to in his post earlier in this thread and have a look for the Demonskar Ball under roleplaying aids and you will find my first draft on the Ball.
Good Luck for this Saturday
Delvesdeep
Frank - in a word: fantastic! Great adds detail, descriptions and magical feel. I love the self cleaning garments, growling illusions and the overall additional colour you have added to explain the high prices. Do you mind if I 'borrow' these ideas for my final copy?
Go for it! I'm glad I could help. What you are posting is excellent stuff! I wish I had this when I ran my Demonskar ball scenario.
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Let me know what you think of the Perform DCs and the structure of the competition itself in terms of game mechanics.
Thanks
Delvesdeep
Event Five – The Song of Heaven
Once the formal greetings are over the party can find somewhere to stand, chat and enjoy the refreshments for a while as the rest of the guests filter in.
Professor Palendor approaches any party member who he has taught with more warmth and charm than he expressed in all the lessons they spent together combined. He remarks that he has been invited to judge the ‘Song of Heaven’ competition.
If the player brings up the meeting with Lord Taskerhill and threatens him with telling all those here of the incident or similar sediments have the player roll an intimidate check (modified on how well the players roleplayed this situation) DC 18. If they succeed Professor Palendor will judge the Song of Heaven fairly. If not he will simply remark he is offended by such unsubstantiated remarks and quickly retreats.
Once all the guests have moved into the Ballroom the Demonskar Herald moves to the stage and once again addresses the guests -
Demonic hordes of the Demonskar could you please stand to the right of the battlefield. Heroic founders of Cauldron please move to the right.
(Most guests quickly move in to place familiar with the annual ritual)
(Placing one finger to his lips dramatically until the guests are quiet, the herald once again continues)
After losing his legendary blade – Celestia ,slaying the horrific dragon Vittris Bale, Sundabar stood without a weapon to face the demonic general Nabthatoron and his approaching infernal horde.
The beautiful feather winged angel Nidrama appeared to Sundabar heralded by a song of heaven while he stood alone one morning in the jungle. She told him of her belief in his strength and wisdom and granted him a weapon to combat the evil that threatened to overwhelm his forces – Alakast.
Tonight we honour Nidrama with our own ‘Song of Heaven’, a competition to see who will be our angel this evening and reward Alakast to Sundabar during the Demonskar Dance.
I humbly invite last year’s angel to the stage to defend her position - the beautiful Annah Taskerhill. (Applause follows) Contenders to the auspicious position please step up onto the stage. This evening’s winner will receive the golden Alakast trophy (The Demonskar Herald holds forth a beautiful 3 foot long golden rod, while the guests gasp and applaud the glorious trophy)
The herald waits for a minute before once again asking for contestants. If no one comes forth after this point the Demonskar Herald announces that Annah Taskerhill is the angel once again this year and asks her to perform the ‘Song of Heaven’ alone.
If a player character chooses to take up the challenge Annah watches them all the way to the stage with a scowl firmly fixed upon her face. The character is applauded as they approach and directed to the right hand side of the stage.
Each contestant is offered one of 5 instruments to play – lute, harp, flute, mandolin and voice. Annah chooses the harp.
The Demonskar Herald then introduces the judge for the contest to the guests – Professor Palendor - Head of the Musical Arts Facility of the Cauldron Blue Crater Acedemy, who is greeted with respectful applause.
Professor Palendor positions himself at the base of the stage ready to judge.
# Unfortunately for any player character, Lord Ankhin Taskerhill has bribed Professor Palendor to favour his daughter in the competition. Professor Palendor will not put his reputation at risk though so unless the results are close he will judge fairly. In game terms this equates to an additional +3 to each of Annah Taskerhill’s perform checks.
The Competition
The competition is broken down into 6 increasingly more difficult components. Both contestants play 3 verses alternatively without pause, while the guests begin their first dance for the evening. Last years winner begins the first verse.
The first two verses are the easiest – DC 15, the second two harder – DC 20 and verse 5 and 6 the hardest – DC 25.
If both contestants succeed in all there perform checks the audience erupt in spontaneous applause for the brilliance of both performers and the Demonskar Herald asks each contestant to preform the complete song together in its entirety.
This equates to six Perform checks DC 15, 18, 20, 23, 25, 30.
If the competition still has no clear winner the Demonskar Herald announces joint winners. The winner/s are given the golden Alakast trophy and angel wings to don before the Demonskar Dance where they are expected to hand Alakast over to ‘Sundabar’.
The Alakast Trophy is valued at 1500 gp and can be sold back to its maker – Gurnezarn’s Smithy, for its full value.
The Song of Heaven Dance
While the Song of Heaven Competition is progressing the guests are encouraged to dance. Not all guest choose to do so preferring to watch the competition without being distracted.
This dance is traditionally a casual progressive dance that enables all the guests to intermingle freely. Men stand on the outside of the circle and women on the inside. The women move.
The dance is quite simple and requires little concentration (Dance/Charisma Check DC 5) so the guests can easily listen as the competition unfolds.
• As the dance progresses Cora uses the opportunity to try and ‘accidentally’ damage/destroy one of the men characters costumes. Damaged or destroyed costumes that have been hired need to be bought and can not be returned.
• Cora does this by stepping on long flowing costumes and grapping at tighter costumes as she twirls or steps. Make opposed dance checks to see if Cora can make the attempt and then make an opposed grapple check to see if Cora is able to damage the costume.
Demonskar Points
- Award one Demonskar Point if the party can intimidate Professor Palendor into judging the competition fairly
- Award the party 5 Demonskar Points if one of them wins the ‘Song of Heaven’ Competition.
Event Six – Kozomagon’s Folly
After presenting the Song of Heaven winner or ‘angel’ their wings and trophy the Demonskar Herald addresses the assembly once more.
As the demonic army moved towards Redgorge and Sundabar used his great elemental powers to defend his people, to the east one of Sundabar’s greatest friends and competitors sought to support her friend and the people of Redgorge with her own powers.
Kozomagon Lidu, was a powerful necromancer, who had founded a settlement near what is now the Cauldron foothills and called it Liduton. Kozomagon had built the village purposefully close to an ancient Kopru necropolis hidden in a deep, dark lake.
As Nabthatoran lead his howling forces against Redgorge, Kozomagon drew upon her powers to raise an army of undead kopru. Instead of helping the citizens of Redgorge, the attempt turned to tragedy as the undead army turned on the Liduton citizens and Kozomagon herself.
Tonight we will reveal our leader of Liduton in memory of the tragedy of Kozomagon. We will announce our Mayor of the Haunted Village.
Find your partner, form the necromantic symbol of Liduton and let the Dance of Kozomagon’s Folly, begin…
The party are encouraged to find a partner to dance with quickly to begin the frantic dance. The more senior nobles and dignitaries stand or sit on the side of the Ballroom to observe but if the players attempt to do so they will lose face. If they try and avoid the dance, have nobles tell them that no one as young and as clearly fleet of foot as they are ever skip a dance. If they still choose to avoid the dance give them a –2 to all diplomacy checks for the remainder of the night.
Once the party find a partner (Ophellha, Celeste, Annah?, Alek, Vhalantru? Etc) they can begin the dance. The steps and movements are extremely difficult to the unfamiliar (-5 penalty) and involve many twirls and step combinations in a small area.
