I just noticed you have (CEO) next to your name. Do you work for Paizo?
:-)
Yeah, Lisa Stevens is Erik Mona's boss, and Paizo's head honcho.:-)
Oh....well I feel like a bit of a ignoramous then don't I! Sorry I didn't know who you were Lisa but in any event I am honoured that you would use the document in your home game :).
Delvesdeep
(The Embarrassed)
CEO
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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?
The Test of Strength went pretty well, especially when the sorcerer used Grease on the bottom of the cart and the whole thing spilled over a few characters, leaving them smelling of garbage. Our half-orc rogue who is incredibly strong took the challenge and actually won.
Most of the characters managed to avoid the Bubbling Cauldron affects thanks for the advice from Lady Knowlern, though a few decided to get drunk anyways. :)
The dancing went really well, with 3 of the 4 Stormblades going down. Those lessons the party spent heavily on really helped! Of course, our rogue, Duxely, had drunk a bit too much, and was crushed by Cora.
The rest of the dancing went pretty well. Again, it was a fun time for everyone!
Btw, I decided before the game that the Aslaxins wouldn't want any of their guests to be apprehensive, so they had a spell cast on the Coy Nixie which prevented detection spells to be cast and all auras were hidden.
-Lisa
Btw, I decided before the game that the Aslaxins wouldn't want any of their guests to be apprehensive, so they had a spell cast on the Coy Nixie which prevented detection spells to be cast and all auras were hidden.
-Lisa
Deryl - there is an easy solution to your problem right there.
Once again I'm glad to hear you and your party enjoyed the Ball. It is particularly nice to recieve positive feedback.
Just out of curiousity Lisa - have you read and/or used many other items from the RPGenius site?
Delvesdeep
"I'm not just the president of Paizo; I'm also a client!"
/wordsinmouth
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CEO
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Just out of curiousity Lisa - have you read and/or used many other items from the RPGenius site? Delvesdeep
I found it useful in the early stages of the campaign. I grabbed stuff on the nobility and coinage of Cauldron and did some heavy editing to fit my campaign. I also loved the whole Skie's Treasury magic item descriptions, though my campaign has taken a bit of a sinister turn, with Vhalantru buying up much of the magic in the area in order to keep the power of local adventurers to a minimum. I mean, I figure that V has a job to do to make sure no adventurers get powerful enough to challenge the Cagewrights. So he has had proxies buying up all of the powerful magic, so poor Skie's is kinda barren. She, of course, is suspicious of the fact that her magic is flying out the door and has told the Striders, which is how it got back to the group. Now, when Skie gets new merchandise, she let's the PCs get a first crack at it, because she knows the most powerful stuff will be gone in a few days. There is no saving up for that item anymore.
Early in the campaign, V gave Skie's a monopoly on selling magic, so there are no other viable alternatives except to a) keep what you find adventuring, b) shop on the black market and c) go to Sasserine. Should make for an interesting campaign going forward.
-LIsa
Great to hear! I wrote up the Cauldron Coinage and Skies Treasury documents too!
I like your idea about Vhalantru attempting to reduce the local adventurers powers by limiting their access to magical items. This could also explain why he was determined to despose of Maavu (Skie's main seller) in Chapter 4 and 5. Assassinating a merchant just for avoiding their taxes never really sat well with me, Chisel connections or not.
When did you begin the 'buy up' in your campaign?
Delvesdeep
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CEO
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When did you begin the 'buy up' in your campaign?
I started that during the Flood Festival. With Skie's doing a sale, I figured that it wouldn't look TOO fishy if there was a run on the items. But once she got some restock and it kept heading out the door, she got suspicious. Of course, nobody in the campaign has any idea who is behind the whole thing. They suspect it might be the Stormblades, since that would be a good way for the Stormblades to upstage Corax and Company. But nobody is 100% for sure.
-Lisa
Hello Delvesdeep, hello Lisa,
despite my concerns with the Detect Evil spell we had a blast during our session. I basically went with Delvesdeep advice to cloak Valanthru and to let the Paladin detect the others freely. Actually that gave them a couple of headaches and question marks for the next weeks.
The fun thing was, that a lot of romantic involvements started between the characters and the PCs.
Our paladin started to court Jenya. Shensen Tesseril who got an invitation in order to be the eyes and ears for the Striders fell in love with the 1/2 elf monk in our group. And the female character of the party attended in a succubus outfit attracting a lot of attention from Maavu. So this was excellent to foreshadow things and to get the group involved on a more personal level.
The competitions were incredible fun. Unfortunately nobody could challenge Annah Taskerhill in the Song of Heaven contest, but in all other competitions the Stormblades got their asses handed to them. One member of my group is a Basirian Dancer (from the Kalamar setting) and he ruled in every dancing contest. This was his first adventure to really shine and he left my house with a big grin on his face.
Thanks again Delvesdeep for this great side trek
Deryl
There has been a lot written over the years about how to run romances in an rpg. On the up side they would add a huge amount value to the game, I mean what movie or book is complete with out one or more? They would add huge layers of fun to a game.
On the down side they are tough to run. So I am curious how yours got going and how you plan on running them?
Sean Mahoney
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There has been a lot written over the years about how to run romances in an rpg. On the up side they would add a huge amount value to the game, I mean what movie or book is complete with out one or more? They would add huge layers of fun to a game.
On the down side they are tough to run. So I am curious how yours got going and how you plan on running them?
