If you play in the Defranzo Loop gaming group DO NOT READ THE FOLLOWING POST!
ok,
So my players are in The Ebon Triad, they encountered Theldrick, who proceeded to get away from them on attacks in the Center room, which they insisted on resting in repeatedly. They have such a hate for him at this point that I couldn't see not using him further in the campaign, so he and another NPC I made on the fly, got away at the end of the battle in the Temple of Hextor.
What I am planning on doing with them so far is replacing the competing adventuring group with Theldrick and his company, The Blades of Hextor, in the Arena. I am also considering adding Theldrick and company to the following spots,
-Return to Whispering Cairn as competing adventurers, although I am not sure about this option as it seems limited in scope, and he can be used much better in other venues. I am thinking of sending agents of the Blades in his stead, perhaps individuals introduced in the Arena.
-Definitely adding him as a guest at Prince Zeech's dinner party. The opportunity to force the PCs into RPing with a hated enemy in an enviroment where they cannot get violent is too good to pass on.
-Finally I want to add him as a strange bedfellow ally in the battle against Dragotha, and possibly Lashonna.
In all I think I want to advance the ideas behind the Ebon Triad's scheme and perhaps even make they're goal a legit threat to the world, post Kysuss' Rising.
Anyone have any ideas of other places I could insert Theldrick in which he could get away with harassing or fighting the PCs. I have established they have a patron of higher level providing Amulets of Recall, (Word of Recall, 1 use).
I have unwittingly succeeded in planting a true seed of hate in my players for this character, and I want to milk it for what it's worth. At the same time I want them to see him as a rival, and a bad-guy, but know he isn't the root of they're problem. I plan to do that by leaving his journal lying around often. Perhaps even letters delivered to the PCs in his name detailing issues they miss or skip. After all once he figures out that Kysuss is a harbinger, but a threat as well to his Overgod, he will fight to stop Kysuss from attaining divinity.
What I have added so far to his team:
-Theldrick, human Clr of Hextor,
-Raeneth, human ftr, LE, massive strength
-Cid of Blades, Drow Ftr/Rog, Beholden to the Drow City of Riluaven, located in the Hellfurnaces far to the south. (possible link with events of Shackled City)
-Mael, Human Barbarian, Massive strength, uses a maul as a weapon,
-adding Khellek, and a misguided Alruic and Kirra to his group as well. Khellek is becoming a secret cultist of Kysuss, using the Seekers to gather information regarding the Cult.
I am restructuring the cult into Cells, no two cells neccasarially know what the other is doing. The search for the Rod of Eight Parts section now in the PC's possession brought Khellek to the Town of Diamond Lake, he has no idea of the hidden Temple. Although if the PCs spread the news around town he will contact the dragon implicit in Blackstone Keep, and inform her of the PCs part in it's destruction.
Auric and Kirra are unwitting pawns in Khellek's grand game of Dragonchess, a game in which he typically secretly gloats at by talking of Dragon Chess strategy during battle and in social surroundings. This can be played out later via suggestion, and even dominate person spells especially on Kirra as per my campaign she is CG, and likes the PCs moxie, having encountered them in the brawl at the Feral Dog.
So, what do you think folks? I have made a recurring, but minor villain. Any suggestions on further places to place him, or perhaps better ways to use Balabar Smenk (a PC tried to swindle him early in the campaign and spent a night in jail with a sore jaw, hates Smenk quite a lot already). How about The Faceless One, I like the simulacrum idea floating around on the boards, but am unsure how to pull it off. Perhaps as a minion of Lashonna's via leadership feat?
Let me know opinions and suggestions are ALWAYS appreciated...
Elvnsword
PS if you are one of my players and just read this post, I am docking you 4000xp, and putting you on notice, use the knowledge in game and you will be terminated from the table...
You know what you might do. Have him show up at Zeech's birthday party. If I recall, there's a small cabal of the Ebon Triad located in the city. Maybe he can talk to Zeech, convincing him to unleash his angels against them.