Cattle Driving Necromancers-Bizarre Campaign Journal

[turbo164]

If not for Kaveman's house rules, using Scrying with summons like Hound or Lantern Archons with at-will Greater Teleport to provide reconnaissance and harry them with DR-bearing troops to mess up their minion tactics. One nearby summoner with an Eidolon, a Lillend, and 1d4+1 Lantern Archons each relaying battle coordinates to distant friends who in turn keep having batches of Hound Archons teleport in would only use daily resources and no gold cost.



Summon Monster I
...
A summoned monster cannot summon or otherwise conjure another creature, nor can it use any teleportation or planar travel abilities. Creatures cannot be summoned into an environment that cannot support them.


To be able to teleport, the creature needs to come from something other than the Summon Monster line, such as Planar Ally or Create Lantern Archon.

[Kaveman26]

I actually have three children. Two boys 11 and 4 and a daughter who just turned 2. Water Balloon fights and trips to the zoo etc take priority over journaling but I manage to juggle.

I am trying to condense the remaining events into 2-3 concentrated posts. Instead of twenty 2-4 page updates I am thinking probably 3 separate thirty page posts should about cover it.

[The Bandicoot]

Wow, jebus. Karman got a whole Kave Clan. Don't worry, we'll all wait. Perhaps impatiently but what else can we do?

[LooseCannoneer]

Wow, jebus. Karman got a whole Kave Clan. Don't worry, we'll all wait. Perhaps impatiently but what else can we do?

I'm personally a fan of the ritualistic sacrifice to Kaveman.

[Inevitability]

I'm personally a fan of the ritualistic sacrifice to Kaveman.

Aren't the cavemen usually the one making ritual sacrifices?

[Joe the Rat]

Given the nature of this campaign, I'd say his player's are taking care of the ritual sacrifice piece.

[FocusWolf413]

What's going on after this campaign log is over?

[Kaveman26]

What's going on after this campaign log is over?

I intend to take a good little break.

Got a wilderness campaign running right now. We will see how this works out.

I have the results for our Tucker's mobile experiment that I will eventually get around to posting

Beyond that I'm not sure

[Reboot]

I am trying to condense the remaining events into 2-3 concentrated posts. Instead of twenty 2-4 page updates I am thinking probably 3 separate thirty page posts should about cover it.

*since it'll take seven times as long before you can post in that case, wonders how many posters will go insane waiting* ;)

[NRSASD]

NRSASD has gone stark raving mad!

[Bad Wolf]

It'd be hilarious if after everything was done, the Undead Cowboys backstabbed *everyone*. Veritas's rage would make him a very deadly form of Snickle.

[FocusWolf413]

It'd be hilarious if after everything was done, the Undead Cowboys backstabbed *everyone*. Veritas's rage would make him a very deadly form of Snickle.

Snickle was a no good, two-timing, backstabbing, manipulative douchecanoe. An enraged Veritas would strike at them like the wrath of god.

[Michael7123]

Snickle was a no good, two-timing, backstabbing, manipulative douchecanoe. An enraged Veritas would strike at them like the wrath of god.

To be fair, Veritas has wanted them dead on and off several times now if I recall correctly. The UC have handled it rather well.

[Traab]

It'd be hilarious if after everything was done, the Undead Cowboys backstabbed *everyone*. Veritas's rage would make him a very deadly form of Snickle.

"And as the smoke settles, we see the Undead Cowboys fly off out the now open doors to the ship on the back of their gigantic zombie dragon, vast library of rare tomes securely stashed, and everything that moved inside the ship but them is dead. As they fade away into the darkness of the night, a series of explosion tear through the structure, utterly destroying it and everything inside. Over the next few centuries, the Undead Cowboys have established themselves as the ultimate power in the realm and remain loosely aligned. Seraphim has become a Vampire Lord (its 3.5 and it sounds freaking awesome) The lich duo have become demi liches. (fill in the rest, im unable to figure out more advanced versions of the others) None now live who could challenge their rule. "

[Aldurin]

None now live who could challenge their rule. "

There'd be good odds in Gating them to the plane of positive energy by surprise, then throwing their means of regeneration in there as well.

[Reboot]

There'd be good odds in Gating them to the plane of positive energy by surprise, then throwing their means of regeneration in there as well.

