This is my second posting attempt - lets see if I can get it right this time!
OK, below are my personal notes as DM for the final few encounters of the Age of Worms. This occurs at Alhasters Spire, also called the Great Project. These notes include reminders to myself as a DM, imnportant or dramatic dialogue from NPCs, and follow chronological order. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them, Id be happy to answer or comment. Thanks for reading!
All characters are now level 20. (Some characters might have been level 19 - this had to change.)
<Not long after the PCs begin rooting through Dragotha’s horde, an urgent sounding Tenser contacts them telepathically.>
Tenser: "My friends, I have urgent news. Please conclude your activities and meet me at Magepoint. I have provided a Teleportation Circle for your convenience.">
(Begin Dawn of a New Age Module)
Dawn of a New Age
Event
Briefing, Recharging and Re-Equiping
Who: Tenser, Celeste, Agath, Blurk, Eligos, the Circle of Eight, and other dignitaries
Where: Magepoint
<At Magepoint. Agath begins healing party members to full, including diseases and ability drain/damage. All are in attendance; it has the feeling of the final Star Wars briefing before the attack on the Death Star II.>
Tenser: "My old chap Bernard paid me a visit – its been so long. He tells a story of a group of individuals whom braved the most evil of unlife and emerged victorious. Please elaborate, for I fear Bernard has left out the more important particulars."
<PCs describe their adventure and in the process have hopefully informed Tenser of Lashonna.>
Tenser: "Congratulations; your exploits will be told in song and story for ages. Alas I have sobering news to impart; Alhaster is besieged by Kyuss and his minions as we speak – there is little time to act. Blurk Coppercream estimates Kyuss will fully free himself before midnight (one PC at random says “mere hours!”). The newly finished spire has cast a long shadow over the city. (Characters may ask questions as desired. Tenser, Eligos and Blurk continue to describe what actions must be taken.)"
<The lights dim, magically of course, and illusionary maps and 3D relief images of Alhaster fade into close view, hovering above the center of the meting room for all to see. From time to time, the images change in accordance with the latest briefing topic.>
Blurk Coppercream (a retired PC turned NPC): "Observations and careful measurements of Alhaster indicate a surge of negative energy via a portal or some other device that we are unaware of. These energies seem to emanate from under Alhaster's boneyard, sending the torrential waves of dark power directly to the spire. This must be an energy source of some significance – perhaps supplying Kyuss the power he needs to manifest. Although Kyuss may well be unstoppable given his divine power, there is no home for humanity if he emerges from his slumber with the ability to wield this energy source. You must find and destroy the source of this energy."
Eligos: "If the streets of Alhaster weren't rife with Spawn of Kyuss, it would have fallen into wide-spread panic and chaos already. Just as Kyuss called upon the worship of his thralls to ascend, he now feeds off of the fear, turmoil and despair of Alhaster's citizens to manifest. Restoring hope and order to even a small portion of Alhaster's citizens may deal a blow to Kyuss."
Tenser: "Then there's the matter of Lashonna and her minions, of course. The negative energy and despair coursing through Alhaster also augments her abilities, so you’d be wise to disrupt these sources first. She is likely distracted with the coming of her master. But do not underestimate her. She has demonstrated uncanny guile and wisdom. Above all else, guard against her indomitable will power (spell-casting PCs know that he refers to spells such as Mind Blank, Prot. From Evil, and Magic Circle) and know that if she out maneuvered Dragotha, then she has already made preparations for you. It goes without saying that you could bypass all of these formalities and immediately confront Kyuss, but this would be arrogance at its highest form and result in your death and the end of life as we know it."
Agath: "Use all means at your disposal and conserve your resources, there will be no opportunity to rest. The various artifacts you have encountered may play a pivotal role in the battle against Kyuss; use them wisely."
Tenser: "You must be fully equipped to face Kyuss – follow me."
<Tenser leads the PCs to his personal vault: part armory, part bank vault. There he replaces any item the PCs possess below that of a +3 with a +5 item, and ensures that all ring, glove, boot, cape and belt slots are equipped with at least a moderate wondrous item. Additionally, Tenser has taken receipt of an armor sent by the high priest of Heironeous – Sentinel’s Skin. The properties of this armor are negotiable and it is intended for Alexander St. Monday (a Paladin-Rogue PC).>
Tenser: "I have a few special gifts to impart upon you: (2) Potions of Refreshment – one for each spell caster [usable only before the confrontation with Kyuss], (3) Scrolls of Wish, two components of the Destiny Wand joined, and Zosiel’s Circlet (if the PCs don’t already have possession)."