They can be quite fun if run properly. I basically let the players decide how deep they want to get into the whole romance angle, and I do lot of the roleplaying outside the game session. Currently, I have our marshall/paladin (Elmoe) having a little romance with a Vanderboren daughter I created, Karla, who runs the Cauldron Beacon. She fell in love with Elmoe while covering the group during the first adventure and it has grown from there. At first, Elmoe was kinda using her for info and such, while not really being that interested. But their relationship has grown and I think they are starting to find things about each other that surprises them. Whether this romance goes to marriage or ends up with Karla crying will be all up to the player playing Elmoe. Either way, it will be great roleplaying!
I personally had a great romance as a player in Peter Adkison's old campaign. I was playing a male samurai and he totally fell head over heels in love with this Pernese dragon rider. I wrote actual love songs about that relationship! :) Very fun, very exciting. They got married, adopted some kids, and started doing some hobnobbing in the huge city they were living in before the campaign died away.
In short, I think you need to let the players dictate where and how a romance goes. I'll never forget the female cavalier in one of my old first edition games who burst into tears and fled the room when I had a paladin of Heironious get interested in her. :) If the players dictate the level of interest and how far they want to take it, you can follow their lead and it will be a pleasant experience for all.
Now, I am off to plot how Celeste will handle this new bard who has fallen in love with her beauty. :)
-Lisa
There has been a lot written over the years about how to run romances in an rpg. On the up side they would add a huge amount value to the game, I mean what movie or book is complete with out one or more? They would add huge layers of fun to a game.
On the down side they are tough to run. So I am curious how yours got going and how you plan on running them?
Sean Mahoney
Hi Sean,
you are right the romance angle is not easy to handle. First of all I think you need the right group for it. My players are between 30-40 and therefore adult enough to handle this. I would never play that out with a teenage group.
Secondly I use the same approach as Lisa. Basically opening opportunities and let the players decide if they want to go along.
In the SCAP I started out with Shensen taking the initiative on the monk in my group by giving the magic boots to him as a present for her rescue. He went along and they met again at the Demonscar Ball. The player seemed to like the idea and invited her to his home afterwards :-))
For the other players I opened up opportunities during the Ball too, but time will tell if the go along or not. But I think they probably will.
I will keep you informed as we continue. At the moment we are pausing and my brother is taking over the DM reign in the AoW campaign, where I am a player.
Good luck
Deryl
During the initial bar brawl with the Stormblades, Annah charmed the party's half-orc evoker.
He is totally smitten with her.
She is, of course, toying with him. A half-orc with a charisma of 8? Puh-lease.
He tried to get close to her during the Demonskar Ball, but she was playing, y'know. Since then, her father seems to have twigged to the fact that there's something between the two of them, and she's been using that as a great excuse.
He's still useful to her for spells and such. And she has let little bits of information drop because she kind of feels bad for him. It's got a really nice prom queen stringing the nerd along kind of vibe, and the player is going with it.
There is no real romance here, but the player can hope.
when I ran the Ball and the party had to pair up with NPCs during one of the dances some of them actually became quite shy! I thought the whole thing was extremely amusing considering they are all married.
Ophellha danced with one of the party members and they were getting alone quite nicely until one too many bad dance checks and a collison/tumble later she ran off extremely embarrassed.
During the 'Clash of Armies' dance the same character was reluctantly paired with Cora. They were very evenly matched but at the last series of step the character decided to, instead of tripping etc Cora, give her a big kiss on the lips! A couple of good rolls later he succeeded, surprizing everyone.
At the end of the dance, while everyone else exchanged snarls and insults with their Stormblade opponents/partners, Cora retreated with a curious expression and continued to stare over at the character with a quisical but pleasant look on her face.
I plan on turning these enemies into 'allies' as the campaign continues.
I also changed Celeste into a halfling to better match her up to my halfling rogue. This has helped foreshadow Chapter 4.
Ironically another of my players paired up with Vhalantru (who they all believe is a drunked but still helpful politian)which will provide me with plenty of mirth later in the campaign when I remind the player after they lear the truth.
Anyway thanks for all your replies. I too am interested in how all your romances progress. I'v never run a romance in all the years I've played and DMed so finded out how all of yours work out will help me also.
Delvesdeep
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Thank you for your great ideas to enhance the Demonskar Ball. My players had a great time! Although they did spend a great deal of their meager wealth on dance lessons, costumes, and etiquette training, it all paid off in the end.
Only one of my players took the Noble trait, which she used to secure a proper carriage to arrive at the ball in (from her parents). The player who took Abyssal Heritor feats was a natural choice for the Nabathoratan (sp*) costume, and he arrived on a phantom steed created by a Mount spell scroll.
Then during the dancing competition, the group's dwarf barbarian got randomly paired with the Stormblades' leader (Alyssa?) and managed to avoid getting tripped. I forgot to insert the boasting competition, of which I'm sure the rogue could have made a lasting impression.
No one attempted the musical competition, so no drama there. At the end of the evening, the party cleric was left with several calling cards from young noblemen who were fascinated by her costume's animated wings. They were all quite happy with the results, I don't think anyone felt overshadowed or left out (although the roleplaying award went to the dwarf). Very late that evening when they returned to their respective quarters, they found the summons from Jenya of St. Cuthbert's church. Some of them rushed to the chuch without changing from their costumes. Next week's adventure will most likely satisfy any desires for more combat.
The rivalry sparked here with the Stormblades has really grabbed the interest of my group. They have mostly decided to rise above the swaggering and insults that the noble heirs enjoy, although it came close to blows when Todd spilled the dwarf's drink.