The Demonskar Herald rolls out a large mat depicting two magical circles covered in glowing symbols upon the floor to act as the centre point of the dance. Dancing couples move around the dance floor in a line forming a criss-crossing figure of 8. As they pass over the mat during the dance the couple glow with an eerie green light making them appear ghostly.
When the music stops the couple standing/crossing through the centre glow with a strong white light while the rest of the dancing couples ‘glows’ fade away to nothing. This winners glow is placed upon them by the Liduton Mat. The winners are awarded the title of ‘Mayors of the Haunted Village’ by the Demonskar Herald and each given a large gold chain of office (500 gp value each). The winning couple also receive a +3 to all social encounters for the remainder of the night.
If a player has passed every check they have a 30% chance of being close enough to the center of the formation to make an attempt at timing their steps to match the music and win the dance. If more than two players meet the above requirements the player with the highest last perform check indicates who wins the dance.
When dances move through the centre, crossing area, they need to time in perfectly lest they collide with the other crossing couple. Tripping over or stumbling over steps is embarrassing and humorous but dances won’t lose face from such a slight miscue. The player’s partner (depending who it is) may blame them for losing face and become quite annoyed or they may just laugh it off. If it happens more than once though they will become upset as other dances giggle and stare and avoid the player for the rest of the night if this occurs.
If two couples collide, both pairings are helped to their feet with much laughter and mockery. The Stormblades will take great delight in mocking and belittling any of the party if this occurs and use it as ‘ammunition’ for future encounters. These players receive a –5 penalty for the rest of the evening.
Any players involved in the dance need to make 4 perform checks at DC 15. Any check between 8 – 14 indicates a trip or stumble. Any check below an 8 indicates a collision.
Demonskar Points
- Award 3 Demonskar Points a party member is crowned Mayor of Liduton.
Wow! There are some really great ideas here. Thanks, everyone, especially delvesdeep, Uthblade, Chef's Slaad, and Frank Steven Gimenez, for all the great stuff in this thread. Thanks to your help, the Demonskar Ball will truly be a night to be remembered!
Event Seven – The Demonskar Banquet Seating
The dance of Kozomagon’s Folly over the Demonskar Herald signals a member of the band and they strike a large gong.
Founders and Demonic Guests, We hope you have enjoyed the Ball thus far but the festivities are still far from over. Please make your way down stairs when the Demonskar Banquet will soon begin!
The servants guide the guests down the stairs and through either side door into the crescent shaped Banquet room and then to their allocated tables. The Tavern below has been transformed into a beautiful feast hall. The room is decorated in a similar style to the Ballroom above with gold tapestries of angels, nights and wizards alternating with tapestries of red depicting demons. The tables are covered in embroided red or gold tablecloths with great candelabras shaped to appear as a bated winged demon on one side and feather winged angel on the other, acting as the centre piece for each table.
Seated at the main table is the Aslaxins, the Lord Mayor, Vhalantru, Alek Tercival, High Priestess Embril Aloustinai (Wee Jas) and High Priest Asfelkir Hranleurt (Kord).
Beautiful silver cutlery lay to either side of white porcelain plates, while crystal wine glasses and cloth napkins all add to the sense of wealth and opulence of the meal. Sitting at the back, slightly elevated above the other tables, is the long head table.
Table Introductions
The party are seated on a table positioned to the left and two back from the head table. They are also positioned dangerously close to the table in which the Stormblades are seated at.
Sitting at the circular table with the party are –
Please ensure that if a character is attempting to change a guests attitude they must ‘say the right things’ first. For example discussing Skie in glowing terms to Bolar will allow a diplomacy check to be made. Conversely if the party choose to speak about Keygan to Bolar and their discover of his role in the kidnappings make the diplomacy check but with a much higher DC.
Bolar Westkey
Owner of Westkeys Map Emporium, Bolar is a modest and rather shy gnome cartographer who thrives on creating and copying precise maps. Bolar has scraggly hair and is dressed in green robes, long horns and a pick fork. He speaks in a nasally voice. Bolar has an infatuation with Skie (Skie’s Treasury) and is friends with Keygan before his recent arrest over his part in the kidnapping.
If Bolar’s attitude can be made friendly (DC 25 - his starting attitude is unfriendly due to the party’s roll with Keygan in chapter one) he will invite the party in to his store to look through his ‘secret’ treasure maps and offer them a 10% discount on all his stock. If his attitude can be made helpful he will share with them, when he believes no one is listening, his tale of woe (see below).
Bolar is proud of his work and happy to discuss particularly difficult and prestigious maps he has created in the past. He will happily discuss the treasure maps he has secured in his shop.
Recently though he has lost his most prized possession and is worried sick about its disappearance. The magical quill has been a family heirloom for generations and his mind constantly wanders and a look of deep concern briefly washes over his face when he is not engaged directly in conversation.
Dalam Bandershield
For over a decade Dalam was in charge of securing the Aslaxins from harm. The gruff and unrefined half-orc gradually learnt the foreign notions of manners, etiquette and even diplomacy during his time in the role and from the insistence of his noble charges. His ability with the great club, perception skills and ‘transformation’ from uncouth ‘barbarian’ to cultured guardian endeared him to the Aslaxins. When he eventually moved to Sasserine to begin his successful security business -Ironguard, specialising in the protection of people and goods, it was a sad day for the nobles.
Dalam is dressed with black blood stained armour, spiked gauntlets, black horns and a red painted face. All of his equipment is fake but he looks frightening none the less.
Dalam loves to reminisce his early adventuring years and feats of bravery during his irresponsible youth. Dalam mood, diplomacy and inebriations change dramatically as the banquet progresses. Dalam has already partaken quite heavily in the wines and spirits passed around during the night and is currently on the edge of tipsy and roaring drunk.
During initial table introductions Dalam speaks politely to all in his gruff manner asking the correct questions, using the proper cutlery, glasses and social graces. He is modest and well spoken. Following the opening toast though he requests more of the same to be brought to the table immediately and from this point on his ‘real personality’ emerges.
Dalam’s initial mood is indifferent to the party but this can quickly go either way depending on their reactions to his boasts, competitions of strength and constitution, and bawdy jokes.
Dalam attitude can be made helpful if they are able to best him in the Test of Strength and Boasting Competition (see Event 10 and 12). Dalam respects a worthy rival and values strength and power in a competitor.
Geneth Taliwar
The elderly dwarf is the Division Leader and sage/historian of a new organisation in Cauldron called the ‘Acquirers’. Geneth wears a silver monocle, an eye patch covering his left eye and a short, well-groomed white beard. Geneth usually walks with the assistance of a wooden cane covered with smooth metal protrusions and has a noticeable limp. Geneth frequently wears worn leather pants and boots that look as old as their wearer, dons a silken red tunic and has bejewelled rings on each finger.
Tonight though Geneth appears to be a young dwarf rather than old, with a black half mask depicting a horrific horned skull, a long black cloak and two blood stained sickles. This disguise is a mixture of illusion and make-up.
Geneth knows of the party and wants to see their character first hand. He was able to obtain an invitation through ‘friends’ just for this purpose alone.
