Who Would Hire PCs to Steal the Lightning Rail

[unseenmage]

Just as the title says, how would The Playground commit this heinous crime?

The players are the train thieves, they'll be fighting NPC train robbers who're likely to throw a monkey wrench in the plan.

The players, so far, are just a couple of fighters. One Warforged tank, one Human dragon-mounted archer w/Leadership. They've been employed to steal the Lightning Rail. I do not know by who or how though. Level 16, Eberron campaign setting, all sources available, first adventure for these characters.

TLDR: Cool idea, steal the Lightning Rail itself, don't know how to or who for.

Thanks regardless Playground.

Edit: To clarify, the theft is of the entire train itself passengers and all. Without simply derailing and wrecking the train.

Edit again: Okay, have several ideas on how to steal the thing: Airships, Planar Bound Rocs, diverted Conductor Stones and a secret cave, a flying etherealness-ed Stronghold Space and Mirage Arcana.

Now the question is, who'd want a train? Esp. who'd want one passengers and all and intact to boot?

[Tvtyrant]

Walk into the guild's main office with a Changeling disguised as an upper level member of the guild and high ranks in forgery. Begin acquiring the rail by "selling" their shares in it/promoting you to the top of the guild and stealing their personal bank funds/property. Eventually the identity theft will allow you and your changeling allies to replace the entire guild structure and funnel the money into your own pockets.

If you mean physically steal it... Place an Invisible Spell Gate somewhere along the line so that all of the trains disappear when they try to travel to various destinations. Hold the location of the trains secret and close the gates, opening new ones to and at different locations every so often to prevent escapes/closing the gates. Now only allow your own trains to pass along the lightning rail without being gated and you have stolen the whole enterprise.

[unseenmage]

Walk into the guild's main office with a Changeling disguised as an upper level member of the guild and high ranks in forgery. Begin acquiring the rail by "selling" their shares in it/promoting you to the top of the guild and stealing their personal bank funds/property. Eventually the identity theft will allow you and your changeling allies to replace the entire guild structure and funnel the money into your own pockets.

If you mean physically steal it... Place an Invisible Spell Gate somewhere along the line so that all of the trains disappear when they try to travel to various destinations. Hold the location of the trains secret and close the gates, opening new ones to and at different locations every so often to prevent escapes/closing the gates. Now only allow your own trains to pass along the lightning rail without being gated and you have stolen the whole enterprise.

Well, the plan was for nothing Quite so grand as either of those cases.
I meant the literal theft of a single entire train by two 16th level characters who've been hired by an outside party.

Using a Gate was my first thought, nice touch with Invisible Spell though. Lightning Rail trains run on big powerstones that they use as rails IIRC. My worry was that using Gate would just derail the train and a simple theft just became mass homicide. Which is, of course, not the goal.

[Gemini476]

What if the other end of the Gate lead to a circle of rails that you had constructed yourself, or some other thing that wouldn't crash the train? (In any other setting I would suggest the Plane of Air, but Ebberon has its own cosmology that I don't know.)

If you have access to a demi plane created by Genesis or the like, those can loop the edges so that you get enough space to bleed off the speed. Avoid time traits since giving the people inside the train an indeterminate amount of time to plan an escape is... Bad.

Do you want to steal a train or carriage and do you care about hostages?

Oh, and what is your opinion of Shadowcaster? 'Cause I'll never not love the Black Labyrinth (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20070307a).

[Keld Denar]

Well, the issue us the same as any RL train...it only runs on the tracks. If you board it, you'll have to find some sort of abandoned section of the track to drive it to, otherwise you'll just end up at one of the normal destinations the train goes to.

Otherwise, stop the train along the tracks and unload the passengers and cargo. The dragon rider guy can pick off any runners, hopefully making an example of them and preventing anyone else from dying of heroic causes while the 'forged unloads. From there, you could use something like a Portable Hole through 10' of solid stone into a previously constructed hollowed out room. The Portable Hole could then be removed trapping the occupants inside, probably with a Bottle of Air. If you are worried about location, a thin sheet of lead behind a layer of stone would prevent it. The empty train could then be sent on, possibly with the throttle blocked open so that it crashes violently somewhere down the line, covering the exact nature of your tampering.

