So...what are folks doing to characterize particular ruins as Thassalonian in nature (other than seven-pointed stars)?
Also...given that the Thassalonian ruins are quite old -- what are the doors made of? Some are called out as being made of stone (the doors into the Runewell-chamber under Sandpoint), others are not specified that I could find. Given the time-spans involved I would think that most wooden doors would have rotted away unless they were preserved through arcane or alchemical means (which is what I am leaning toward).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
CJ
Off the top of my head I would say that another characteristic of the Thassalonian ruins is the gargantuan size that shows both the capability of them being used or accomodating to giants and even larger than is necessary for this in order to show the magnitude and power of the builders.
I think I would play up just how well preserved things are compared to the known age or perhaps the growth of the surrounding flora.
Sean Mahoney
Off the top of my head I would say that another characteristic of the Thassalonian ruins is the gargantuan size that shows both the capability of them being used or accomodating to giants and even larger than is necessary for this in order to show the magnitude and power of the builders.
I think I would play up just how well preserved things are compared to the known age or perhaps the growth of the surrounding flora.
Sean Mahoney
Wow. I didn't think of that. That would certainly argue toward adjusting the scale of some of the encounter areas!! Which are generally freakin' tiny.
CJ
i use flickering, blue light as part of the "old dungeon magic package"
So...what are folks doing to characterize particular ruins as Thassalonian in nature (other than seven-pointed stars)?
Also...given that the Thassalonian ruins are quite old -- what are the doors made of? Some are called out as being made of stone (the doors into the Runewell-chamber under Sandpoint), others are not specified that I could find. Given the time-spans involved I would think that most wooden doors would have rotted away unless they were preserved through arcane or alchemical means (which is what I am leaning toward).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
CJ
Another thing you can use is the varied nature of the granite and marble that must have been used. Giants are certainly capable of mining harder stone better than most creatures so elaborate rock types would be present.
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I just made up a type of tree that the Thassalonians cultivated for construction: Milkwood. It doesn't rot, it just petrifies. They used it for all sorts of decorative work. It's rarely found in modern Varisia, but I plan to have it pop up more frequently as they delve deeper into the heart of Karzoug's realm, as a nice bit of foreshadowing. "Fear the Milkwood!".
I just made up a type of tree that the Thassalonians cultivated for construction: Milkwood. It doesn't rot, it just petrifies. They used it for all sorts of decorative work. It's rarely found in modern Varisia, but I plan to have it pop up more frequently as they delve deeper into the heart of Karzoug's realm, as a nice bit of foreshadowing. "Fear the Milkwood!".
Awesome Selk. I like this idea. I will add a long forgotten Thassalonian alchemical process to suit my own tastes.
CJ
You could also round all the corners, like in the library complex in volume four.
You could also round all the corners, like in the library complex in volume four.
That would absolutely give them a consistent feel, but I think it would actually hurt that adventure... there was a reason for all those rounded corners... with out getting in to spoilers, they were there as a clue to one of the encounters.
Sean Mahoney
Good point, Sean. Nice catch.