<Tenser leads the PCs back to the study where the handshaking & final farewells are made.>
Tenser: "Agath and what remains of the Circle of Eight will assist you in this endeavor. We are to travel immediately to the Ethereal Plane where we will perform a complex ritual that should prevent Kyuss and his minions from summoning additional reinforcements. This will not be easy and is wrought with great risk. Blurk, Eligos and Celeste will gather what additional support they can for battle from friendly neighboring nations."
"As you’ve probably guessed, you are the only ones that can destroy Kyuss, and so this leaves that undesirable mission to you alone. You are the prophesized heroes whom end Kyuss’ existence once and for all. You must destroy Kyuss, but to do so, you must rely on all of your tools and at the same time restrict Kyuss from his tools.
Discover the source of the negative energy and neutralize it if possible.
Restore order to the civilians of Alhaster whom suffer from Turmoil, Fear, and Despair. This empowers Kyuss.
Finally, destroy Lashonna. The negative energy coursing through Alhaster augments her abilities, so you’d be wise to disrupt the source first. She is likely distracted with the coming of her master. But do not underestimate her. She has demonstrated uncanny guile and wisdom. Above all else, guard against her indomitable will power (using Mind Blank) and know that if she could out maneuver Dragotha, then she has already made preparations for you.
Use artifacts against Kyuss."
"Good luck, for the Dawn of a New Age."
My notes skip over Lashonna's negative energy engine and the various encounters to battle despair and fear. My own observation regarding Lashonna's underground lair is that it was not set-up properly to get the most out of it. My PCs entered via the graveyard and immediately encountered the engine. They did what they do best - destruction. After destroying the engine, they got the hell out of their before it went critical mass (I desribed the negative energy portal as a negative energy point of singularity that became unstable and began to expand - think Spiderman II). Because they accomplished their mission immediately, they did not have to negotiate the rest of the dungeon. Worse, they couldnt investigate the rest of the dungeon because it collapsed in te explosion. For you other DMs who havent made it to Lashonnas dungeon, just spin your map around to ensure that no matter what direction they enter from, they must pass through Vulras' guardpost section on the way in.
Event
End Game
Who: Everyone
Where: Alhaster and the Celestial Board Room
I cut out a lot of encounters from the Spire. There were only four encounters:
1- Three shadowdancing Kyuss Vampires, Vulras, and Maralee (actually Loris Raknian (THIS GUY IS ONE TOUGH SOB!)
2- Six Blessed Angels (They killed 3 PCs - they are extremely dangerous with improved critical and vorpal blades!)
3- Lashonna
4- Kyuss
A Traitor Revealed!
Lashonna: "I knew you wouldn't miss the re-birth of the blessed one. Although I must admit I am disappointed that you appear none to excited over the turn of events. That will change."
(Any PCs response) PCs: "If you refer to your ability to dominate, we are protected from your powers."
Lashonna: "Really? I wouldn't be so sure about that. My empire was not built over-night, and I don't plan on relinquishing my accomplishments or achievements. One constant in this universe is true and irrefutable: creatures will do whatever it takes to survive. I intend to survive, and to that end, I have secured insurance. Behold: a fragment of the fabled Shade Stone Citadel from the Plane of Shadows."
<The rock is uncovered and most PCs will immediately identify its properties. >
Lashonna: "Whats more, one of you has already promised your allegiance to Kyuss, and for that we are eternally grateful for you will live into infinitum."
Allow PCs to finger point, and perhaps even have a PC or two step forward thinking it is they whom might have joined Kyuss in his moments of triumph. When the fun ends, announce the traitor. Have the traitor say something really evil and cool (perhaps out of character for himself). Declare initiative, allowing PCs to know the danger.
Game Notes:
The Traitor, Zurrell, no longer has the Feat “Pure Soul”. Further, he has been afflicted with taint (although this has no game effects), which can be cleansed with an Atonement spell after the campaign is over. Notes to readers: Lashonna forced all in attendance to make a Will Save at the dinner reception during the Prince of Red Hand module, and Zurell failed. Lashonna emplanted a Trojan Horse inside of him, which right now overrides any protective ability such as Mind Blank, etc. Only a Wish or Miracle can counter the ability.
Shade Stone Citadel
This extraplaner rock, the size of a small brick, is mounted to a rod affixed to the marble floor. It has a cloth concealing its nature, but once in view, its effects are listed below:
The rock generates a dimensional that prevents summoning and calling within 100ft radius unless they are of the undead type.
The rock generates a Darkness effect to 100ft that negates the use of any spell with the Light descriptor.