[Palanan]

I don't know much about how lightning rails work, but....

One of the PCs is a dragonrider, yes? He's on an actual dragon?



So, without referencing swallows if at all possible, how much does the lightning rail weigh?

[unseenmage]

What if the other end of the Gate lead to a circle of rails that you had constructed yourself, or some other thing that wouldn't crash the train? (In any other setting I would suggest the Plane of Air, but Ebberon has its own cosmology that I don't know.)

If you have access to a demi plane created by Genesis or the like, those can loop the edges so that you get enough space to bleed off the speed. Avoid time traits since giving the people inside the train an indeterminate amount of time to plan an escape is... Bad.

Do you want to steal a train or carriage and do you care about hostages?

Oh, and what is your opinion of Shadowcaster? 'Cause I'll never not love the Black Labyrinth (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20070307a).

Eberron has a Plane of Air called Syrania (http://eberron.wikia.com/wiki/Syrania). Not sure how useful it is as a stopover as it's filled with Angels though.

Stealing the Train itself is the main goal but kidnapping the hostages safely would be a bonus.

I'm not sure what Shadowcaster/Black Labyrinth are for. Could you elaborate?




Well, the issue us the same as any RL train...it only runs on the tracks. If you board it, you'll have to find some sort of abandoned section of the track to drive it to, otherwise you'll just end up at one of the normal destinations the train goes to.

Otherwise, stop the train along the tracks and unload the passengers and cargo. The dragon rider guy can pick off any runners, hopefully making an example of them and preventing anyone else from dying of heroic causes while the 'forged unloads. From there, you could use something like a Portable Hole through 10' of solid stone into a previously constructed hollowed out room. The Portable Hole could then be removed trapping the occupants inside, probably with a Bottle of Air. If you are worried about location, a thin sheet of lead behind a layer of stone would prevent it. The empty train could then be sent on, possibly with the throttle blocked open so that it crashes violently somewhere down the line, covering the exact nature of your tampering.

Stealing the train is the actual goal but those are some helpful suggestions as to what to do with the passengers.


It occurs to me that if the characters had more wealth (or if as DM I gave it to them) the train could be picked up and carted off by a couple of airships.

Anyone know how much each traincar weighs and what the cargo capacity of an airship in Eberron is?

[Menzath]

Animate object the lead car and one or two more. It can drive itself and still use the wheels as normal, but can also lift them off the rails to "derail" itself without tipping (though the other cars attached still may) but you could always just disintegrate/teleport/move said rails so the cars don't have to derail and can just drive off where you specify.

[Gemini476]

I'm not sure what Shadowcaster/Black Labyrinth are for. Could you elaborate?

First of all, the Shadowcaster is an alternative casting class featured in Tome of Magic, sandwiched between the Binder and Truenamer. They get ninth-level spells at 17, (one level away from your party, so too high) and get two of them as written. You know, just in case you didn't know about them.

Black Labyrinth as a ninth level mystery. It is also quite possibly the most awesome battlefield control in existence, but has friendly fire. If a 17th level Shadowcaster casts it while standing on the rail, he will create a huge zone that impedes movement and sight for everyone else that lasts for eight days. everything that is not the caster moves in random directions, including the train leading to you both derailing the train, emptying it of people (since they will probably leave) and leaving the wreckage in a place that is lootable by a very small amount of people for the next week.

It is not subtle. It does not leave an intact train (or, depending on altitude, survivors.) It does stop people from knowing what the hell happened other than "and then a huge black semi sphere swallowed the countryside".

But yeah, it isn't really all that appropriate for your level (although Shadowcaster are decent enough if you start at level seven or higher.) I just take any opportunities to rant about awesome stuff that I can.

For people who are not familiar with Ebberon, but know things about train heists, could we get a description of the Lightning Train?

[nedz]

No need to steal the train — just max out your Bluff skill and sell it to someone.