Geneth pretends to be an Art and Furniture Dealer who is the Aslaxins chief supplier. The facade worked with the Aslaxins who have never meet their chief supplier face to face so Geneth is hoping the alias will work with all present on the table also. He has developed a small repertoire of lines to use when describing his work with the assistance of Raltar (Acquirers Art Expert) but this will only get him so far so he will steer the conversation elsewhere if he is feeling uncomfortable.
If the party are polite and friendly to his during the night his will go a long way with him during later encounters. Geneth begins with an indifferent attitude. If they can change this to friendly (DC 15) Geneth will ask Pockets to invite the party to the Acquirers Headquarters a few days after the Ball.
Gwendolyn and Sebastian Bradly-Dipinshire
Margaret Aslaxin’s second cousin, Gwendolyn and her husband Sebastian are Sasserine nobles who are pompous, condescending, arrogant, elitist snobs.
As the Brady-Dipinshires approach the table allow the party a Listen check (DC 25) or Spot check (DC 25) to hear or ‘read’ the nobles whispers. They feel offended by their seating allocation on a table of ‘shop keepers, treasure hunters and bodyguards’. ‘Look at them, they make my skin crawl. Just imagine the diseases that are crawling all over their unwashed bodies’ – they say through gritted teeth.
The Brady-Dipinshires are the self-appointed etiquette and manners police of the table. They watch carefully how the rest of the table eat, speak and interact and report such observations to her cousin later in the night.
The Bradly-Dipinshires look for any opportunity to insult ‘commoners’ and love to boast about their wealth, holdings and privileges.
The nobles starting attitude is unfriendly. If this can be changed to friendly through excessive flattery and by using the correct ‘table manners’ for the duration of the banquet (Diplomacy DC 25) the Bradly-Dipinshires will speak highly of the party to Margaret Aslaxin and the other nobles.
Vortimax Weer
Vortimax is a retired adventuring wizard, who is a cranky old curmudgeon who would rather be in his alchemy lab or pawing through his books than making idol conversation with nobles. The only reason he is here is because he is an art collector and doesn’t wish to offend the Aslaxins who supply him with the majority of his most prized pieces.
Vortimax spends most of the occasion throwing in nasty one-liners whenever he can during any conversation. He is not particular about who he offends and is happy to rudely ignore comments or questions directed at him if he doesn’t wish to reply.
Vortimax will speak to guests about alchemy but only after a quick test to see if they have any real skill or knowledge in the area or they are just making flippant conversation. When someone shows an interest he says – ‘What type of alchemy do you prefer – Apothecaries, Arcanithis or Brews?’ If they choose one of the three he simply asks –‘why’ and lets the uneducated humiliate themselves with their bumbling response. An alchemy check DC 10 will reveal that there is no such alchemy area called arcanithis. If the party member picked Vortimax up on this he nods in respect and continues his conversation with the character. Get the character to roll one Alchemy Check each course from this point on as Vortimax continues to test out the characters knowledge (2nd Course – DC 10, 3rd - DC 15, 4th – DC 20, 5th – DC 25). If they fail a check Vortimax stops testing the character for the rest of the night.
If the character is able to answer the first question about the type of alchemy they prefer Vortimax’s attitude changes from unfriendly to indifferent towards the character. If the character continues to answer Vortimax’s questions up to 3rd course, his attitude changes to friendly and if they successfully answer the final series of questions Vortimax is thoroughly impressed and his attitude changes to Helpful.
If Vortimax’s attitude becomes friendly he invites the character to his shop to look through his new potion stock and gives the player 3 potions of his choice for free.
If Vortimax’s attitude was successfully altered to helpful not only does Vortimax gives the player 3 potions but they can expect to receive a 50% discount on all future purchases made from his shop. Vortimax will also happily take on the character at the Bluecrater Academy to teach them in knowledge (any), alchemy, spellcraft or the scry skills giving them a +2 to any skill studied with the professor for at least 2 weeks.
Demonskar Points
Award 3 Demonskar Points for every guest (the Bradly-Dipinshire’s count as one) attitude that can be changed to helpful.
I downloaded and read your entire first draft a few days ago, and I was so impressed with it that I am actually pulling DM fiat to re-run the Demonskar Ball utilizing your work. My group is still on the Flood Season chapter, and we spent a session on the Ball, but it was nothing compared to what this could make it. So, I'm going to rewind things a bit so that the ball hasn't happened yet, running it after the party returns to town after recovering the wands, since they're currently in the middle of the Kopru Ruins. If you're planning on revising the version that's already been posted at RPGenius, please be sure to announce it here, because I'll want the most up-to-date version I can get. Endless kudos to you on this excellent work, which I fully expect will make the ball a truly memorable event for my PCs (and their players). Thanks again, and great work.
I gotta agree with VedicCold's analasys, I'm going to be putting my characters into this as well. They have just finished Life's Bazaar, so it shouldn't be hellalong before this comes into play. I'll be sure to tell everyone how it goes.
I totally agree. I'm so happy I haven't played Flood Season yet, because this material is a huge addition to the Ball. Great opportunity for role-playing! Thanks Delvesdeep for all the good work!
Thankyou very much for your praise! I'm glad I posted the document up here and on the RPGenius site now. Initially I wasn't going to bother because I thought most people would have played beyond this point.
For those parties who have played well beyond the Flood Season I was even thinking of making some adaptations (similiar to the Scaling the adventure sidebars you find accompanying Dungeon adventures) for using the ball during later stages of the Path.
Let me know if people would use this.
VeriCold - I do plan on making some changes/variations to the first draft even after just reading through my own descriptions, game mechanics etc. I also believe adding some of the suggestions from Frank etc into the descriptions/write ups would enhance the Ball. When I get time to do this is the delemia though. I'm guessing it would be a few weeks away.
Anyhow thankyou all once again and please feel free to post recommendations, advice, comments etc up about anything you read here to make the eventual adventure/side trek as entertaining and worthwhile as possible for the players.
Event Eight – The First Course: Demonskar Dips
The Demonskar Herald tap a glass with a spoon until the tables hush. Lord Aslaxin stands and with a large smile firmly fixed upon his face begins his speech –
Lord Mayor, Honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you once more this humble gathering. Once again we celebrate the glorious Demonskar Battle and once again we honour out heroic founder – Sundabar Spellmason. If only he could see today what his great work accomplished and see the glory of the city he created.
(As Lord Aslaxin speaks servants move through the banquet tables giving each guest a glass with a bubbling red drink which white smoke pours out of.)
This year has proved especially difficult to our grand city. We have had kidnappings, thwarted drow invasions and potentially disastrous floods threaten our holdings and welfare.
Heroic adventurers have been our salvation. One group, I am extremely proud to announce, has my own son within its ranks – Zachary II.
The other members of this heroic group are a sons and daughters of Cauldron nobility, protecting the weak and strong alike – collectively they are known as the Stormblades! (Loud applause from all gathered).
(Only include the next part of the speech if the party impressed the Aslaxins during the formal greeting. Otherwise skip down to the toast)
Another group has also proved their valour in the past few months. Rising from poorer beginnings than our other heroes (gesturing to his right towards the scowling Stormblades) they have demonstrated a noble spirit none the less. They have single handedly rescued kidnapped orphans from slavers, slain a vampire lurking beneath our very streets and have also recaptured the wands of water control from a villainous cult and averted a city wide flood! (Cheers and applause from all guests). We must count ourselves truly lucky to have not one but two heroic groups within our city.
