|
At the last session the party I am running decided it was time to investigate the Elven Ruins. The noble paladin was the first to enter into the ruins and as such was separated from the rest of the party (of 7 others). He soon realized he wasn't alone due to the inhabitants of the ruins, and a well placed back stab. This of course sent the party into a frenzy of trying to deal with the current threat, which was cleverly using the stated tactics causing the party to separate.
Two of the party decided to investigate the central tower, but not at the same time. The first was a human sorcerer who flew up to look into the landings (these were modified from what is in place). The other was a half elf female rogue who went up in conventional ways. The Lady did do her dance and only got the half elf, but since she was appearing non-threatening, and bluffed the two into thinking that she was trapped there the sorcerer didn't attack. During this time the party was fighting for their lives as they had activated all the encounters but one (G3). Needless to say what was going on outside was a comedy of errors. To make the story short both in the tower were questioned for information in a standard conversational way, but did have the added spell like abilities the Lady has in use. Since the sorcerer wasn't enthralled the Lady "sent" him away, and dealt with the troublesome female rogue while having a tasty snack.
The party eventually were able to deal with the threats (other than Rigg) but at a severe cost to themselves due to various encounters and traps. Deciding to regroup at the base of the tower the party heard a noticeable thump around the other side. Upon investigation they found the body of the rogue (still alive due to expenditure of hero points, but in a world of severe pain). With this it was best decided to return to Tatzleford to regroup and recoup. With the number of injuries they needed to make a litter, thus slowing their travel time back (all had mounts). During the time back Rigg was doing hit and runs whenever they set up camp, basically harassing them, but did follow them back to Tatzleford.
Now for the dilemma. The Lady isn't stupid and she knows that the party will make their way back to the ruins to deal with her. She is also going to be getting recon info from Rigg as to where the heroes went. At this point she is going to leave the ruins. I am thinking of sending her into one of three areas. She can either head to Tatzleford and take up residence there. My worry is that by her doing so she will wipe out the village before it gets going (Tatzleford currently is about 4-5 months old). The second place I can send her is the surrounding area about the Stag Lord's fort. The PCs have claimed the area, and are rebuilding the fort, but do not have the required hexes to claim it as a city. The area is full of farmers/country folk however. The third place to send the Lady is to Oleg's, as it is where their city is located. She can fit in easier there and have a higher chance to go unnoticed while she feeds. Add to that only two party members have seen her. I can't send her to the Isle as I have plans there, plus I don't think she would even want to go there. The last idea I have is to have her disappear, and reappear at a later date. Most likely with her "sisters" or something.
What would you guys do with The Lady with the info mentioned above?
My opinion is to have her go to Oleg's and start making trouble: the PC's came to her house, killed her pets - she'll be out for revenge. As a fey, I don't see her planning and organizing very much, but I think some kind of "Dancing Lady's Parlor" exclusive, underground club could take root in the biggest settlement and as she attracts more and more men to her side it could start to cause serious Unrest. If you haven't introduced Grigori yet, this could be an interesting "alternative" method of fomenting internal dissent.
Our current group killed the lady after the fight.
The one before that made her drink her own love potion.
She'd be hilarious to play out if she does survive, in my opinion.
Great idea Macharius.
Have her head to the city at Oleg's, and then inform the players during their next Kingdom Turn that a free Brothel has sprung up. Don't tell them that unlike a regular Brothel, this one is causing 1 Unrest a month, and will continue to do so until the Dancing Lady is appropriately dealt with.
|
|
Thank you for your input guys. I do agree that she would want revenge, but even more important I would think is the discovery of a new food source for her. Since she will be getting knowledge of Tatzleford's location, and thus the location of Oleg's she should be heading into that direction. Once she gets there she will start preying on random men, and attempt to infiltrate the ruling class to seduce the current Duke (and possibly offing his wife in the process). She even might go looking for work in the current brothel (which was built for the Thieve's Guild in Restov: there is a story how that happened). I do see Fey as being planners and organizers, but just more emotional (thus the tricksters and the big bad in #6). The funny thing is Grigori has not appeared yet, but will on the next return to Oleg's. Should make for fun times.
|
|
Had to wait for the PCs to do their thing prior to posting what occurred. I did decide that the Lady wanted revenge, and she wanted to do it in a way to cause the most harm. Since the PCs led Rigg over to Tazleford that she where she decided to go (after Rigg returned and informed her). Once there she started gathering information about the PCs, finding out that they are the new rulers of the country she headed to Oleg's.
Upon arriving at Oleg Falls (Oleg died to the Stag Lord's men back in book 1) the Lady learned that the PCs were not in town. She thought that the best way to get them back would be to have a couple of feedings, and setting up an innocent to take the blame. After that she put in a request to see the Duchess to present herself off as a handmaiden from the court of Kyonin (easy enough for her to do with royal outfits and a high bluff). The Duchess (a PC that has not played for a very very long time) accepted her service and at that point the Lady waited for the return of the party.
Upon hearing the horns announcing the return of the Lords of the Realm, the Lady presented the Duchess tea laced with Blue Whinnis (compliments of Rigg), and returned the Duchess back to her quarters. Once inside the bedchamber she signaled Rigg to assassinate the guards and call out that the Duchess has been murdered, with further orders to kill any non-PC that comes close. At that point is was an easy enough Coup de Grace on the Duchess and await the PCs.
Just thinking that another possibility could be to have her take over the brothel in Tatzlford as written in #4 or - including more effort - have her become the fey behind the Carnival of Tears; might make it necessary to include a more frosty welcome.
I generally like the idea of an escaping villain which comes back later to harass the PCs; Tartuk and Dovan are already waiting for my group.
Ruyan.
|
|
Phillip - You are welcomed.
RuyanVe - I thought about the Dancing Lady taking up residence in Tatzlford. However I decided against that due to Tatzlford simply being way to new to the kingdom. She could have wiped it out, and it didn't seem to fit the bill for personal vengeance. Her becoming aware of who the PCs are, and then striking at their heart seemed way better storywise as it did a couple of things. The first it removed a PC character that has not been around to play for 4-5 months in a credible way. The second was it has also forced the hand of the Baron, to accept his role in leadership. The character is very reluctant to accept a role in leadership, and yet the party and nation look to him for guidance. The last part is it gives me another point to make when Grigori does his thing. He just arrived with all of the commotion the Lady caused taking place.
I decided against bringing in to many outside resources due to money issues (looks at kids and wife) and simply due to the various other plots that I am weaving currently. Have 7 characters in the group, each with their own personalized story taking place and one overarching one.
I also like the reoccuring villian, Adds that little bit of unexpectedness to everything. I still have Tartuk awaiting revenge in the wings, but alas poor Dovan was slaughtered right off the bat. Look forward to hearing what you do with him.
I definitely agree with your choices, Duskrunner1. My group of lately needed to appoint a new baron and he hasn't shown any interest in marrying as of yet. I plan on having Lady Teskertin become his sweetheart, but since the baron is a pally, the going is slow. Also, I would be reluctant to... Hm, maybe Teskertin is a shapechanger and will reappear as Lady Maray in #4... *reads up on shapechangers*
Ruyan.