[Kerilstrasz]

How much money/influence do they have???

Ok... imagine this... they put an obstacle on the rails that the train driver can spot soon enough to stop the train (like far west movies)... now..
many many (invisible?) hot air balloons, or zepelins, hover over the train on fixed positions, they throw chains, the 2 players (along with those they hired) they attach the chains, the balloons rise & leave with the train... maybe they hire a wizard to cast several invis sphere on the train so noone say "ooohh.. a flying train"

according to resources available, biiiiig flying creatures that can grab the train?

PS: Since the train stops, they could disconnect the wagons so they can be moved easy, and later connect em again.

[Palanan]

Originally Posted by hxolhpths
....according to resources available, biiiiig flying creatures that can grab the train?

Like, you know, dragons.

:smallamused:

[Seffbasilisk]

Ramp up the awesome.

Steal an airship.

Beef up the airship.

While the train is moving, land the airship on the train. Affix the train to the airship.

Reinforce the connections between the train cars.

Have the airship begin to slowly gain altitude. Destroy the next mile or so of tracks. As the train starts to fall, the airship increases it's vertical lift until it more than equalizes.

Fly away with the train.

Deposit train at dropoff. Collect payout. Become the best Air-Pirates ever!

[hoverfrog]

What's wrong with a simple plan. Go to the Mournland and stock up on Conductor Stones. They're lying on the ground along the former route of the Lightning Rail, you just need to find them. Then make your own track using these stolen Conductor Stones. Have it connect to the existing route by removing stones and connecting them to your route.

Then board the Lighting Rail. Sneak up to the driver and have force him to keep going when we notices that his route has changed. The other end of your diversion goes to a hidden cave location where you can contain the passengers and crew.

Then quickly go back and return the Conductor Stones to their correct location and cover your tracks so you can't be followed.

No magic shenanigans or rules twisting, just a straightforward heist that you've planned in advance.

[Shred-Bot]

Like, you know, dragons.

:smallamused:

Or... Carmen Sandiego! She'd be able to steal that thing no problem, then lead the authorities on a wild goose chase where everyone learns a lot about the world, her henchmen gets caught, and she escapes because all the kids on that show sucked at the Africa map.

(I know it was a game first but the game didn't have Rockapella or Lynne Thigpen doing the eyeball magnifying glass thing)

[unseenmage]

What's wrong with a simple plan. Go to the Mournland and stock up on Conductor Stones. They're lying on the ground along the former route of the Lightning Rail, you just need to find them. Then make your own track using these stolen Conductor Stones. Have it connect to the existing route by removing stones and connecting them to your route.

Then board the Lighting Rail. Sneak up to the driver and have force him to keep going when we notices that his route has changed. The other end of your diversion goes to a hidden cave location where you can contain the passengers and crew.

Then quickly go back and return the Conductor Stones to their correct location and cover your tracks so you can't be followed.

No magic shenanigans or rules twisting, just a straightforward heist that you've planned in advance.

That... is an excellent idea. Thank you. I was unaware that there were Conductor Stones that wouldn't be missed just lying about though.

[Fouredged Sword]

Well, they are in one of the more dangerous parts of the world, but hey, 15th level party!

[shaikujin]

Just some quick description of the lightning rail:

1) Sorta like a train that moves at an average of 30 mph
2) Rails are a series of "Conductor Stones" laid in a single line that provide lift (but not propulsion) by interacting with Conductor Stones on the underside of the carriages (think monorail maglev)
3) Carriages float 5 feet off the rail
4) Electricity arcs between the conductor stones in the rail and the carriages and does damage 3d8 damage
5) Propulsion is via air elementals, like the Eberron airships
6) Depending on function (helm, passenger, first class, cargo, crew, galley etc), each carriage is between 60 to 100 ft long (20-25 tiles), but no specific numbers. From the tactical map layout, all are about 100 ft long, and about 35-40 ft wide (7-8 tiles)
7) Can only derail if more than 100 ft of Conductor Stone "rails" are removed
8) Weight of each carriage not mentioned, but the crew cart itself is capable of holding 50 tons of cargo. So that'll probably be a good guide
9) Number of carriages varies, typical configuration mentioned is 2 crew carts (front and back), 2 cargo carts, 4 passenger carts and 2 lounge carts. So it looks like 10 carriages is typical



My suggestion, use Stronghold builder rules to build a single Dock (1 stronghold space, 500 gp) that's 2,000 ft long, and 100 ft high x 100 ft wide. 1 storage space is normally 20 x 20 ft, but SBG does go on to state that it can actually be of any size desired, and even has sample Strongholds that shows this.

