I am getting ready to start a long campaign based on the module Under the Dark Fist Print Edition. It will begin on Eberron. Even when put on Flow maps, it is pretty isolated from normal space lanes. Vodoni discover it and start planning to add to their empire. I'm not going to discuss rules here. This is to get help with campaign ideas as I run along with this.
How the campaign is planned to go, lol. We know how PCs can put a cramp into that. Here are highlights of events.
The players are starting out on Eberron. The basics are that as they adventure, they will be drawn into the fact that their world is being invaded. First the Vodoni hit Sarlona. It has worked to isolate itself from the world, so the reasoning is take them out & few are likely to notice. They accomplish some of this with an artifact created when the gods of Vodonispace where trapped. A large crystal that allows the Fleet Commander to isolate large areas of a world from planar contact. Combined with other magics, the Quori are effectively ejected from Sarlona. Next major target will be the Demon Wastes. They don’t want rakshasa trying to take over after they conquer everything. Also, the use of the artifact isolates half of Khorvaire from the planes. Their next goal, begin invading Khorvaire proper. Open with the artifact over Sharn. Destroys the manifest zone & most of the towers crumble. A terror attack of massive proportions. Now the kingdoms can’t produce more airships. Vodoni have cannon & firearms. They have air superiority. This stage is a war. Towards the end, the dragons finally react & help drive off the invaders. Captured intel allows Spelljamming & PCs are tapped to go look for help. Pretty sure that if something isn’t done, the invaders will return. This starts the core part of the Under the Dark Fist module.
Now, what the PCs will be doing during this:
Campaign Overview
1. Crypt of the Everflame - Normal adventure - Tomb actually disturbed by Vodoni scouts - Pathfinder tracking sightings of mystery airships Recruits players to help at the end
2. Gnome Droppings from Dungeon # 63 - Gnomish sidewheeler crashes. Vodoni shot it out of the sky & come looking for it. Gain an autognome
3. Go to Zilargo to learn more about Ergo the autognome - Vodoni Conquering Sarlona as the adventure starts. Characters know nothing.
4. Place holder - Worldwide nightmare caused by the Quori being banished from Sarlona
5. Lhazaar Principalities & Lyrandar losing ships (PCs investigate) - Vodoni consolidating Sarlona. Attacking ships at sea that gets too close to their shores.
That is it so far. I'm showing the adventure first, or the idea for one. After the dash is pretty much what is going on behind the scenes. Adventures may not deal directly with the invasion. When Khorvaire gets hammered, they will run missions & stuff. Maybe go & try to reach the dragons in Argonessan. I should mention that I will be using more blackpowder stuff that is normal in Spelljammer. More akin to what is in Freeport.
Anyway, I would really like some ideas. Or, even just discussing this. Going nuts not able to brainstorm with anybody.
As long as the Vodoni control orbit, Eberron is screwed. They don't even need to bring in rocks from elsewhere in the system when the Ring of Siberys is right there. (And they can asteroid-mine the heck out of it for dragonshards the likes of which have never been seen on the surface, too.)
On the other hand, the Vodoni may have severe problems controlling their werewolf shock troops on a planet with twelve moons.
As long as the Vodoni control orbit, Eberron is screwed. They don't even need to bring in rocks from elsewhere in the system when the Ring of Siberys is right there. (And they can asteroid-mine the heck out of it for dragonshards the likes of which have never been seen on the surface, too.)
On the other hand, the Vodoni may have severe problems controlling their werewolf shock troops on a planet with twelve moons.
Vodoni werewolves aren't controlled by lunar cycles. their planet doesn't have a moon. It is variant form of lycanthropy that holds the werewolf in hybrid as the only form. Vodoni do use a lot of 'air superiority' in their campaigns, which I will be using. In Spelljammer, there really isn't a way to asteroid bomb a world. I don't care what any fluff has said. There aren't any rules for it. Since I don't have to worry about players seeing this, I can tell what will eventually pause the Vodoni long enough for a SJ mission to get help. Eventually the players will need to convince the dragons that the Vodoni pose a threat to the Draconic Prophesy.
Some events that will happen. Sharn will be razed to the ground. Most planar connects will be severed for a time. They will come back, but Sharn is an example of the repercussions. Some good will come of severing connections. The Quori & Demons will be set back for centuries.
The Vodoni planned to mine the shards after they control the artificers that already posses the knowledge from working with them. It is possible to stop the invasion. What makes it possible is that Eberron is not the only thing on Vulkaran's mine. He is also looking at the Radiant Triangle. If he decided to hold off on the Triangle, he could bring the full might of the Empire down & even the dragons would be hard pressed to stop that.
This whole campaign will be part Under the Dark Fist, part Independence Day, part Incursion (from Dragon Mag), and part standard Eberron.
Side note, there is an example of an orbital object impacting in 3.5, it's from a dungeon adventure. Issue 106, the Black Egg.
-Ben.
Side note, there is an example of an orbital object impacting in 3.5, it's from a dungeon adventure. Issue 106, the Black Egg.-Ben.
On a side note, I got carried away posting this same basic thread on a few boards & ended up making it twice on these. This is the thread that got better feedback.
I have flagged this thread in the hopes to getting it locked for being basically a repeat.