Our resident cleric is extremely powerful, and specializes in Ligt descriptor spells. She being the mastermind that she is, prepared for these abilities.
AND THEN THERE WAS KYUSS
Upon reaching the top tier of the Ziggarat, Kyuss' body slowly begins to form. Tenser appears, disheveled and injured. Breathing hard, he informs the PCs the following:
Tenser: "Our plan has failed, the dimensional lock ruptured. Kyuss somehow knew of the plan and hid ethereal assassins. It was a slaughter; we tried to repel them, but they overwhelmed us. This is going to get real ugly, real fast. I will hold off the inevitable horde the best I can at the base of the tower. Good luck my friends, and if you fail, then I will see you in the celestial heavens."
As Kyuss materializes, he summons his great hordes of Kyuss undead; Spawn of Kyuss accompanied my Overworms, Swords of Kyuss, and Wormdrakes. A most horrible horde indeed.
From the window of his palace, Zeech watches -in reflection- the annihilation of his city, knowing full well his pride is responsible for at least a portion of it. Somewhere in his corrupt heart, Zeech remembers what it meant to have honor.
Zeech: "Gaurds – My horse! I ride into battle for the last time for Alhaster! For Victory!"
The front gates of Zeech's Palace, straining at the weight of undead, come crashing down. Leaping overtop the horde rides Zeech, wicked flail in hand, bringing what might he can against the relentless undead. In another corner of the city is a brilliant flash of light as a knight equipped only with a longsword atop his flaming stead heroically into the horde – Sir Pinnacle has joined the battle. Tenser is joined by Blurk, Eligos,Celeste, and Agath in battle. Their arcane and divine powers keep the undead at bay for the moment. Here and there, pockets of resistance form against the undead.
Zulshyn: "I'm not about to let these vermin take away might most prized possession, right Zurell?" Zulshyn appears in a spectacular flash of red energy and she and her two prismatic golems take a tactical position opposite Tenser. The two groups form a make-shift perimeter to keep the undead from the spire. As quickly as the undead are destroyed however, two more take its place. Time is running out.
To claim one of Balakarde's fragements from Zulshyn, a PC (Zurell) offered his life in service to her for one calander year after the destruction of Kyuss. Zulshyn is doing her part to hel prid the world of Kyuss and to ensure her investment is safe.
The Great Battle Begins
As was feared by Tenser and the PCs, Kyuss is invulnerable to the PCs attacks. It becomes apparent pretty quickly that it will require a Miracle to defeat Kyuss. There are however rules beyond that of mortal realms that govern situations of divinity.
Seated circular in a great airy hall, the great gods occupy their rightful seats as they would during crisis, decision making or diplomacy. Good and Evil, Law and Chaos, and all forms of Neutrality are represented and nearly all are in attendance as the drama in Alhaster unfolds when a rogue god descends onto the material plane.
Ehlonna: My champion, Mihir, requests a Miracle be granted to thwart Kyuss' plot.
Moradin: Another Miracle? He should give that spell a rest already. (PCs get a big laugh out of that line)
Ehlonna: This is our only chance to stop Kyuss' insidious plans!
St. Cuthbert: No, it's not.
Ehlonna: It's our best chance we have to stop Kyuss.
Lorathian: Only the prophesied ones may interact with Kyuss in this ordeal.
Heironeous: Authorize the Miracle; we must strike quickly and decisively.
Hextor: Not so fast, valor. Ehlonna owes me. It was my champion that was prophesied to end the Age of Worms. And what did they get? Cold, hard death. Hardly fair, I say. (The champion he refers to is War Duke, whom the PCs killed in the previous module - you can find more about this plot twist on the message boards under "War Duke")
Obadhai: And they did release Krathonos from my prison without consent.
Primus: And have made a mockery of the natural order of things by habitually defying death. Your champion, Ehlonna, even requested your power – and you granted it – in destroying my Inevitables designed only to restore the celestial order we all swore to uphold. (This might require some explanation - our resident cleric bent the rules, interpreting them outside of the spirit of the game/intent to kep people from dying. I let him to kep the PCs around for continuity. He knew Inevitables might get involved in hunting him down, and they did. Well, we play a lot of Transformers, so I thought it would be cool if these Inevitables (from Mechanus) were actually an unevolved transformer. Primus, the creator of Transformers, is also the creator of the first versions, Inevitables.)
Nerull: It seems an exchange is in order. Trade one for another. Mihir's place in the grave is long over due.