Delvesdeep-
Your Demonscar Ball material was AWESOME! I am using it in my SCAP campaign. They are in the middle of the ball right now. A PC just won the Song of Heaven competition. Literally, my players were so geeked about this that I actually had fighters taking ranks in perform (dance) just so they didnt embarass themselves at the ball, and a ton of dance and etiquitte lessons.
This has really been a model for me for the "pure roleplaying" encounter. It is really really great. If Necromancer Games ever does an Adventure Path, I am giving you a call for suggestions :)
Clark
Delvesdeep-
Your Demonscar Ball material was AWESOME! I am using it in my SCAP campaign. They are in the middle of the ball right now. A PC just won the Song of Heaven competition. Literally, my players were so geeked about this that I actually had fighters taking ranks in perform (dance) just so they didnt embarass themselves at the ball, and a ton of dance and etiquitte lessons.
This has really been a model for me for the "pure roleplaying" encounter. It is really really great. If Necromancer Games ever does an Adventure Path, I am giving you a call for suggestions :)
Clark
Thanks Clark! I'm glad I posted it up in the first place. Initially I was just going to use it just for my group and not bother placing it on the RPGenius website. I really didn't think many people would be interested.
Vendle - a possible adaption you could make at the end of the Ball before (or during) their trek towards the Kopru Ruins is to have the Stormblades find out about the missing wands and have them hunt them down too. It would then make the adventure a race as well as a mission.
Imagine if the Stormblades found the wands first......:)
Delvesdeep
I'd like to use this but I've already started Demonskar Legacy and I plan to run Smoking Eye right afterwards. Is it too late to? I have it but haven't gotten to read through everything yet. I'm guessing I might have to make changes, particularly depending on what happens to Alek?
I designed the side trek to foreshadow the Demonskar Legacy and Cauldron's nobles so beginning the adventure after the adventure would loss a little bit of it's impact.
But the reverse could be occur also though. Perhaps by playing the adventure after the fact the events that transpire would mean more to them...particularly if Nabtharon escapes the final confict (hint, hint ;)).
Even if this isn't the case the Side Trek will enable the party to interact with many of the big name NPCs in the AP notably - Vhalantru, Embril, the Lord Mayor, Bolar, Vortimax Weer, the nobles (Aslaxins, Taskerhills etc) and of course the Stormblades. It is also an excellent method of sloting in other imprtant NPCs you wish to foreshadow such as a couple of the Cagewright Apprentices, Fetor, etc
What happens to Alek shouldn't affect the ball overly, though his displays of strength would need to be excluded or replaced with another character (a disguised Gau or the Blue Duke perhaps?)
If you have any specific questions about the Ball let me know
Delvesdeep
My pc's have just finished the riot in the city and are on their way to redgorge....when is the ball supposed to take place?
I took my party through it during the Flood Season festivities but as long as you do it BEFORE they enter the Demonskar you will not have to make any alterations.
If you run the Ball after the Demonskar Legacy then the foreshadowing for the adventure will be lost on the players but it will still be useful to introduce the nobles and movers & shakers of the city.
Good Luck and let us know how you go
Delvesdeep
Wow! The ball was a smashing roleplaying event. According to my players the best session (we played 6 hours) they ever had, which is quite a compliment considering our almost 20 years of roleplaying.
They took the ball seriously from the moment they recieved those beautiful invitations (I forgot who made them). They immediately hired the most elaborate costumes, the golden coach and took dance and etiqette lessons as much as time permitted (2 weeks).
Some of the many highlights during the ball:
The one hour tour through the city and subsequent arrival at the Coy Nixie
Lord Vhalantru's warning for the Stormblades will really set him off as the good noble.
Lady Ophella was utterly charmed by the elven priest.
The halfling monk charmed the Vamderborens (he works as volunteer for the orphanage and organized the children's flood festival and the group routinely donates every copper piece they salvage from their adventures)
The Aslaxins were impressed by their manners.
The elven priest dancing with Celeste earned the mayor of Liduton title.
The monks suit was damaged by Cora during the song of heaven (a pity non of the players was skilled enough to challenge Annah).
The fighter won the riddle competition.
When Todd fruitlessly tried to poison them, and the elf remarked to Vortimax that Sebastians pudding was suspicious too, Vortimax replied: interesting let's just see what happens.
Vortimax taking the antidote when the cake was served
The wizard was floored by Cora during the clash of armies.
The rogue made the Aslaxin's extremely happy with his performance as Nabthatoron.
In the end they were rewarded with the star of valor and white shield and are the heroes of Cauldron (to dismay of the Stormblades, ofcourse)
I couldn't get them to challenge Dalam though, they were just too civilized (perhaps my players are too old i.e. average 40+).
So, Delvesdeep thank you very much for a great roleplaying experience!
Wow! The ball was a smashing roleplaying event. According to my players the best session (we played 6 hours) they ever had, which is quite a compliment considering our almost 20 years of roleplaying.
I'm so glad you and your group enjoyed it so much! My group we're reluctant to challenge Dalam also for the same reasons.
What outfits did they end up choosing and how did they take Alex and the Bradly Dipinshires?
Thanks for your praise
Delvesdeep
Wow! The ball was a smashing roleplaying event. According to my players the best session (we played 6 hours) they ever had, which is quite a compliment considering our almost 20 years of roleplaying.I'm so glad you and your group enjoyed it so much! My group we're reluctant to challenge Dalam also for the same reasons.
