FINALLY received 139 (for some odd reason it didn't seem like my issues were taking "too long" for 136, 137 or 138) and am prepping for my first marathon game.
Still waiting for the conversion notes, but if we don't see them soon I may just replace Sasserine with Stormreach. Since I'm running each adventure in 12 hours I'm not going to go too much into converting (or even using) much of the Greyhawk inspired background fluff; instead I'll primarily focus on the action. (Characters will be leveling before the assault on the Lotus Dragons.)
The primary mechanical change I'm going to introduce is the Rust Rhagodessa. This aberration will still have vermin traits but its pedipalps will deal 2d6 damage to all metal possessions of a grappled victim with magic items receiving a save at DC 17. Unlike the rust monster, the rust rhagodessa automatically deals 2d6 damage to a grappled warforged.
(FYI I have a player who wants to try a Psiforged Shaper for this campaign. I told him to make sure he brings backup characters.)
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FINALLY received 139 (for some odd reason it didn't seem like my issues were taking "too long" for 136, 137 or 138) and am prepping for my first marathon game.
Still waiting for the conversion notes, but if we don't see them soon I may just replace Sasserine with Stormreach. Since I'm running each adventure in 12 hours I'm not going to go too much into converting (or even using) much of the Greyhawk inspired background fluff; instead I'll primarily focus on the action. (Characters will be leveling before the assault on the Lotus Dragons.)
The primary mechanical change I'm going to introduce is the Rust Rhagodessa. This aberration will still have vermin traits but its pedipalps will deal 2d6 damage to all metal possessions of a grappled victim with magic items receiving a save at DC 17. Unlike the rust monster, the rust rhagodessa automatically deals 2d6 damage to a grappled warforged.
(FYI I have a player who wants to try a Psiforged Shaper for this campaign. I told him to make sure he brings backup characters.)
I think the Rhagodessan is tough enough as is without adding an ability that can destroy all the parties armor and weapons. At such a low level, the items and characters are not likely to make a save against this attack, making the creature much more destructive to a low level party then it already is. I would advise against giving this creature that ability because it is something the characters have to deal with before they have likely even leveled to 2nd. On the blue nixie it is likely they will have to deal with the Rhagodessan after dealing with the pirates. So they may already be low on hp. If you toss in a monster that tough that can also disintegrate their armor and weapons, you could be looking at a TPK in the very first set of encounters. Not the funnest way to kick off a new AP. It's your campaign, but I don't think that is a good idea.
If you toss in a monster that tough that can also disintegrate their armor and weapons, you could be looking at a TPK in the very first set of encounters.
We have eight players with optimized characters; I think they'll be OK. :) One of them is an orc druid, and between his summons and the astral minion of the shaper I think they'll be OK. I'm even considering throwing two of them at the party since (IRRC) it should be the final battle before they rest.
The cage would have to be bronzewood though (ECS p126). When Vark yells the command the rhagodessa breaks free, I'll probably have one of them climb up to the ceiling and rust the iron grate above the hold.
The PCs will smell smoke from below and see one of the rhagodessas grab one of the thugs, bite a chunk into his neck and consume his dagger with its pedipalps. In another round or two the other one will climb up through ladder entrance and take the back row by surprise (hopefully getting the Psiforged in the process).
I'm even considering throwing two of them at the party since (IRRC) it should be the final battle before they rest.
Of course you know best for your party, but in my experience it is that type of battle that can turn out badly. The final battle before resting is tougher, not easier, because resources are already expended. And 1st level characters, no matter how optimized, just don't have many resources to expend.
The final battle before resting is tougher, not easier, because resources are already expended. And 1st level characters, no matter how optimized, just don't have many resources to expend.
That's true. I only emphasized that it was the final encounter because the loss of items would be even more severe if they had additional encounters before they could get new gear.