Funny thing, there's a rules bug in 3e - that, judging from http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/environment/the-planes & http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/undead, wasn't patched in Pathfinder - in that there's no suggestion that the Positive Energy Plane is actually hostile to undead. It might seem illogical, but all it says is that you fast-heal past normal levels, then if your hitpoints exceed their normal level by 100% *and* you fail your fortitude save, you go boom. And undead don't need to make any fort save "unless the effect also works on objects or is harmless" which isn't the case here. Even if you assume it doesn't heal undead, it doesn't seem to harm them.

So, much as you'd think the effects would mirror those of the negative energy plane on living beings, so they'd have their hitpoints/levels drained constantly or somesuch... there's nothing to actually say it does (barring a houserule). Doc and *maybe* Azzie would be in trouble, but you'd just P.O. the others and set them looking for a way to get back and drop something large and heavy on you.

[Inevitability]

There'd be good odds in Gating them to the plane of positive energy by surprise, then throwing their means of regeneration in there as well.

Azzie can Shadow Walk them all out of there, I believe.

[Traab]

There'd be good odds in Gating them to the plane of positive energy by surprise, then throwing their means of regeneration in there as well.

You think they leave any alive capable of doing such a thing? Or that one of their many tomes of item/weapon/armor creation doesnt have dimensional anchor as a benefit? From what I recall of the background of this setting is generally pretty low power overall. There are a few exceptions but the undead crew are happily killing all them in this city ship. Also also,
Total Immortality: Even when utterly destroyed the Vampire Lord will return 1d4 hours after the sun sets in it's mist form and proceed to one of it's resting places to recover. When it reaches a resting place it can be fully regenerated and back to full power in 1d10+1 rounds. The only way to make sure that a vampire lord does not return is to cut its head from its body, burn the body and the head separately, scatter the ashes from the body over running water, immerse the ashes from the head in holy water, and bury the immersed ashes in consecrated ground. However, if the head ashes are ever unearthed and separated from the holy water via a wish or miracle spell, dried for an hour, and then subjected to an unhallow spell, the vampire lord can regenerate in a 6d6 hours if the ashes are placed inside one of its places of rest or 2d6 days if not.

So even if the positive energy plane COULD kill undead, you cant kill a vampire lord for good that way. Seriously, read up on them, I was just looking for a "more evolved" version of the various classes they are and upon reading that was just.... wow. They are insanely tough to beat, let alone kill.

[DurkBlanston]

Kaveman save a story guy from the mechanics talk with an update! (No offense to mechanics talk intended!)

[ATHATH]

No, no, it's the headshake of a DM that sees his well thought plans and imposing enemy dashed by a groin thrust.
Someone needs to sig this.

[ATHATH]

NRSASD has gone stark raving mad!
It was inevitable.

[Kaveman26]

A partial update because I know I am way behind.

Setting the Stage:

Two primary actions take place in the following “days”. First and foremost they cull the surrounding areas nearest the vaults proper. I mean scorched earth tyranny and destruction of any and all lifeforms that approach. Every fallen enemy is sorted and collated into different vaults for different future purposes. The single largest eye opening moment that derives from this is the knowledge delivered via the psionic undead flayers that a “Giant Habitat” is loaded onto the ship but was removed from active rotation in the prison system. Should they adjust the control panel within the prison compound they can enter a mountain stronghold exclusive to giant and giantkin. I highlight this because they plan on rousing an assembly of Rune Giants. They also intend to attempt Alliance with King Galud should he reappear.

The second course of action is to investigate a means through which they can harness the demi-lich as a vehicle to stage an attack in the abstract prison territory without inadvertently letting the terrors from beyond into their reality. A framework comes into being where in they intend to harness Ko’s soul gems to capture in no particular order the Enclave, The Drow Matron, Vlad, The Devil Teacher, and Lau-Rain should he return. Should those entities provide a passive boost that is a bonus, if not it is poetic enough revenge for utility in their books.

Once they have roused their army of giants and fully weaponized the demi-lich they plan on unleashing a two pronged attack. It is their intention to send Seraphim, Hades and Pluto into the prison via Ko and engage Jaze directly and HOPE they can somehow appeal to Volcanus as an ally. Whilst the undead trio of casters attack Jaze in the abstract Ares, Doc and Azzie are to lead an army of giants and psionic undead to ensure no beacons remain in place. Once the beacons are eliminated their next objective is to seize the master control panel and bring the engines online, should they succeed in moving the ship…they are then set on assaulting the physical prison of Volcanus and cutting off escape from anything that gets loose.

If all goes according to plan they anticipate driving Jaze from the prison into a physical form they can destroy. If that does not happen then the beacons will be eliminated and the ship moved which should stall enough and eliminate Jaze and Volcanus at their leisure. They hold out a small hope that killing Volcanus will not become necessary.