(Lord Aslaxin then asks everyone to stands and toasts Sundabar and Cauldron Heros before announcing the Banquet to begin.)
If the party do not drink then the Bradly-Dipinshires take note of the insult and report this back to Lady Aslaxin latter.
The drink is known as the Bubbling Cauldron as is meant to symbolise Cauldron. It tastes delicious but it is very toxic liquor that does not reveal its effects until later. The servants ask the table if they would like a decanter of the drink left on the table and Dalam asks for two. Each decanter holds 5 glasses worth.
Do not make it obvious but keep track of how many glasses of the drink the players have before 3rd course. The drink acts similarly to poison but with a greater delayed onset – requiring only one save but well after the consumption actually occurred.
The servants bring around the first course: Demonskar Dips – a platter of 5 dips, exotic fruit and spiced breads. The dips are delicious particularly the red demons delight. Have the party make a Diplomacy Check (DC 10) to eat the dips ‘correctly’.
• Vortimax attempts to quietly discern the make up of each dip
• Lady Gwendolyn discuss their holdings in Sasserine and how the party remind them of servants they have in their employ
• Lord Sebastian discusses art works with Geneth who bluffs his way through the conversation
• Bolar glares at the party and asks them about their kidnapping mission and encounter with Keygan.
• Dalam politely discusses his Sasserine business with Gwendolyn or a party member. He will attempt to pressure the party member to drink the Bubbling Cauldron drink with him.
Event Nine – The Second Course: Sundabar Soup
The dips and cleared and the second course is being served when the Demonskar Herald asks all in attendance to quieten. The Herald then says –
Sundabar was known for his legendary swordsmanship and battle prowess but he is better remembered for his superior arcane skills and boundless intellect. Each year we reward the greatest wit in attendance with a membership to the Bluecrater Acedemy and their extensive library.
The question this year is who will answer the Riddle of Ruin before the sands of time ….
(With that the Demonskar Herald pulls forth a large hourglass and turns it over. The party have 10 minutes of real time to answer the riddle, unless someone else answers it first.
Each minute after the 3 minute point, there is cumulative 10% chance that someone else at the Banquet answers the riddle first (ie 3rd minute there is a 10% chance, 4th minute - 20%, 5th - 30% etc)
The riddle is –
Wob I am called, twisted about--
I'm a strange creature shaped for battle.
When I bend and the battle-sting snakes
Through my belly, I am primed to drive off
The death-stroke. When my lord and tormentor
Releases my limbs, I am long again,
As laced with slaughter, I spit out
The death-blend I swallowed before.
What whistles from my belly does not easily pass,
And the man who seizes this sudden cup
Pays with his life for the long, last drink.
Unwound I will not obey any man;
Bound tight, I serve. Say what I am.
Answer: A Bow
After a five minutes have the players make an intelligence check (DC 15) to see if they can elicit a clue – A Weapon.
The second course is Sundabar Soup - spiced potato, coconut and herb soup, which is served with hot bread.
Have the players make a diplomacy check DC 10 to see if they use the correct cutlery and accepted use of the bread. As always the Bradly-Dipinshires are watching carefully.
• Geneth may ask the party rogue about their dealings with ‘burglars, scoundrels and cutpurses’ in the city. If they express their honest dislike of the Last Laugh and Jil this will please him. He may then ask about if they have encountered any thieves of character, ‘if there is such a thing!’, in their travels about the city. If the party discuss Pockets in glowing terms roll a Diplomacy Check for Geneth to see if this helped altar his attitude to a more favourable disposition.
• Dalam becomes drunk at this point and starts to want to discuss the parties adventures while discussing his own triumphs –‘Fighin’ for your life, just to make it through the day, shows the real worth of a man I reckon!’ ‘We should give all these nobles a sword and send them into a dungeon for a day or two and you would have a much better city here I can tell ya!’
• Gwendolyn and Sebastine try their best to ignore Dalam from this point on but are sure to mention this type of behaviour to Margaret Aslaxin later in the evening.
Demonskar Points
Award the party 3 Demonskar points if they answer the Riddle correctly.
Any advice on how to improve anything? The work is far from perfect so advice and ideas are more than welcome.
Event Ten – The Main Course: Redgorge Roast
The parties attention is turned towards the kitchen doors behind the main table as six servants struggle to carry a massive oval silver platter on which a giant glazed pig rests, surrounded in hundreds of steaming potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The guests gasp and applaud the massive feast. As the servants pass the main table towards a large central serving table, one servant drops under the weight of the pig and the other servants slip and tumble causing the platter to tip. Lord Alek springs from his chair and catches the platter as the remaining servants fall to the floor.
Holding the platter and giant pig that sits atop it effortlessly above his head, Alek calmly says - ‘Stand aside humble servants. Lord Aslaxin may I do the honour?’
Stunned by the show of incredible strength, Lord Aslaxin can only manage a nod, and with that Alek slowly walks to the table and gently lowers the pig upon it. Some people applaud, other whisper to each other in concerned tones, other still just continue to stare.
After a minute of silence the Demonskar Herald appears and says –
Legend speaks of Sundabar skewering a terrible demonic boar on the night before the Demonskar Battle. The boar feed his army and filled them with fearless strength. Tonight we continue this tradition with a boar of our own.
The fallen servants quickly get to their feet and after finding carving knives begin to cut the meat. Other servants appear to take the meal to the tables.
Roll the save verus the Bubbling Cauldron Drink at this time (Fort DC 10). Any person who has partaken in more than one drink has their DC increased by 5 for each drink (ie 4 drinks equates to a Fort Save DC 25). Characters who fail their saves a given a –1 to all Diplomacy and Dance for every 2 points below the required DC they failed, for the remainder of the evening (ie a roll of 4 against a Fort Save of DC 10 would equate to a –3 to Diplomacy and Dance checks, while a roll of 4 against a Fort DC of 25 would equate to a –10).
• Dalam, thoroughly effected by the alcohol declares loudly, all pretence of manners and diplomacy forgotten, that the servants were obviously weaklings and that he could easily lift such a pig himself.
• Bolar suppresses a laugh at the boast and Balam turns to him with an angry glare –‘So ya think you’re stronger than me little pipsqueak! I could squash you with me big thumb!’
• Bolar stutters a response, obviously intimidated by Bolar –‘My strength doesn’t lie in my arm my brutish friend’ and as if suddenly struck by a great idea his face brightens, ‘but I’m sure one of them strong and heroic adventurers would best you in a show of strength!’
Dalam swings his heavy head the parties way and says –‘So what do you say weaklings! What about a competition to settle matters.’
Geneth adds that outside he saw a rubbish cart they gradually fill and attempt to lift.
Everyone on the table, including the usually proper Bradly-Dipinshires, encourage the party to compete against the increasingly obnoxious half-orc in hope of quietening the brute.
If a party member agrees, everyone except for the Bradly-Dipinshires and Vortimax, follow Geneth outside and to the side ally, well away from the other guests, where they find the cart.
A large pile of sacks, filled with garbage, sits next to the back door to the kitchen. The old cart currently lies empty. Geneth says he will pile the sacks, with the help of others, onto the cart and the contestants can lift the edge until the wheels leave the ground.