Make the stronghold mobile by giving it the mobility modes:
a) Flying (15,000 gp, you can use others, but flying is a lot more versatile than the other modes)
b) Ethereal twice (7,500 gp x 2, you can use others, but this is the cheapest one that does not have a time limit)

Enhance the dock as a Chamber of Comfort (7,500 gp) for air so the ppl in the Stronghold don't suffocate (including the party members the need to pilot the thing).



How to pull of the train heist:
1) Shift the Stronghold to the Ethereal plane.
2) Look for one of the tunnels that the train will pass through
3) Fly the stronghold to the end that tunnel (or better yet, build the Stronghold to fit within the tunnel and fly it into the tunnel so that no observers can see it materialize)
4) Have the party members pose as passengers, when it enters the tunnel, disable the train crew, passengers, guards etc and take over the train
5) Have the Stronghold shift into the material place, drive the train carefully into the stronghold
6) Shift back to the Ethereal plane
7) Fly the stronghold to your delivery point, shift back into the material plane and deliver the stolen train
8) Collect payment and XP



Roughly 40,000 gp.
There are ways to make the Stronghold construction even cheaper, like building it as 1 level, and using wooden walls etc. I can make a quick one if you need.

[shaikujin]

Add on - Stronghold is basically a 2,000 ft long, 100 ft x 100 ft tube.

Mount conductor stones into the stronghold to have the rail extend inside so you don't have the train plow into the floor of the stronghold.

[unseenmage]

Just some quick description of the lightning rail:

1) Sorta like a train that moves at an average of 30 mph
2) Rails are a series of "Conductor Stones" laid in a single line that provide lift (but not propulsion) by interacting with Conductor Stones on the underside of the carriages (think monorail maglev)
3) Carriages float 5 feet off the rail
4) Electricity arcs between the conductor stones in the rail and the carriages and does damage 3d8 damage
5) Propulsion is via air elementals, like the Eberron airships
6) Depending on function (helm, passenger, first class, cargo, crew, galley etc), each carriage is between 60 to 100 ft long (20-25 tiles), but no specific numbers. From the tactical map layout, all are about 100 ft long, and about 35-40 ft wide (7-8 tiles)
7) Can only derail if more than 100 ft of Conductor Stone "rails" are removed
8) Weight of each carriage not mentioned, but the crew cart itself is capable of holding 50 tons of cargo. So that'll probably be a good guide
9) Number of carriages varies, typical configuration mentioned is 2 crew carts (front and back), 2 cargo carts, 4 passenger carts and 2 lounge carts. So it looks like 10 carriages is typical



My suggestion, use Stronghold builder rules to build a single Dock (1 stronghold space, 500 gp) that's 2,000 ft long, and 100 ft high x 100 ft wide. 1 storage space is normally 20 x 20 ft, but SBG does go on to state that it can actually be of any size desired, and even has sample Strongholds that shows this.

Make the stronghold mobile by giving it the mobility modes:
a) Flying (15,000 gp, you can use others, but flying is a lot more versatile than the other modes)
b) Ethereal twice (7,500 gp x 2, you can use others, but this is the cheapest one that does not have a time limit)

Enhance the dock as a Chamber of Comfort (7,500 gp) for air so the ppl in the Stronghold don't suffocate (including the party members the need to pilot the thing).