What outfits did they end up choosing and how did they take Alex and the Bradly Dipinshires?
Thanks for your praise
Delvesdeep
I took your descriptions and those of I forgot who (sorry) and the costumes they picked were....
Half-elf Rogue: horned skull suit with stilts and horns that regurlarly flash a reddish light and a scythe.
And as Nabthatoron (no choice): large bull horned demon with glowing red eyes, which flare brightly when he speaks loudly, while his voice is underscored with demonic reverberations. Large bat-like wings, wicked claws and knifelike barbs emerging from the forearms. Two small-clawed arms dangle out of the costumes chest. Occasionally, black smoke emanates from the mouth. When he doesn't speak, sound of creepy demonic breathing and the sounds of far-off hellish wails of misery emanate from costume. Face mask opens on command.
Human Wizard: bright red scaled suit with small horns, white eyes and a mouth that growls and rumbles like a demon, and a whip. Face mask opens on command.
Human Fighter: gold threaded ivory white silken gowns adorned with purple velvet and glowing yellow stars, human half-mask and white wig, floats 10” above the floor. Elaborate staff radiates a cone of green light, if tapped on the floor.
Halfling Monk: gold threaded white silken gowns adorned with grey velvet, and glowing blue stars, human half-mask and grey wig, floats 5” above the floor. Elaborate staff produces a rain of stars, if tapped on the floor.
Elven priest: grey-silver tight-fitting suit, goat head with long curled horns and dark grey sick, breaths purple smoke from its nostrils when he speaks, face mask opens on command, animated long tail capped with a brush.
All suits were self-cleaning and stayed fresh.
They had already met Alec several times, but I had the idea that his remarkable strength didn't say them much. They had a good talk with him, exchanging a little of their adventures. Alec had to change subject quickly, when they asked him about his recent visit to Redgorge (a Paladine can't lie isn't it?).
They didn't notice.
The Dipinshires were utterly charmed by the elf. His diplomacy skill was +17 during the dinner (he has standard +12) and his dice rolled on 19. They invited him to their house whenever he visits Sasserine!
We only have to play the last dance and end of the ball.
I want to give the wizard a last chance with Vortimax (he succeeded in the 1st 2 questions) in the foyer on their way home. Overhearing Vortimax trying to explain to Maavu some alchemical ingredient he needs or something like that.
By the way, I had costume desciptions for all important NPC's.
That also added to the scene and was sometimes funny too (Lord Vanderboren in a lemure outfit, a fat noble woman with angel wings).
So....
A little fun still left...
And again thanks for your great work. (I also gonna adopt your cagewright and adimarchus changes, makes the story so much better!)
A suggestion for the Flood Festival events is to use the Tournaments, Fairs, and Taverns book. After describing the events I went around the table and asked each player which event did the player want to do.
The elven rogue player wanted to participate in dueling. Dueling goes until unconsciousness or after a critical hit or after one participant surrenders. While he signed up Cora Lanthenmire called him out to duel. They both went into the ring and faced off. The player won initiative and critted plus sneak-attacked (plus sneak-attacked again from the Ring the Bell feat) the flat footed Cora to negatives with one hit. While he was getting his trophy plaque and after Cora was healed up by a cleric of Kord she furiously attacked the PC outside of the ring and missed. Adjacent crowd members restrained her and I asked the player what will the PC do now. He decided to make a courtly bow to Cora. I had him roll Diplomacy to see how well he made this gesture of etiquette and he rolled high. I told him that this story will be repeated as a flood festival legend among the flood festival participants through the next couple of weeks.
The dwarven fighter player participated in the Crazy Ernie's Bear Wrasslin' for Crazy Folk. He did well, but the bear won.
The halfling urban druid wanted to participate in the halfling toss (hosted by the halfings) by being tossed.
The halfing urban ranger decided to do some jousting. He squared off against a human in full place and shield on a horse, while the ranger is wearing leather armor and riding his riding dog. He won!
The elven wizard passed. He wanted to get on with the Demonskar ball.
Hey, Delvesdeep, I ran the Demonskar Ball over the last two sessions, and my group thought it was AWESOME!
The characters in our group are all from the wrong side of the tracks, so the rivalry with the Stormblades has been intense, and Annah and Cora have taken every chance they could get to make them look bad.
I called the etiquette teacher Madame Pumfrey, and fashioned her after the lady of the same name in the old BBC All Creatures Great and Small series (don't know if anyone remembers her….). She was very posh, and had this obese little pekinese dog named Trikki Wu. The party went to their first lesson painfully hung over (after celebrating that one of them had won the Crater Lake Monster hunt), and tripped all over the place to Madame Pumfrey's screeches of, "Hopeless! Hopeless!" This became the catch phrase for the first part of the session!
Highlights:
The rogue surreptitiously hurled hors d'oerves at arriving guests from the balcony, while the barbarian-sorcerer had a moment of panic as the hors d'oevres were served without forks, and Madame Pumfrey hadn't covered that, so he was frantically trying to figure out which fork to use…when he hadn't even got one!
The priest of St. Cuthbert and Jenya won the title of Mayors of Liduton.
The Bradly-Dipinshires were pompous, arrogant a**holes, and the party behaved admirably even though they were sorely provoked.
The barbarian-sorcerer was beaten by Dalam in the contest of strength, and fortunately, no one got covered in garbage. Soon after, Dalam passed out in his crater cake after drinking far too much of the bubbling cauldron drink, but after Lady Knowlern's warning, the party abstained (I was amazed!)