Effectively this required a series of strength tests against increasing DC. The DC’s are 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25. Each contestant gets two attempts at each DC. If one of them fails and the other has succeeded then they are declared the winner. If there is a weight neither can lift they continue to attempt the weight until a winner can be declared. Dalam has a +3 strength modifier.
Anyone who helps Geneth has a 10% chance each stage to have a bag split and spill its contests on them. This will damage their costumes and give them an unpleasant smell for the rest of the evening. This gives the character a –3 penalty to any diplomacy checks made for the rest of the event.
Conversely though, Geneth and Bolar’s attitude is improved by one progression (ie indifferent to friendly, friendly to helpful)
Demonskar Points
Award the party 3 points if they can best Dalam in the Test of Strength.
Event Eleven – The Fourth Course: Spellmason Sunrise
The forth course is a beautiful desert pie filled with sweet fruits and served with cream. It is a favourite of all who regularly attend the ball.
Have the players make a Diplomacy Check (DC 15) to once again follow the proper protocol in regards to their dinner manners.
As the dishes are being cleared get the party to all make a spot check (DC 20). If someone succeeds they see the Stormblades in thick conversation at their table and gathered around Todd as he shows them all something (two vials). He then stands up and slips away to the toilet with Annah.
Annah returns after a few minutes but there is no sign of Todd. Annah, Zachary and Cora then walked over to the players table and attempt to belittle them and gloat about the Demonskar Dance, claiming that the party will be shown as the pitiful frauds they truly are during it.
Make the appropriate bluff, intimidate and sense motive checks for both parties during the stand off. If the party bluffs the Stormblades into believing that they will win the dance for whatever reason or the party intimidates the Stormblades, have the Stormblades quickly back off. During the argument allow one player to make a sense motive check to discern to see if they see Cora looking from time to time at the back of the table and, if the roll is high enough, specifically at the drink the Nabthataron character is drinking (DC 20 or 25 for the drink). Todd returns 10 minutes later with a smug look on his face.
(Annah turned Todd invisible in the hallway outside the toilet using a scroll. Todd then snuck into the kitchen where he poured a little of the contents of one of the vials over each of the meals destined for the parties table.
Todd then proceeded to sneak to the party’s table using the conversation between the Stormblades and the party as a distraction, and attempts to pour the last vial into the player who was given the Nabthataron Invitation. Have that player plus the two sitting either side of the player make a listen check verus Todd’s Move Silently Check (+9).
The poison is a rare type taken from the flower of Blistermai plant in the nearby jungle. It has a strange sweet taste, which Todd hopes will be easily disguised, by the sweet desert. The poison has a DC of 16 and does 1d6 initial and secondary damage to the victims dexterity. The Stormblades hope the players will be severely hampered during the Demonskar dance and make fools of themselves.
The ‘poison’ that Todd attempts to slip in the character who is playing Nabthataron, effects the stomach and bowls causing bowl discomfort and then immediate movement. The Initial Save is a DC 18 and avoids the poison altogether if made. If this first check is failed the character will need to make a save every ten minutes (DC 15) for the rest of the night or be affected. During the Demonskar Dance the player will need to make two such checks due to the stress and strain. Failure at any time results in a minute warning before the character uncontrollably expels the contents of their bowels.
Surprisingly only Sebastian fails the save verus the Blistermai poison and blames his two left feet and the strong alcohol for his sudden wobbliness.
Demonskar Points
Award one Demonskar point to the party if they catch Todd in the act.
Event Twelve – The Fifth Course: Crator Cake
Lord Aslaxins once again stands to his feet and some nobles, partaking in one two many Bubbling Cauldrons, cheer and applaud their host before he utters a word.
Margaret and myself hope you have been enjoying your night. (Cheers and applause from the crowd) I am pleased to introduce the final course. It is a celebration of the defeat of the Demonskar army and the foundation of Cauldron. The reason I announce this course is because my lovely wife herself made it. (More applause).
[/b]Please enjoy.
As Lord Aslaxin sits the same six servants who carried the Roasted Pig earlier walk out of the kitchen carrying a monstrous cake shaped like a caldera. It is beautifully decorated. Lady Aslaxin herself comes out of her seat to cut the cake while the servants carry the slices over to the waiting guests.
Dalam uses this opportunity to announce in an overly loud whisper that last year the cake made him violently ill the rest of the night and that was only after a single bite. The Bradly-Dipinshires reluctantly agree that the cake certainly was an interesting texture but it is the height of rudeness to not sample the hosts own cooking.
Everyone on the table watches to see what the players do.
Margaret actually changed the recipe for her Crater Cake this year after being embarrassed by her disaster last year. This year the cake is very nice indeed and the party have nothing to fear.
After a brief moment Lady Aslaxin wanders over to their table and
Lord and Lady Aslaxin spends the first part of the meal wandering the tables being the good hosts. When Lady Aslaxin approaches the table asks them what they think about the desert, taking note of whether they have sampled the desert yet. If they haven’t eaten any she will be quietly angry with them. If they attempt to eat some why she is present, her anger will be averted somewhat.
Dalam uses the opportunity to boast about his past adventuring exploits in front of the host.
He states that in his adventuring day he would have felled 5 such beasts himself over the years. He once fought an ogre bare handed and ripped its trout out with his teeth!
Vortimax scoffs at the story and when Dalam challenges him with a laugh–‘I suppose you have done better old man! You couldn’t bite you way through a piece of butter!’
Vortimax then recounts that he once defeated a band of trolls with a single wave of his hand. No teeth or body contact required!
The party can join in with the Bragging Competition with their own story followed by a Intimidate check. Roll a check for both Dalam (Intimidate+7) and Vortimax (Intimidate + 4) and compare it with the players to see which story Lady Aslaxin declares the winner.
[b]Demonskar Points
Award the party one point if they eat the cake and do not insult Lady Aslaxin.
Award them one Demonskar Point if they win the Bragging Competition.
I started running this side trek last night and it was met with rave reviews. The party have just finished the Song of Heaven competition which I think went on a bit to long. I think if I was going to run this again I would make the DCs higher. The party musician ended up drawing with Annah initially and then once again during the second round (2 misatkes each) so I ended up just having the highest perfomance wins which Annah (played by a player) completely stuffed up and the party musician won. All in all though the competition probably went too long for a single character leaving the rest as idol onlookers.
Perhaps if I had Cora attempt to damage all of the other party dancer inbetween each perfom check by the musicians this would enagae all the players rather than just one. Any comments?
The players have enjoyed the interaction with the Cauldrons 'movers and shakers' so far and are very concerned about the Stormblades and the potential problems they may cause the party on their home 'turf'.
Lord Vhalantru has completely pulled the wool over their eyes and they are convinced he is a helpful politician in charge of the treasury and concerned about the damage caused to the city in the wake of the recent disaster and the reduced gaurd numbers/public security. I have played him as an over indulging (drunked)patron to make him humourous and therefore appear unthreatening and likable to the party. I have rarely, if ever, make villians appear humourous in the past.
I'm particularly looking forward to seeing how the players react during the banquet and to Dalam (drunk half-orc) and te Bradly-Dippinshires (pompus nobles).
If you have any comments or experiences yourself with the Demonskar Ball please let me know.
Delvesdeep
Event Thirteen – The Clash of Armies
The Demonskar Army moves to the front of the room once more and sounds a deep horn of war which reverberates around the chamber, bringing the room to instant silence.