How to pull of the train heist:
1) Shift the Stronghold to the Ethereal plane.
2) Look for one of the tunnels that the train will pass through
3) Fly the stronghold to the end that tunnel (or better yet, build the Stronghold to fit within the tunnel and fly it into the tunnel so that no observers can see it materialize)
4) Have the party members pose as passengers, when it enters the tunnel, disable the train crew, passengers, guards etc and take over the train
5) Have the Stronghold shift into the material place, drive the train carefully into the stronghold
6) Shift back to the Ethereal plane
7) Fly the stronghold to your delivery point, shift back into the material plane and deliver the stolen train
8) Collect payment and XP



Roughly 40,000 gp.
There are ways to make the Stronghold construction even cheaper, like building it as 1 level, and using wooden walls etc. I can make a quick one if you need.

Emphasis mine.
Yes please, this would be very helpful.
Edit: Could even work in Mirage Arcana (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Mirage_Arcana) to make it appear to the passengers and crew as though the train never left the tracks. I'm liking this idea more and more.

I've also just set upon the idea of using a series of Soarsleds (EB:SCoT171) with Conductor Stones Sovereign Glued to the tops to literally redirect the train vertically to some unbelievable height. Or perhaps use the Soarsled/Conductor Stone combo to navigate the Eberron Plane of Air after Gating there. Either way flying Lightning Rail math is about to be done. :smallsmile:

[shaikujin]

Sure.

How far away is the delivery point and how many days do you have to deliver it?

[shaikujin]

Yeah, the idea behind making it fit into the tunnel is so that no one would realize what happened.

Shifting to Ethereal is so that no one sees the get-away.

Train that went into a tunnel, but never re-appeared (unless you use an illusion to obfusticate that even further as you suggest)

[unseenmage]

Sure.

How far away is the delivery point and how many days do you have to deliver it?

Dunno yet, was kinda focused on the idea of the theft and havn't really delved into the who why when where yet.

I had a little niggle of an idea earlier that maybe a member of the House that oversees the Lightning Rail is at the dropoff with a member of an enemy house, and yesterday I'd thought of maybe having one of them be a disguised undead...

Yeah, I just havn't worked the plot details out yet. Ideas are more than welcome from those of you more familiar with Eberron than I.

[hoverfrog]

Well, they are in one of the more dangerous parts of the world, but hey, 15th level party!Plus the fun a DM could have by having the Conductor Stones "corrupted" by the Mourning. You could make your own if you don't want to go adventuring for them... what am I saying, of course you want to go adventuring.

[unseenmage]

Plus the fun a DM could have by having the Conductor Stones "corrupted" by the Mourning. You could make your own if you don't want to go adventuring for them... what am I saying, of course you want to go adventuring.

Searching the Google machine this morning has resulted in lots of references to the capacity to make them but no hard numbers.

Where in the books is this info?

[hoverfrog]

ECS p271 shows no price. :smallfurious:

So a custom magic item that has a permanent levitate effect is probably the closest thing. So custom magic, use-activated or continuous item creation has that at (Spell level × caster level × 2,000 gp) or (2 x 3 x 2000gp) 12,000gp which is ridiculously high. I'd say closer to 400gp and you'd still need hundreds of them per mile.

[shaikujin]

Looks like more savings might be possible by replacing my initial dock idea with a basic office (only 0.5 stronghold space). This serves as the "cockpit" at one end of the moat.

For holding the train carriages, I'll use a enclosed dry moat instead, which doesn't take up stronghold space.


