Shining Lands (Styes / Prince of Redhand) - Masquerade Melee

[primemover003]

Ok for the few of you who read my Domination Dilemma: The Styes thread here's what's happened since the "Red Sails" killed the Kraken...

The Dread Pirate was captured by Hemriss and her Kenku Assassins. They were taken to Hopen'r assylum (where the Captains.. i.e the Councilmen keep their political prisoners) and held for a few days. After stewing a bit in a lead lined coffin sunk beneath the asylum the Dread Pirate is given an opportunity. Hemriss, on behalf of her father Captain Thornwell and Captain Sliris offer the Pirate a seat among the Captains if he will despose of the local Vizier of Zilchus (a burgeoning ally of the PC's) who also sits on the Captains council. The Dread Pirate has been dreaming of ruling in the town asks why he and his companions should do the dirty work... Hemriss replies that the Vizier is harboring a cadre of Pholtun Templars in his Church (the Templars being LONGtime enemies of the PC's). He agrees and is released.

Returning to the Ship the Dread Pirate tells what has happened to him and the information he was given. The PC's to a man decide to wack the Cleric after the Carnivale banquet, before he gets back to the safety of his Temple. They secure invitations to the banquet, get gifts, dress appropriately and plan a massacre.

The Weretiger Ranger will use his magical mask to polymorph into a Tiger to be taken to the party as "bling." He's holding onto the Party's weapons (melded into his form). At the banquet the PC's are in no mood for the Fluff of the Prince of Redhand adventure and seem bored, so I spring my big surprise!!! Thornwell stands before the first course and introduces an Envoy from the Evil Sea Elf Empire. He and Sliris have brokered a neutrality pact for the city and any ship that flies their flag. Now the Elves are notorious slavers, raiders, and all around evil... my world's drow and githyanki wrapped up in one!

So now the PC's are doubly ready to fight! They say they are going to attack the Sea Elf, Thornwell, the Vizier, Sliris, and anyone else who gets in their way!!! Luckily it was late and I decided to hold there and start the next session with the combat. Due to the Holiday and other things we won't play for 3 weeks... giving us all ample time to plan strategy.

Now my new conundrum is how big of a hammering should I give them. All 5 of the cities leaders are in the room. All 5 are survivors, they have to be running a town like the Styes! But the real question is do I make each very powerful (CR 14-16) or do I run them slightly lower in power than the PC's (APL 13.5 Effective 14th)???

The Diabolists (Thornwell, Sliris, & Hemriss) are protected by the 4 "Blessed Angels" and already know the Tiger is the ranger in disguise due to True Seeing. Sliris also holds the Sticher of Souls in thrall (either a Cornugon or the Aspect of Asmodeus from Strike on the Rabid Dawn). The Erinyes and the dozen Ftr 6's in the room are an EL 17. Thornwell, Sliris, & Hemriss should probably be an EL 15 or 16 together, but will most likely stand back until threatened.

There are several opportunists in the room as well! A Fool named the Weasle will use the brawl to kill his longtime partner the Smuggler King Braavd the Reaver! (1,000 points if you know the reference). The Hobgoblin B'kruss was already humiliated by the party and will seek revenge. Captain Rashlen, the worlds greatest hunter will observe the chaos from hiding (HiPS or Invisibly) before taking any sides (he's utterly neutral in all the politics, a bored noble if you will).

The Vizier & Braavd are surprised at the turn of events and try to stay out of the way. Most of the other guests are also just bystanders who the two most Non-evil Captains look to protect.

The Sea Elf is going to be just NASTY. As a daughter of the Sea elf king she's going to be frightening! Something the PC's are going to truly fear is they attack her.

So what's a DM to do? The PC's are trying to take on the entire city leadership in on go & a significant Sea elf personage/monster. They are fully rested and ready for combat.

[Heathansson]

I have to look at Prince of Redhand again and see stats of the npc's, but my gut instinct tells me the pc's are asking for a hardcore fonging if they try a direct assault then and there. Maybe they could take a mass beatdown and you could run a prison adventure, like the one in 135? Just a thought.
If they are that brazen, I say lay into them heavy as you want and end them up in the hoozegow. They'll get a few licks in, fun and games, and then off to the clink.

[primemover003]

Well that's the one thing I'm concerned about... how powerful to make the Captains... should I stick to the rough levels given in the Styes (mostly Cr 13) or should I up the stakes? Now I was originally was going to make them face certain Captains only a few at a time. The Plan IS to let them become the Rulers of the City... but not easily.