The Demonskar Army marched over the rise, their fearsome drums heralding their arrival and their triumphant roar sending waves of panic through the watching Redgorge defenders. Rising from the demonic ranks, the dreaded Abysmal General Nabthataron rose into the sky above the baying army.
Sundabar stood atop the great walls of Redgorge, shinning like a beacon of hope and unbending strength.
‘Sons and daughters of Redgorge. Today we will end this threat once and for all. This demonic horde will be smashed against these walls like a wave smashing against a cliff. Have no fear, lose no faith, for the gods are with us and we will not waver! Death is the only thing that awaits this evil upon this day – VICTORY SHALL BE OURS!!
Let us rise to the challenge and march to war upon the dancefloor above. Take your name cards with you and let the Clash of Armies begin.
The guests gradually begin to move in groups up the stairs and to the Grand Ballroom guided by the servants.
• If the character that received the Nabthataron Invitation waits behind in the foyer Lady Margaret Aslaxin appears and excitedly greets the individual dismissing any escorts or other stragglers as she does so. She will also send a servant to go and fetch the winner of the Song of Heaven competition. If the character is not waiting and has gone up stairs instead Lady Aslaxin will send up another servant to find the way wood individual and not be happy about it either.
• Lady Aslaxin asks the character/s if they have the required costume and then ushers them up the stairs and into a side door where they can get changed. She waits with them and instructs them when to emerge and what to do.
Once the other guests enter the more dimly lit Ballroom they are greeted with the music of the band – a loud march with heavy drums and horns. The audience visible stands more erect and ready by the sound. Upon the floor and scores of large glowing symbols.
The Demonskar Herald once again appears on the stage to begin the dance –
Look on the back of your place cards my demonic and founding soldiers, for their will be printed a symbol. Move to the floor and stand upon the same symbol and face your foe for the last time. Let the dance of begin.
Each ‘demon’ is matched up with a ‘founder’ of the opposite gender.
When the party members move towards the symbol they have on their card they are ‘greeted’ by a member of the Stormblades. Zachary Aslaxin II was in charge of matching guests for this dance and used the opportunity to attempt to try and make them appear foolish.
Characters not matches up (ie too many male characters, Annah won the Song of Heaven Competition etc) are matched up with a repugnant noble and but only need to make 3 successive Dance Checks DC15 to survive the dance unscathed.
Match the characters up with Stormblades of the opposite gender and similar ability.
The Stormblades have the following bonuses to their dance checks for the Clash of Armies dance: Annah +11, Todd +9, Cora +7, Zachary +5.
This dance is difficult but the Stormblades plan on making it outright complicated as they aim to embarrass the party.
Run the dance like a 10 round battle.
Have each Stormblade and character makes an opposed perform (dance) check. Who ever wins can attempt a move.
If a character attempts a move ask them what they will be attempting and have them make the appropriate skill/ability check.
Unfortunately the Stormblades are quiet experienced at this dance and have a number of well practised moved to attempt on them–
Annah –
- Fascinate (Annah may chose to sing or hum causing the player to make a Will DC 18 or become enraptured in the song)
- Stumble (opposed dance checks) Failure indicates the character stumbles).
Todd –
- Step (Todd steps between or on the characters feet/legs cause them to fall –
opposed Dexterity Checks: Todd has a + 2 )
- Kick (disguised as a step Todd kicks out at the players leg, knee or shins to make them lose step – Dance DC 15 to ignore/avoid)
Cora –
- Spin (Opposed Dance checks or character falls. Dexterity Check DC 18 to avoid fall)
- Tangle (Cora must make a bluff check DC 10 to attempt this move, then Cora and the character make opposed dexterity checks to avoid falling)
Zachary II –
- Squeeze (Opposed Strength/Dexterity Check being winded causing a –10 to their next dance check)
- Trip (Opposed Strength/Dexterity Check to avoid falling)
The winner of the ‘dance’ is the dancer who causes their partner to fall the most.
If a character choses to just attack a Stormblade, without attempting to mask the action within the dance, the Stormblade cries out immediately and dramatises the action so everyone dancing sees the attack. The player character is reacted too by the other guests with disgust and shock. The character also loses 5 Demonskar points for the party.
Demonskar Points
Award the party 2 Demonskar Points for every Stormblade that are defeated during the dance.
Penalise the party 2 Demonskar Points for every character that is defeated by a Stormblabe during the dance.
Event Fourteen – The Demonskar Dance
The Clash of Armies finishes and the dancers quickly move to form a large circle, the Founders on one half and the demons on the other.
The music begins again, this time more ominous and foreboding. From behind the ranks of the demons Nabthataron emerges. Four founders rush at the character who, again following Margaret’s previous instructions, casts them easily aside. Nabthataron roars in triumph and stalks about his side of the circle.
The music changes to a lighter more heroic melody as Lord Aslaxin dressed as Sundabar in flowing White robes and sporting thick black hair and a beard, steps from behind the Founders ranks.
From the darkened stage the Demonskar Herald’s voice rises above the din –
High upon the city walls the two generals faced each other. The hideous demonic leader Nabthataron towered above the robed wizard, and the soldiers of both armies stopped as one to witness the spectacle. There would be only one victor this day.
The music picks up again and the two dancers first circle each other before combating each other as they preform the complicated dance.
Have the player make five Dance Checks (DC 15, 18, 20, 22, 25)
- If they succeed in none of the checks, Lord Aslaxin and the other guests are angry at the characters performance
- If they succeed in only 2 or less, the audience and Lord Aslaxin are visibly disappointed with the characters performance
- If they succeed in 3 checks, the Audience and Lord Aslaxin are pleased with the performance
- If they succeed in 4 checks, the Audience and Lord Aslaxin are extremely happy with the performance
- If they succeed in all the perform checks the crowd and Lord Aslaxin are ecstatic about the performance and after revealing their identity to the gathering they are hoisted upon their soldiers and cheered.
As the dance finishes, the music reaches its climax as Sundabar is cast to the ground across the circle. The music shifts once more to a single angelic voice as the angel Nidrama (winner of the Song of Heaven Competition) steps from the crowd after helping Sundabar to his feet passes him a glowing staff.
The music changes to the heavier darker sound, as Nabthataron rushes across the circle before quickly switching once more to the heroic sounds as Nabthataron, with a single swipe of Alakast from Sundabar, crashes to the ground dramatically. The character playing Nabtharon then crawls away out of the circle.
Once the dance is completed Lord Aslaxin asks Nabthataron to reveal their identity to the assembled gathering. Depending on how they danced will depend on how they are then received and how Lord Aslaxin introduces them.
Demonskar Points
- Award the party 1 Demonskar Points for 3 successful checks
- Award the party 3 Demonskar points for 4 successful checks
- Award the party 5 Demonskar points for 5 successful checks
This is the last part of the Demonskar Ball. I hope people have enjoyed the document and plan to use it (or some of it) themselves in their games.
Demonskar Points and the Awards:
0 – 20 No Award/s Given
21 –35 Star of Valour
35 – 45 Star of Valour & White Shield
45 – 50 Star of Valour, White Shield of Cauldron and The Flaming Crest
Benefits (Bonuses Stack)
Star of Valour: +3 to all diplomacy checks made within the city to citizens of noble birth
White Shield of Cauldron: +5 to all diplomacy checks made to all citizens of Cauldron
The Flaming Crest: 20% off all goods and services made in Cauldron.