Category|Type|Selection|Cost modifier (%)|Normal cost|Discounted cost|Source (Page)|Notes
Site|Climate|Warm|-5|||6|
|Terrain|Mobile|-5|||6|Wood Walls cost -10%. Ground floor free
|Primary Settlement|Small City|-2|||6|17 - 48 miles. GP limit for components/walls/wondrous architecture is 15,000 gp
|Nearby Features|Natural feature that makes attacking easier|-8|||7|Clear terrain in all 4 directions
|Nearby Features|Site under legal dispute|-5|||7|
|Nearby Features|Site in lawless area|-10|||7|
|Free labour|From summons|-30|||11|
Cost modifier to entire Stronghold|||-65%
*****|*****|*****|*****|*****|*****|*****|*****
|Fabricate|Non luxury or fancy spaces|-5|||9|
|Move Earth|Spaces on ground floor|-3|||9|
|Move Earth|Free moat||||9|
|Wood shape|Spaces with wood walls|-5|||9|
Cost modifier to stronghold spaces|||-13%
*****|*****|*****|*****|*****|*****|*****|*****
Components|1 basic office on ground floor (0.5 SS)||-78|200|44|22|
|Chamber of Comfort||-78|7,500|1,650|74|Temperature at cozy 70 degrees. Magically circulating fresh air.
|Moat enclosed by free wooden walls|2,000 ft long dry moat|Free|Free|Free|9|This is where the train is held
Subtotal|||||1,694
*****|*****|*****|*****|*****|*****|*****|*****
Locomotion|Speed (25,000 gp per SS)|Incredible|-65|12,500|4,375|47|10 miles/hr
|Mobility (15,000 gp per SS)|Flying|-65|7,500|2,625|48|
|Planar Mobility (7,500 gp per SS)|Ethereal x 2|-65|7,500|2,625|48|
Subtotal|||||9,625
Total|||||14,875



Not sure if the moat part or using 0.5 Stronghold Space to cut mobility cost in half are RAW legit though. I was just trying to see how cheaply I can make it while giving it max flying speed. Alternatively, replace flying/ethereal with teleporting.

[shaikujin]

A more RAW legit version would be to use 3 Extended Dry Docks, which can hold 4 longships/2 warships each.

Each of the these docks would be 2 Stronghold Space, for a total of 6 SS instead of 0.5.

Costs would then be increased by 12 times.

Still, it's a flying, plane traveling, stronghold/mothership! That can hold 12 smaller crafts!

[captain fubar]

Do the tracks go anywhere not under the control of the trains rightfull owners besides the mourn lands?

Also I like the gate idea however if the other side of the gate isn't also somewhere on the tracks I'm not shrue if the train crashes from being derailed or if it just runs out of power and stops as it has lost contact with the lightning rail.

The third thing to remember is that it takes a dragon mark to drive the so stealing the thing it is kind or pointless unless you dominate the driver or just want the contents not the train it's self.

[Feint's End]

Walk into the guild's main office with a Changeling disguised as an upper level member of the guild and high ranks in forgery. Begin acquiring the rail by "selling" their shares in it/promoting you to the top of the guild and stealing their personal bank funds/property. Eventually the identity theft will allow you and your changeling allies to replace the entire guild structure and funnel the money into your own pockets.

Consistency dictates that every major institution in Eberron has means of True Seeing to handle Changelings. The world wouldn't work the way it is described in the Campaign Setting if they wouldn't have it.

[shaikujin]

As to who, maybe a renegade that wants to take revenge?
Or the 2nd heir who wants to make his older brother look bad.

That'll explain why someone else is able to drive it.

Perhaps one of the other houses?

Or someone that got wind of a powerful artifact being transported. But doesn't know if it's being transported via cargo or courier, and thus doesn't want to take chances.

Or wants to capture a noble travelling incognito on the train.

Or one of the aberrant dragonmarked has a plan to cause strife between the different houses, and plants false evidence?

Or the house themselves, for insurance fraud? (This part could be why the robbers were on the train, ok maybe not).

Or criminals trying to spring a prisoner being escorted to a different prison.

Or trying to prevent incriminating evidence (canith firing up creation forges secretly) being delivered.

Or all of the above?

[Fouredged Sword]

Nah, but every business dealing would be sealed with a Guidance of the Avatar + Divine insight sense motive check. If you can beat a +40 or so sense motive check, then you are likely to be trusted.

[unseenmage]

As to who, maybe a renegade that wants to take revenge?
Or the 2nd heir who wants to make his older brother look bad.

That'll explain why someone else is able to drive it.

Perhaps one of the other houses?

Or someone that got wind of a powerful artifact being transported. But doesn't know if it's being transported via cargo or courier, and thus doesn't want to take chances.