Everyone behaved remarkably well, right up until the Clash of Armies dance. Then it all went out the window. Cora was paired with the rogue, and Annah with the barbarian-sorcerer. After Cora's second attempt to trip him, the rogue tripped another guest and blamed it on Cora, then started telling people that she obviously couldn't hold her liquor. The barbarian-sorcerer got tired of Annah's attempts to make him look bad, and cast an illusion to make her look like she had a cow head. Annah fled to the ladies room with Cora close behind.
When it came time for the Demonskar Dance, the priest of St. Cuthbert performed beautifully, and impressed everyone, but when Annah was supposed to sing and present Alakast to Lord Aslaxin, there was no Annah to be seen. (She was sobbing in the ladies room still!) and Lady Aslaxin bravely attempted the Song of Heaven (butchering it, but everyone was too polite to say so), and handed Lord Aslaxin Alakast instead.
Now every time they see Annah, the party make mooing noises at her. The Stormblades are furious. The party is now planning to hire a troupe of puppet performers to put on a puppet show featuring the "Blades of Storm", which will be a parody of their performance at the ball. One of the players actually has written a script that he is bringing to the next session. I can't wait to see it.
So thanks for a couple of really fun gaming sessions, Delvesdeep. I sure I speak for a lot of us when I say that your hard work is very much appreciated!
Regards,
Fang
Human Fighter: gold threaded ivory white silken gowns adorned with purple velvet and glowing yellow stars, human half-mask and white wig, floats 10” above the floor. Elaborate staff radiates a cone of green light, if tapped on the floor.
Halfling Monk: gold threaded white silken gowns adorned with grey velvet, and glowing blue stars, human half-mask and grey wig, floats 5” above the floor. Elaborate staff produces a rain of stars, if tapped on the floor.
I was wondering about this. The writeup from rpgenius has a number of descriptions for demon costimes, but doesn't include any for the city founders. Did I miss this somewhere, or did you makes these up Maglub?
Human Fighter: gold threaded ivory white silken gowns adorned with purple velvet and glowing yellow stars, human half-mask and white wig, floats 10” above the floor. Elaborate staff radiates a cone of green light, if tapped on the floor.
Halfling Monk: gold threaded white silken gowns adorned with grey velvet, and glowing blue stars, human half-mask and grey wig, floats 5” above the floor. Elaborate staff produces a rain of stars, if tapped on the floor.
I was wondering about this. The writeup from rpgenius has a number of descriptions for demon costimes, but doesn't include any for the city founders. Did I miss this somewhere, or did you makes these up Maglub?
I think I created them, or I just borrowed the idea from someone else, I can't remember.
Anyhow, after the party had chosen their costumes I supplied the other NPC's with the left-overs...Zachary Aslaxin I: floats 5” above the floor, human half-mask and white wig, gold threaded light blue silken gowns adorned with darkblue velvet and glowing stars. An elaborate staff radiates a sparkle of green stars, when he taps on the floor. Margaret Aslaxin: four moving arms attached to her side clutch a variety of weapons. A black-scaled snake ‘tail’ worn from her waist moves on its own and two belts worn across her torso cover her breasts.
Zachary Aslaxin II: human half-mask and white wig, silver threaded dark grey silken gowns adorned with dark velvet. Staff is encrusted with fake diamonds.
Lioral Lathenmire: horned head demon, clawed gloves and black pants, top and cloak, face mask opens on command.
Premiach Vanderboren: lemure costume consisting of a full length, hideous worm outfit and makeup applied to his face and hair.
Aeberrin Vanderboren: angel with silken wings, floats 5” above ground.
Asfelkir Hranleurt: red silken gowns, silver threated. His staff blinks blue light, if tapped on the floor.
Kristof Jurgensen: simple green robes with a plain wooden staff.
Maavu: demon with 4 arms and 3 tails, eyes glow red and flare brightly when he speaks loudly.
Adrick Garthûn: white wig, luminescent white robes and a staff, seemingly encrusted with diamonds.
Jenya Urikas: silvery-grey silken robes, silver and gold lined hardwood staff, white powdered wig.
Lady Rhiavadi: succubus outfit with bat wings, tight low-cut black body suit, small red horns and red sword, colors and textures highlighted.
Tygot Mispas: demonic fly outfit with red eyes, long fangs, four torn transparent wings and green claws, face mask opens on command.
Skie: imp costume with a huge nose, animated bat wings, scorpion tail and trident. Colors and textures enhanced by highlights
I also added 1 extra choice of coaches:
Black coach (100 gp)
Made from black mahoney and adorned with an intricate pattern of lines and golden leaves, two gold lined doors depicting a.unicorn, 1 driver dressed in black and gold, two black horses with white and gold stitched blankets drag her. Offers a slightly bumpy ride. Seats 6.
Obviously, they hired the golden coach.
Have fun with it...
Great costumes Maylub!
When I wrote up the Demonskar Ball originally I envisaged that all the nobles would wear the 'Founders' costumes whereas all the 'other' invitees would wear the 'Demons' costumes.
The players may realize this very early on when they arrive at the Ball and understand that being asked to wear a demon costume is another way for the nobility to put those below them in their place.
The nobles wearing the Founders costumes also reveals their links (real or imagined) to the ancestors of the city and the importance of their rulership in the scheme of things.
Overall though what people wear is not important especially if this realisation is unlikely to be understood by the party.
Hope you enoy the adventure
Delvesdeep
Great costumes Maylub!