<A short burst of conversation ensues, heated and pointed. The boney finger makes more than one appearance...The arguments subside quickly and all eyes fixate upon a hooded quasi-being.>
Living Tribunal: So be it, the Miracle will be granted, at the cost of one mortal life. In return, Hextor's champion Warduke and his accompanying soul will be returned to the material plane for re-insertion. (Another explanation - Living Tribunal is a Marvel Universe god. We also have played Marvel Superheroes and I thought he would be a colorful addition to this panel. Marvel heroes are not unknown in our D&D world by the way....)
Ehlonna: My champion will be more than willing to comply. I humbly thank all of you.
Living Tribunal: This in no way guarantees victory – none can grant that now – this only affords the mortals a chance to prevent termination.
Olidommara: Good Luck!
Miracle is cast – a great sacrifice is required. John (the player of te cleric Mihir) can put his character sheet away (and he did).
Mihir lifts into the air glowing nearly as bright as the sun itself. Its radiance pierces the dark clouds and Kyuss recoils. Mihir's body disappears in the brilliance that remains – a beacon of hope and the PCs are restored to full health.
It was late, and I knew that it would require the use/sacrifice of artifacts to destroy Kyuss. I have been running this campaign for - what two years? Its time for it to end - here and now.
While they could now "hurt" Kyuss, I made it clear out of gme, that he can still kill them instantly on his turn. They needed to quit "low-balling" him (our archmage is guilty of this) and pull out their big guns if they wanted to win (and live).
Alexander St. Monday sacrificed the greatest Holy Avenger - Zildjian by impaling it in Kyuss.
Zurell did the same with the Rod of Seven Parts.
Keegon implanted his mighty Axe in Kyuss as well.
Kiron the Wizard used a powerful Wish to combine the artifacts power into a powerful explosion to defeat Kyuss.
That was the end of that. Heavy Handed - maybe. Climactic and memorable? Definately.
Sub-Event
Transition of Power
Who: Prince Zeech and Alexander St. Monday
Where: Alhaster
All characters are now Epic level (21). They cannot advance their PCs until after the game ends.
As the smoke rises, and civilians emerge from the homes, churches, and other shelters, the PCs gather with the significant NPCs to pay respect to Mihir, whom sacrificed himself to provide the world a chance to live (they all know what happened although Kiron,Tenser, or anyone else may speculate that Mihir could still live on).
Suddenly the crowd begins to part as the sound of heavy warhorse hooves beat the cobblestone road. Standing before the PCs is a mounted Prince Zeech. While he appears injured, he also appears purposeful. He dismounts and approaches the PCs with a slight limp from battle injury.
Zeech: "I extend my gratitude to you all for your valor and bravery." <He looks around slowly, wiping his own blood from his brow. He also notices that the local townsfolk may look to the PCs for leadership – not him.> "It appears that my strength in leadership has been challenged. I challenge Alexander St. Monday to an honorable and fair match for the unconditional title to Alhaster, its land, and its laws." <He again draws his sword and readies for battle. Something in his posture tells most everyone in audience that he does not intend to win, but rather to die by the sword to a worthy opponent. Somewhere along the line, he is struck down, and in his dying breath asks Serif to rule with virtue and selflessness. He passes with little fan fare.>
I felt it very important to provide closure on Zeech as outlined in the adventure. Did he die an evil man? Was he irredeemable?
Funny moment here - Alexander St. Monday (aka Serif) did not want to fight Zeech.
Serif: "Haven't we seen enough blooshed for today?"
The crowd was silent for a moment, then a voice cries out from the back of the crowd "Smoke his b!tch a55!" Everyone broke out laughing at that one!
I explaned how the spire was eaten away by the worms and the hole it left in the ground. The Archwizard Kiron plugged it with a slab of stone and atop it stands a 100 ft. statue of the martyr Mihir via a Wish spell. Future adventurers can get to this great dungeon in Alhaster via te underground waterways that pirates frequently use.
We have begun playing Savage Tide (Im on my third PC already!), so I thought it would be cool to teaser trailer it....
Event
Teaser Ending
Who: Crazed Human
Where: Isle of Dread
The smoking city of Alhaster is seen from above, the last tiny green worm dying in the sunlight as the last clouds break. The camera swings toward the piers and ocean beyond. Skimming the ocean, the camera brings into view a strange tropical island. The camera slows down as it makes shore. In the distance, the calls of exotic birds, wild cats, monkeys and fearsome dinosaurs can be heard through the lush canopy. Brush moved aside unveils a disturbing image - that of a humanoid, one could only guess, hunched over picking at the tastier morsels of what appears to be another man. He looks toward the camera as if he were snuck up on, and laughs madly. The camera pans out of the canopy to view the island from top own, and the mans crazed laugh scatters the birds.
Screen goes black – pause.
Key rock music.