Or wants to capture a noble travelling incognito on the train.

Or one of the aberrant dragonmarked has a plan to cause strife between the different houses, and plants false evidence?

Or the house themselves, for insurance fraud? (This part could be why the robbers were on the train, ok maybe not).

Or criminals trying to spring a prisoner being escorted to a different prison.

Or trying to prevent incriminating evidence (canith firing up creation forges secretly) being delivered.

Or all of the above?

I was sitting in the park earlier asking my kids and the wife and her friends, "Why would someone steal a train?", and I came to the, "...all of the above?", answer myself.

I mean it's a form of mass public and private transportation, with lots of dynamic interactions, and potential plot hooks. If I think about it long enough I might have trouble getting the plot off the train. Lucky for me this is a game about adventures and the players will eventually jump at the chance to get away from all the tedious investigative stuff. :smallsmile:


Do the tracks go anywhere not under the control of the trains rightfull owners besides the mourn lands?

Also I like the gate idea however if the other side of the gate isn't also somewhere on the tracks I'm not shrue if the train crashes from being derailed or if it just runs out of power and stops as it has lost contact with the lightning rail.

The third thing to remember is that it takes a dragon mark to drive the so stealing the thing it is kind or pointless unless you dominate the driver or just want the contents not the train it's self.

I like the Dragonmark thing, I'd forgotten that bit. It helps flesh stuff out.

[The Glyphstone]

Karmensan d'Iego of House Iego, of course.

[unseenmage]

Okay, I know how the train can be stolen, I know the who, and the why.

Now I need some ideas about how the agents of the BBEG will pacify the passengers. And by pacify I mean grotesquely mangle and mutate into evil minions.

Undeath is an option, as are psionics. Combining the two would be even better.
The fate of the passengers should be a motivator for the PCs. The kind of gut wrenching thing that will show me whether this campaign will be good or evil.

Ideas Playground?

[hoverfrog]

One word: Daelkyr.

[unseenmage]

One word: Daelkyr.

I'm looking it up now but would you mind elaborating?
This is our first exclusively Eberron adventure so I'm still wrapping my brain around some of the lore.

[fishyfishyfishy]

Daelkyr are exactly what you need. They are responsible for every aberration in Eberron. They are the masterminds behind the Mind Flayers. I'm just going to let that sink in...

[unseenmage]

I did find this Eberron Expanded: Lords of Madness (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebee/20050704a) article By Keith Baker. According to it not necessarily all the Aberrations are Daelkyr, but that's neither here nor there.

Guess now my real question is, is there an in-game fairly rapidly applicable Aberration template that could be used on the passengers en masse?

[hoverfrog]

I'm looking it up now but would you mind elaborating?
This is our first exclusively Eberron adventure so I'm still wrapping my brain around some of the lore.Evil, insane masterminds who created the dolgrim from goblins and the dolgaunt from hobgoblins.

Actually you don't even have to use daelkyr. An aberration or a daelkyr half blood sorcerer or artificer with an eldritch machine would do. Shove a human into a cyst or into the machine and out they come "converted" with a couple of symbionts attached and in control.

[Sheogoroth]

Stealing a train as opposed to just wrecking it?

You could make it a provocation of war.
One nation wants war, but they want to have war declared upon them so that they can claim moral supieriority. They also know that taking out this train is priority number 1, since having fast transit for troops and resources is extremely valuable in war.

So they decide to kill two birds with one stone. Unveil their 'newly constructed' Lightning Rail as the other nation looks on through gritted teeth at their obvious abscondery and the thieves ask them with an ear-to-ear grin what they think of it, metaphorically speaking.

A game of chicken, like demanding massive monetary reparations for a percieved insult. One nation can save face at going to war- while still going to war or getting paid.

They also get a sweet train in the process. Now you could obfuscate the employer's aim from the PC's, hiring them through a third party- then when they're living it up on a fat payoff, throw some assasins at them.
WHAT!? Now they're being hunted by their employers(trying to tie up loose ends) and the nation they stole from!
Plus they started a war.