When I wrote up the Demonskar Ball originally I envisaged that all the nobles would wear the 'Founders' costumes whereas all the 'other' invitees would wear the 'Demons' costumes.
The players may realize this very early on when they arrive at the Ball and understand that being asked to wear a demon costume is another way for the nobility to put those below them in their place.
The nobles wearing the Founders costumes also reveals their links (real or imagined) to the ancestors of the city and the importance of their rulership in the scheme of things.
Overall though what people wear is not important especially if this realisation is unlikely to be understood by the party.
Hope you enoy the adventure
Delvesdeep
Somehow I missed this aspect completely, I just presumed the founder's costumes were more or less alike, so I made some variations. Thus the Nabthatoron invitee is actually the biggest fool of the feast!
Anyhow, the ball was great and such a good opportunity to introduce NPC's like Celeste, Vhalantru, Embril, Ophella, etc. The wizard befriended Vortimax, and "Tyro Amberhelm" was able to estimate the party's intentions during dinner.
I think I found a problem with the ball.
Im 1/2 way thru it now and suprisingly my players are loveing it (dam power gamers).
We Just finished the main course and the party didn't want to make a faux pas by going outside to lift garbage. Even with all the taunting I could muster they wouldn't give in to the mad ravings of a drunken 1/2 orc.
Then I realized that the test of strength is worth 6 DSP. 3 for winning and you need to win to get the 1/2orcs respect for 3 more. PLUS 3 more for the Dwarf and 3 for the Gnome who will look more fondly on the players for winning. 12 points resting on the test of strength. thats a lot.
Right now my players will be struggeling to eek out the Star with no hope of a Shield or Crest. I think Im going to have to make some adjustments...
I think I found a problem with the ball.
Im 1/2 way thru it now and suprisingly my players are loveing it (dam power gamers).
We Just finished the main course and the party didn't want to make a faux pas by going outside to lift garbage. Even with all the taunting I could muster they wouldn't give in to the mad ravings of a drunken 1/2 orc.
Then I realized that the test of strength is worth 6 DSP. 3 for winning and you need to win to get the 1/2orcs respect for 3 more. PLUS 3 more for the Dwarf and 3 for the Gnome who will look more fondly on the players for winning. 12 points resting on the test of strength. thats a lot.
Right now my players will be struggeling to eek out the Star with no hope of a Shield or Crest. I think Im going to have to make some adjustments...
If they miss the opportunity then.. they miss it. They can't always make the right decision afterall.
If you are worriedabout the points why not create some other opportunities for the party to earn the Bolar and Geneth's respect. Perhaps the drunken dwarf steps up his antics a bit more and throws his drink all over a party member, or calls out loudly to the rest of the guest of the parties fear and weakness.
I think it's always important to adapt any adventure to suit your party but don't worry too much if they miss the points. Perhaps they will make it up while dancing with the Stormblades :)
Delvesdeep
I guess the way I was looking at the DSP is that if you get a lot then you are the "bell of the ball" and the test of strength was a lot of points to be tied up in something that the hosts may frown upon. My players looked at it like some sort of trap to get them to do something stupid.
I know that most every other group had a blast with the test of strength so I think its good.
I will take your advice and give them a second chance to earn his respect.
Here is the original thread on the Demonskar Ball if you were looking for it Tyro.
Delvesdeep
Delvesdeep, I ran the Demonskar Ball. Here is my report for you.
Up front, I should let you know that one of my players chose the noble trait from the HC to start, and his description made it perfect for him to be an Aslaxin. This made info about the Ball easily available to the group. It did put a very different spin, as this would be the first time he would be on the "other side" of the party. For political and personal reasons (a test from his father), he was also given the Nabthatoron invitation.
They found that due to the gender split, there were not enough elaborate costumes to go around. So the party's wizard (using her Craft Wondrous Item feat) made a Vrock costume. They got a basic bodysuit from Sarleen. They then used Alter Self to change the physique (making the person thin), a few Levitate charges, Open/Close to move the wings and a Presdigitation for a musty smell.
They selected the Demonic coach due to its motif. It might be a good idea to have a more elaborate Demonic coach available. It does seem strange that the characters maintained a demonic theme and therefore got less bonuses because of their decision.
They did a LOT of lessons, and had quite a bit of fun trying to show up for lessons at the same time as running out to the Lucky Monkey and the ruins beneath the city.
I did not let them know about the bonuses to the evening until they arrived at the Ball.
They had a great time during Event 3, and when Celeste was asked to be excused by Vhalantru, she was escorted by one of the party members. I had Celeste lead the party member to Ophellha, as Celeste and Ophellha are allies. Ophellha's reason for warning about the Bubbling Cauldron was that she was "soiled" by one of last year's patrons who had partaken too much. (I later hinted that this had been Dalam)
The greeting line went fine. It had taken 4 hours of role-play to get from when they received their costumes and coaches to the end of the receiving line.
The next session, we began the Song of Heaven competition. While my group did not intimidate Palendor, the bard was able to walk away with Alakast. One thing that came up was whether the Mend spell can fix elaborate costumes. I ruled the spell could, but for consistency it would be nice to have it specified in the writeup.
The dancing rules in event 6 are a little confusing, as the DCs for the dancing are specified after the discussion about how to win the dance. This made it harder to find the right information when I needed it.
Was there a reason why Surabar is called Sundabar? I ended up doing a find/replace for when I ran it.