The benefits of these medals are only gained if the party wear them openly. The party gain half the benefits (rounded up) if they do not wear the medals due to their improved reputation.
Event Fifteen – The Founding of Cauldron: City Awards
Lord Aslaxin asks everyone to stand before the stage for a final time and asks the Lord Mayor to the stage with him.
The Lord Mayor Speaks in the assembly –
Tonight is a celebration of our heritage and our glorious city as much as it is a celebration of our founder. Our city survives on the back of our citizens and the direction of our nobles.
During time of adversity we are sometimes privy in great acts of bravery and great heroes of valour. We have such individuals here with us this night and the city council and myself have declared that their actions will not go unheralded in this grand city.
To these ends can I please ask the group who are as noble in character and deed as they are in title to stand next to me. Please come to the stage – The Stormblades! (Applause from all assembled as the Lord Mayor ushers the Stormblades to the stage.)
Due to their defeat of the demonic kobolds and the subsequent retreat of their drow masters, each hero will be awarding with the Star of Valour. (loud applause)
The Lord Mayor shakes each Stormblades hand and pins the medal onto them.
But we are blessed in this city with not just one band of heroes but with two. A group has arisen in our fair city who arose from humble beginnings to avert some of the biggest disasters we have ever witnessed in Cauldron. They are heroes of virtue and of character; they show honour in spirit and strength in their hearts, they protect the commoners and nobles alike.
Please come to the front (signalling to the party)……I give to you the (insert party name)!
(After a moment of rapturous applause and cheering while the Stormblades continue to glare and scowl at the party, Lord Aslaxin continues)
The Lord Mayor will not only be awarding the League of Swords also with the Star of Valour but also the White Shield. The Lord Mayor shakes each of the hero’s hands and presents the awards. After a moment to soak up the accolades, Lord Aslaxin says - ‘I give you Cauldrons Heroes!’ (Prolonged thunderous applause and cheering)
The music begins once more and the Demonskar Herald announces the final dance for the evening – The Founding of Cauldron.
This is a circular, rotating dance, meant to symbolise Cauldron. The dance is easy (DC 10) but no one cares if any one makes a mistake at this point of the night in any event.
Use this time to have the party congratulated by the other guests.
At the conclusion of the dance Lord Aslaxin thanks all for attending and wishes them a good night. Servants help guide the guests to their waiting coaches.
This is the last part of the Demonskar Ball. I hope people have enjoyed the document and plan to use it (or some of it) themselves in their games.
Delvesdeep I just wanted to say thanks for all the hard work on this document. My group will be finishing Drakthar's Way tomorrow night and in a week or so we'll begin the Flood Festival. The development on this is incredible and it will be used in my game for sure. I'll let you know how it goes.
Delvesdeep I just wanted to say thanks for all the hard work on this document. My group will be finishing Drakthar's Way tomorrow night and in a week or so we'll begin the Flood Festival. The development on this is incredible and it will be used in my game for sure. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks Sean. I'm glad you plan on using it. I'm half way through it at the moment - Song of Heaven - and so far so good.
Hope you and your players enjoy the interlude
Delvesdeep
Well, I ran the (New & Improved) Demonskar Ball last weekend using the download file you had placed on RPGenius, Delvesdeep, and I really must say, it was a fantastic evening. Everyone had a moment in the sun, everyone was involved, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. We started around 5:30 pm and were so engrossed that we didn't stop until we had finished the whole ball, which was sometime around 1:30 - 2:00 AM Sunday morning. My group's bard was a fanatic about the Song of Heaven competition, having already built up a stiff rivalry with Annah, and she LOVED stealing the title of Angel of the Ball. It was a tight contest, but she won fair and square, and everyone else had a blast. Thanks a lot for all your hard work on this, because it made for a truly memorable night for both my players and their PCs.
I also just ran this in my last session. Thanks Delvesdeep for your work. It was a truly memorable session. Let's see... what were some highlight from the ball...
------
The spell thief purchached a 600gp demon costume with glowing eyes, smoke and the whole deal. She was the only demon in the whole group, which was appropriate for her character.
Our Favored Soul won the Song of Heaven contest due to some really bad rolls on Annah's part. The Scout also figured out that the judge had been bribed, but he kept his mouth shut.
The monk and the favored soul were dancing together when the monk noticed Cora acting out widling on the dance floor. Then Cora stepped too close the favored soul (as she made an attempt to step on her gown) and the monk tripped Cora in the middle of the dance floor. (By the end of the night the monk had like a -9 circumstance penalty on her diplomacy checks.)
The half-orc got really nervous when they announced the Dance of Kozomagon’s Folly. “Uhmm.. you mean we’re dancing over necromatic symbols to win the position to be the mayor of an undead city? Uhm… I’ll sit this one out.
The big trouble started just after they sat down to eat, the Bubbling Cauldrons were their downfall, heh. The Scout is unfortunately an alcoholic and the half-orc drinks more than he should because he thinks he can handle anything. So they not only drank their Bubbling Cauldrons, but also the ones belonging to the monk and favored soul. And then they had seconds and the scout had thirds and fourths…
Dalam, the NPC half-orc at the table also had too much and challenged them to lift the garbage cart outback, which the elven Scout and half-orc from the party agreed to. Dalam dumped garbage all over himself and took off his costume and was not allowed to come back to the ball after that. So he went out drinking.
Then Todd from the Stormblades added a poison to the player’s pie and both the Scout and the Half-orc failed their fortitude saves and were mildly sick along with roaring drunk. The Stormblades found it amusing until the Scout and Half-orc hit on Annah and Cora telling them how sorry they were if they had offended them in anyway and asked them to dance. Cora was disgusted and Annah brushed them off.
But then Annah discovered that she was paired up to dance with the half-orc for the Clash of the Armies dance and she had a wicked idea. She flirted with the half-orc and flattered him and then used her fascinate ability and sang to him. He was so much in love, and totally drunk. Then she talked him into thinking that the Scout didn’t think he was worthy of her and a couple of badly chosen words from the Scout started a druken fist fight disrupting the dance. All the Stormblades found it highly amusing and the Scout and Half-orc were ejected from the ball, which of course reflected poorly on the rest of the party.
So only four of the Fists of Heronious were there when the mayor unexpectedly awarded their group medals for their acts of heroism.
---
So there you have it. A very memorable roleplaying experience and not even one monster killed. :)
After far too long an absence from gaming, let me congratulate delvesdeep and the other contributors on yet another stellar piece of work. I've had to step away from my game for a while now, but we're rolling again and the Demonskar Ball is a week away. I am extremely excited to be presenting this to my group!
To that end, I made up some fancy invitations that got handed out after the threat of flooding passed and the city was able to resume the festivities of the Flood Festival. The invitations are up on theRPGenius.com, of course, in the Shackled City archive. I wish I had been able to make them before so long. Some of you will have to use them next time your run the AP. Sorry!
Regards,
Koramado
I'm glad to hear that everyone had a good time with the Demonskar Ball. I also had the players run through the Ball recently and had a great time particularly during the Banquet and the various competitions.
I'll have to go in to detail a little bit later...dam work!
