The group that I am DM'ing for defeated the Scarecrow, but figured they weren't strong enough to face Xanesha (based on what they learned from Ironbriar) - and they are only 6th level with a couple of 4th level PC's. They decided, once the Scarecrow was defeated, to forego the stairs (without even realizing the faceless stalkers were up there) and they blasted the bells and their supports with fireball spells. Then they took off as two of the four bells snapped in the fire and fell down, destroying much more of the stairway and nearly crumbling the entire tower.
Realizing that her lair had been "discovered" - Xanesha had no real choice but to grab her most precious possessions and take off in flight. Makes sense - since she can obviously no longer run her operation from the Shadow Clock.
My problem is, what do I do now to ensure the PC's stay on the adventure path? They need to gain the concrete evidence from Xanesha's list that shows that the Lord-Mayor is on her list. Also, has anyone else experienced a similar dilemna, and how did you resolve it?
Finally, anyone have some good suggestions for where Xanesha would choose to hold up until she can exact her revenge on the heroes for busting up her plans?
Oh, and we meet in the morning so any fast responses will be appreciated!
Personally, I'd take the idea from Morgen that the ruins contains some piece of evidence that Xanesha accidentally left behind, possibly the suggested letter that Lucretia has sent her (mentioned on these boards, by Lisa Stevens iirc)
At the same time, have Xanesha make an attempt to kill the mayor, let it fail, but that'll make the mayor realise that someones out to get him. Make this attempt public, so the PCs can then go to the mayor with evidence that Xanesha was behind it.
Then the mayor will sit up and take notice, and ask the PCs (and maybe pay some of the reward in advance) to go to the Hook Mountain area to investigate. Xanesha will have holed up there somewhere, returning to her sister.
Hopefully by then, the PC's will be a bit meatier to deal with her. I'm likely to do something like this in my game (depending on the players actions)
If there is anywhere the players have not searched yet then the evidence can be found there. Examples might be: Ironbriar's office or Ironbriar's home. This is one of those situations that you can let the player's brainstorm on what to try next and just move the evidence as you see fit.
Alternatively, come up with another reason that the PCs would go to Fort Rannick. They do not have to be asked by the lord mayor, as long as they get there. (in fact many have posited on these boards that it might be better with a different reason as the timeline doesn't work out as well if they are asked after the attack).
Sean Mahoney
Alternatively, come up with another reason that the PCs would go to Fort Rannick. They do not have to be asked by the lord mayor, as long as they get there. (in fact many have posited on these boards that it might be better with a different reason as the timeline doesn't work out as well if they are asked after the attack).
Sean Mahoney
Exactly... They could simply run into Shalelu on their way back to Sandpoint. She could ask the PCs to accompany her to Fort Rannick.
Ultradan