I would recommend mentioning the name cards during the seating description. Also, a "traditional" medieval banquet has large rectangular tables facing the centre with entertainment in the middle. Did you envision this (which makes dinner conversation difficult between people) or did you envision a more modern round-table banquet style?
They had no problem working out the riddle during the second course.
During the third course, the mage of the party saw what was happening and was going to cast levitate on the platter when (only due to his better initiative) Alek jumped up to save the day. The group turned down the Test of Strength challenge. Dalam was upset.
I was thrown off when I played event eleven, the first dessert. It says that the pie is served and discusses the diplomacy roll for the eating of the pie. It then says "when the dishes are cleared", so I did not realize that the poison was supposed to be on this dessert. I thought it was set up for the next dessert. Yet I knew that the cake had to be cut, so Todd would be invisible near the cake-cutting station. This created the "interesting" conundrum that the party was expected to eat Lady Aslaxin's cake and it had the poison in it. A good Diplomacy roll later, and they got a second slice of cake, which they happily ate.
At the same time, when the Stormblades came over to annoy the group, they deflected them by telling them they had turned down Dalam's Strength challenge. Zachary didn't refuse, and so the 2 NPCs went off for the challenge. The group did follow to see what happened. To quote my players: "It's great when our problems take care of each other."
I ended up in a problem during Event 13. First off, my group was 5, not 6. Then the Nabthatoron and the Song of Heaven winner get pulled away. Logistically, no matter who wins the contest, someone will not have a dance partner come this point, as the symbols are matched on the name cards. To say it a different way, everyone is pre-matched using the symbols on the name cards by Zachary II and his dad. If any of those people dance and their pre-matched partners don't, who will they dance against? Do servants come out and start "juggling" guests to get as many matches as possible?
At the same time, the halfling in my group had actually substituted an imposter for himself during the ball for the meals, while he went off to prison-break his Alleybasher friends, using the Ball as his alibi. He returned and swapped with his impostor at the end of the banquet. When he returned to the banquet room, it was empty, and having missed dinner, he ate some of the leftovers. This meant that the Clash of Armies only had 2 people rolling off.
The last dance and the the award ceremony went off without a hitch. The Mayor was notified about the prison break, and I will be using this to substantiate the creation of the Magical Threats Agency, which also has the added benefit of employing a number of gnomes, reaching out to their community.
From the Song of Heaven to the end took another 4 hours.
Overall, the players loved it. I really enjoyed running the Ball and found it a great device to make the nobles that much more real. Based on the way it played, you could easily turn this ball into a 2 round Role-playing Tournament at any of the conventions. The first round would be role-playing based, while the second round would be more objective based (dancing, etc.). I would gladly DM for you if you ran this at a convention I was attending.
Thanks for all the hard work on this.
I am just about to the point where I will run the Ball, however I had some concerns once I saw how my players have been spending their Skill Points. Do you think this will run smoothly with people who have few to none of the relavant skills?
Sean Mahoney
I am just about to the point where I will run the Ball, however I had some concerns once I saw how my players have been spending their Skill Points. Do you think this will run smoothly with people who have few to none of the relavant skills?
I'm running the Ball tomorrow night and warned the players three levels ago (end of Drakthar's way) that they'll have avenues to dance, play instruments and sing in an upcoming adventure if your characters want to take skills in those proficiencies. Since that statement I have a singing rogue, a mandolin-playing dwarf, and the entire group know how to dance, including the Barbarian who has decided that he's more of a "Lord of the Dance" style dancer. Looking forward to it.
Shade
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Event Nine: The Riddle. My guys would've guessed that riddle in a heartbeat (from the first line, really) so I had to change it to something a little more challenging.
I've spent an hour searching for riddles and this is the best I've found:
A dozen Royals gathered round,
Entertained by two who clowned.
Each King there had servants ten,
Though none of them were also men.
The lowest servant sometimes might,
Defeat the King in a fair fight.
A weapon stout, a priceless jewel,
The beat of life, a farmer's tool.
What am I?
Answer: (backwards) sdrac fo kced a
The Clue: 54
Has anyone else found/used good riddles? I'd be happy to hear them.
Cheers,
Shade.
The Clue: 54
Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't the clue be 52?
Second line: Entertained by two who clowned.
Ah, I missed that. Precisely why I suck at riddles.
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The Ball indicates that some of the PCs are to dress as Founders. Is there somewhere in the book etc, that really gives a good depiction of what the founders looked like?
I'm uncertain how to define their costumes.
I'll be running the ball - via this optional thread a week from this coming Friday. We're all looking forward to it.
Thanks
Robert
The Ball indicates that some of the PCs are to dress as Founders. Is there somewhere in the book etc, that really gives a good depiction of what the founders looked like?
Reading over the founder costumes of the Stormblades and other nobles (from Delves Ball), it sounded like powdered wigs and expensive outfits. Sort of like the English or French courts of the 18th centuries.
In my game, the people in founder's costumes were all the nobles, and the demons were "outsiders". So the point of the founders was to be elaborate and use expensive materials, not necessarily to be true to the period (which was almost 700 years ago). In Greyhawk, I figured that the noble families are mostly of Suel descent and are trying to maintain the extravagance of their court from before the Rain of Colorless Fire. The Demonskar Ball is a way to impress people, and denote the difference between the noble families and non-nobles.
Just my take.