Delvesdeep
Sean and VeriCold I'm really glad to hear your party had a good time playing through the Ball. How did you play out the conflict with the Stormblades? How did the dances and competitions play out? Was there too many things going on and too many NPCs to think about all at once? Were the party happy with there rewards/medals and have they used there benefits yet?
Koramado - your invitation you put up on the RPG website is fantastic! Well done. Could you tell me what each of the symbols represent - I guess the crator is the demons but is the mountain the founders?
Thanks for your comments once again
Delvesdeep
P.S. Koramado - what ever happened to my Sasserine document you were going to place on the wesite. I was really proud of that one but it was too big with too many pictures to place up on there. Could you give it another try?
Koramado - your invitation you put up on the RPG website is fantastic! Well done. Could you tell me what each of the symbols represent - I guess the crator is the demons but is the mountain the founders?
Right, the crater by itself is the Demonskar Army, the mountain peak is the Founders, and the crater with the horned head atop is the Nabthateron invitation. Glad you like it!
P.S. Koramado - what ever happened to my Sasserine document you were going to place on the wesite. I was really proud of that one but it was too big with too many pictures to place up on there. Could you give it another try?
You have my word on it! I dropped into obscurity for a while there, but I'm back. I'm almost done rewriting the download section for theRPGenius.com (a long time coming) and your document will be the first one placed. I'll email you the player write-up of the Demonskar Ball when my group has finished it. They ate it up!
As one of Koramado's vic.., er, players, I just had to give a players point of view:
WHAT A FREAKIN' BLAST!!
It was the most fun - I think - we'd had at a session yet. Kudos and a round of Smithwick's to the designer(s) - oh, and DMs smart enough to use it, of course.
Now, back to avoiding SCAP threads....
Samuel & Koramado,
Did your group end up writing up their journal/experiences of the Ball. I would love to hear how it went for them! :)
Delvesdeep
Still waiting myself. I keep asking for it, because I'm interested in reading it, too. I'll get it from Samael soon and post it in the campaign forum I started for my group.
I'll forward your request to my players and use it to motivate them to finish faster. :)
Regards,
Koramado
Still waiting myself. I keep asking for it, because I'm interested in reading it, too. I'll get it from Samael soon and post it in the campaign forum I started for my group.
I'll forward your request to my players and use it to motivate them to finish faster. :)
Regards,
Koramado
No hurry mate, just interested in how it went :)
Thankyou once again for the T-Shirt. I was very honoured to recieve it (or anything at all for that matter) as a prize.
Keep up the great work on the site
Delvesdeep
Just want to add my thanks to the pile. Thanks to both koramado and delvesdeep for making such wonderful extras available! I can't wait to run the Demonskar Ball--my players are going to love it!
--Fang
Hi delvesdeep,
I am set to run the demonscar ball tomorrow night with my group. But I am wondering how you would solve the following situation:
We got a paladin in our group. How would you handle his Detect Evil ability? There are a lot of evil NPCs there and I do not want to give away too much.
Thx in advance for any input
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Hi delvesdeep,
I am set to run the demonscar ball tomorrow night with my group. But I am wondering how you would solve the following situation:
We got a paladin in our group. How would you handle his Detect Evil ability? There are a lot of evil NPCs there and I do not want to give away too much.
Thx in advance for any input
I could interject my pet peeve I've had with "detect evil" and the sorts but it would be too long of a post and off-topic - but suffice it to say that I do not believe that every philanderer, goblin, thief, and liar who has an 'evil' alignment should detect as such - mainly for it strips away the "power" of the word "evil" (true evil). Evil should represent pure and true utter evil, and not so loosely used to describe someone's demeanor. (alignment debates happend feverishly on ever D&D based messageboard I've ever seen and thus I will end my rant part of the post here...)
In my games, Detect Evil (and similar spells) only detects paragons of that alignment. Planar creatures with evil descriptors, and evil clerics of equal power of the caster detects as "evil" Everything else is benign. (as it relates to the spell's effect) But neither can the bad guys detect good in the same fashion. Paladins, planar creatures with good descriptors and powerful good clerics detect as such; everything else is ambivalent enough not to register. This could mean for the most part only Valahntru would detect as evil - but I'm sure he's got resources enough to have protection from detection abilities/items.
This solution of course only fixes the problem if this was the groundwork of your campaign(s) from the start.
Otherwise, you could have the hall have some sort of powerful protection against divinations on it at all times (known to some of the citizens) for purposes of "protection" Spin that as propoganda any way you'd like; protection vs scrying attempts by would-be enemies if the hall is used as social meetings, and political members frequent it.
Thus within the halls all diviniation magic is thwarted. Perhaps Vahlantru has a "spell-key" that allows him to circumvent this protection giving him a significant social advantage if wanting to divine someone's thoughts etc; but no one would believe someone (specifically him) could thwart the protection thus feeling themselves to be safe from such divinations, as well.
Robert
CEO
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Hey y'all:
My group finished the Demonskar Ball this past week and we had a heck of a great time! Thanks to delvesdeep for making such an amazingly fun roleplaying sidetrek. I used it to bring in a bunch of new NPCs, foreshadow a bit, and give the characters a chance to shine in front of Cauldron's nobility. By the end of the night, their little table had the Nabthataron character, the Song of Heaven winner, the mayors of Liduton, and the riddle winner. Even the Bradly-Dipinshires were impressed with the amount of accolades the table had collected. Thanks again for helping us to have a great evening!
-Lisa
Hey y'all:
My group finished the Demonskar Ball this past week and we had a heck of a great time! Thanks to delvesdeep for making such an amazingly fun roleplaying sidetrek. I used it to bring in a bunch of new NPCs, foreshadow a bit, and give the characters a chance to shine in front of Cauldron's nobility. By the end of the night, their little table had the Nabthataron character, the Song of Heaven winner, the mayors of Liduton, and the riddle winner. Even the Bradly-Dipinshires were impressed with the amount of accolades the table had collected. Thanks again for helping us to have a great evening!
-Lisa
Thankyou Lisa for your praise. I'm glad to hear you and your party had such a good time at the Ball. Can I ask how they faired in the Test of Strength and with the drinks? What about the dancing?
I just noticed you have (CEO) next to your name. Do you work for Paizo?
Deryl,
I'm sorry I haven't got back to you sooner. More than likely you have already played and come up with your own solution by now but hear is my advice none the less.
With the exception of Vhalantru I would allow your Paladin to use his ability unrestricted. Vhalantru would have numerous anti detection items on his person - after all his disguise is a well oiled and rehearsed persona by this stage.
A simple spell/ability like detect evil would never have any chance of unvieling his true identity. A nice twist would to have Vhalantru own an item that makes his alignment appear good rather than evil - this would throw off any suspicion for a party casting know alignment or the like. Just an idea.
If you don't want to give Embril's motivations away too early then perhaps you could reason that, as a high level cleric, Embril may always cast non detection spells before social gatherings. On the other hand allowing the paladin to detect that she is evil despite her facade would allow him his moment to 'shine' and reveal nothing more than what a sense motive check does in any event. The party will know she is up to no good and is someone to watch out for in the future.
I'm trying to think - who else is evil at the Ball? Perhaps Taskerhill? Todd?
In any event just make sure Vhalantru is not revealed in any way. Other than that I would allow the paladin free reign.
Good Luck and I hope the Ball goes well for you
Delvesdeep