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In my game, the people in founder's costumes were all the nobles, and the demons were "outsiders". So the point of the founders was to be elaborate and use expensive materials, not necessarily to be true to the period (which was almost 700 years ago). In Greyhawk, I figured that the noble families are mostly of Suel descent and are trying to maintain the extravagance of their court from before the Rain of Colorless Fire. The Demonskar Ball is a way to impress people, and denote the difference between the noble families and non-nobles.
Just my take.
Thanks for the help. I made a post last night on our community web-board for my campaign and indicated the Founders resembled circa 1600s pilgrims/settlers/explorers of new America.
I pointed out Sir Francis Drake and Capt John Smith as two iconic examples of what the Founders may have appeared as.
This seemed to go over well.
Robert
I've just returned from a long holiday and it is great to hear everyone has been enjoying this adventure. Section8 I live in Australia so Conferences come around as much as dwarves 'tea-toadlers' (translation - who don't drink). If you wish to run the adventure at a specific conference let me know.
Robert I envisaged the Founders as noble toffs just as Section8 mentioned but using Francis Drake or the like as a model would work just as well. The whole idea was to have the nobles appearing angelic and divine and contrasting directly with the demonic 'party' and lower citizens of the city. Eloborate dresses, big powered wigs etc were my vision for the self important nobles while Ophellha's costume was an example of the more elequent/beautiful version of a Founders costume.
Delvesdeep
Completed the Demonskar Ball last night. It took 2 sessions, each about 3.5 hours long (with breaks for usual table crap intermingled).
Highlights:
- Vortimax Weer making the party mage feel like an un-educated dolt. "The Appopo Flower extract you use for what, now?" They actually became friends during main course, so much so that Vortimax helped identify the poison that Todd poured into the Nabthatoran-character's drink.
- Took the party 5.5 minutes to correctly guess the riddle (that I posted above). After the fact I gave them the original and sure enough they guessed it after the very first line - "wob, twisted about" in about 5 seconds.
- The Bradley-Dippenshires showed themselves to be totally sour, upper-class snobs. Not happy at all to be placed on *this* table with the serving class. Lord Bradley-Dippenshire eventually came around and was convinced to witness the cart-lifting contest outside, much to the horror of his wife. He let loose after that and it was apparent to all at the table that the Bradley-Dippenshires were heading home to what promised to be one helluva relationship discussion.
- During the Combat-Dance, Cora sat the party rogue on his arse in a brilliant move. Then the party psionicist used "Far Hand" to pop Cora's bustier open, exposing her breasts for all and sundry to see. Cora ran off, horrified, mortified, embarrassed - and really, really pissed.
- At the end of the dance, Luther completed his "attack" by stepping in and bowing to his partner, Todd. Unfortunately for the slimey Stormblade, Luther began his bow a little close, and Luther's forehead crashed into Todd's face, splaying his nose and causing an immediate torrent of blood. Todd followed Cora and scampered from the room in shame.
- The Barbarian character, Luther, so intent on victory and making a good impression on Dalam, RAGED when he lifted the cart - only to fail horribly. Torek - the wanna-be mage, but too dumb so became a fighter - won the day with a powerful display, outmatching Dalam by raising the cart with 3 sacks of garbage clear over his head.
- The Nabthatoron character drinking nothing but goat's milk all evening, the *player* was actually nervous on how he would perform.
- Luther the Barbarian, who has a crush on Jenya, approaching her table and saying: "Lady Jenya, I had hoped beyond hope that I could dance with you this evening. I have taken lessons, and worked myself up into a very different frenzy than that with which I am accostomed. But, now, that half-orc over there (indicates Balam) has challenged me to a drinking contest. At first I declined, but now the pressure from my peers is building and my will is crumbling. So I ask you, would it be at all possible if I could dance with you another night, so that I may return to my table now and drink the half-orc low?" Jenya replied, touching Luther's arm affectionately: "Of course, Goodman Luther, go play with your friends" Luther skipped back happily to the table and immediately downed his previously-untouched bubbling cauldron drink. He enjoyed his night.
So, in the end, the adventure was a great success. They spent THOUSANDS on lessons, carriage and costumes.
Thanks for your invaluable work, DD; it was a great, unique adventure.
Shade
Did the players enjoy themselves?
Luther seemed like he had a great time especially, if I read correctly, the fact that he is a barbarian.
Did they make any allies/enemies from the night besides Vortimax and the Stormblades?
Glad you enjoyed it
Delvesdeep
Did they make any allies/enemies from the night besides Vortimax and the Stormblades?
Vhalantru showed himself to be a harmless somewhat tipsy noble. They feel he is riding on their coattails, always "in shot" when the party are formally thanked or recognised. I've had him around since the first session, pretty much, they consider him their avenue into nobility, a well-connected benefactor. He is well and truly trusted. Bwahahaaaa.
One elf got along well with Ophelia Knowlern, and was hoping for a late night tryst. Shot down!
Dalam is a friend for life.
Celeste is a mysterious honey, too elite and beautiful for them even approach. They were amazed that Vhalantru had the balls to chat with her.
I had the arrival like the red carpet at the Academy Awards... A red carpet, lines by erected stalls full of the well-dressed, middle-class who watched the arrivals. It was a spectacular evening.
And the Barbarian was flattened when he finally met Asfelkir (high priest of Kord, Luther's religion) during the formal greeting.
Luther: (bows low) Great and Powerful Asfelkir, it is an honor to finally meet you. I...
Asfelkir: You came second in the hammer throw. (turns away, shaking the hand of the next in line) What is your name?
Luther: <Gutted>
It was brilliant. Asfelkir likes winners - so it gives Luther something to strive for. :))
Shade