They reach level 13.




Hades: I suppose all of this means we have to go get the demi lich and bring him back here. Seems a shame to reverse course on a perfectly good scam to lock him up. But I think we are going to have to consult him and get his input if not outright consent.

Pluto: Yeah not sure how keen to cooperate he will be once he sees his protégé standing by our side as a slave, that and most of his cultivated empire being slaughtered so we could imprison him in the first place.

Seraphim: Trifles.

Ares: No worries, we need to reach the Prison Compound anyway if we want to go giant farming. So stopping by to grab the ancient demilich is on the way.

Azzie: Proximity is a perk. Hardly enough to offset potential soul obliterating vengeance, but a perk. Like a sharp axe from the headsman.

Doc: We are going to need laborers to ferry back the corpses.

Seraphim: We can find corpses to animate as laborers.

Hades: Ko or the Giants first?

Ares: I think Ko. That is the bigger unknown. Start out fresh against the demi-lich since we have less of an idea what will happen. If we survive then we can set out on the recruiting party.

With vampire thralls at their side the whole group assembles and decides to make a beeline for the prison compound. The halls have been heavily assaulted and plenty of “warnings” left behind in the way of mangled remains and bloody messages on the wall, despite these warnings there are a considerable amount of freed prisoners still roaming. They advance methodically and with less paranoia then I have grown accustomed to. In a short order they reach the prison ward unmolested.

Hades: Alright chaps, time to dive in.

Tombstone (aka the Undead Habitat) is now a true graveyard, silent and empty save for the headstones. All trace of the undead hordes has vanished. Floating silently and comatose is Ko who has remained undisturbed. For their security they run a sweep of the habitat looking for any stragglers that may have been left behind. No sign of life or undeath is located above ground.

Pluto: think they must have split out the doors when Jaze tripped the seals. We would have run into or detected undead in mass otherwise.

They delve down the stairs to the crypt that holds the Sleeper and find the massive aboleth still suspended from it’s chains. Most signs of life are gone. The mucus that seemed to eternally drain off his sides is virtually gone, the skin now dry and cracking. No signs of mental activity are detected and only the faintest rise and fall of the huge chest on the creature show that it still lives in some fashion.

Seraphim: Folks, I will be the first to admit a certain soft spot for the big guy. Lots of respect for what he enabled and for the power he represented. Think we need to put him out of his misery though. Whatever has happened and is still happening is beyond our capacity to mend.

Hades: Agreed.

Pluto: Agreed.

Ares *sigh*: Really hoped to make the big guy governor of my empire some day. Agreed.

Doc *shrug*

Azzie: Let’s give him to Ko.

?

Azzie: We need mental titans and casters to fuel the Soul Gems. This old boy is that in spades. Give him a chance to serve a further purpose. Let’s feed his soul to the skull.

Seraphim: I’m all for it if we survive waking him up. Think we should let Sirra do the honors. Let him take the initial flak so to speak. It is important that you relate to him the essential patience required for him to hear us out.

Sirra: What are you planning on saying?

Seraphim: We put together a presentation of sorts.

The group proceeds back to the dormant Ko and prods Sirra to hook himself up to the chains to shock awake the demi-lich. When Ko groans back to consciousness he seems to soak information rapidly. Sirra makes a hand gesture and then drops to a knee in a sign of respect. When the demi-lich turns his gaze upon the group Ares calmly and slowly shows one of the Dembella crystals to Ko.

Ares: We had to double cross you because we determined that your memory was compromised. We have proof of this fact and a good plan of action to right the wrongs.

Ko: My memory is pristine. I recall events with absolute clarity.

Seraphim: Sadly you have been deceived.

The U.C. play back a series of crystals that demonstrate Jaze’s mind altering abilities. Including a final resonance crystal that shows a very critical detail. They watch as Ra-Gan gives his original unaltered instructions to Ko right before his switch to undead. His original instruction was to move the ship as far as possible once it was apparent that Jaze had survived in some fashion. He was then to destroy the ship.

[Traab]

DUN DUN DUUUUN!!!!! Heh, lets see if demilich lad believes them and more importantly, forgives them. The plan is a good one. If they can devour the souls of all the anchors, the demilich can destroy them utterly in one day, removing all the beacons from play forever. Well, maybe not vamp boy. They might have to go pull him out and deal with THAT mess. I get the feeling his saves are pretty high.

[Reboot]

The single largest eye opening moment that derives from this is the knowledge delivered via the psionic undead flayers that a “Giant Habitat” is loaded onto the ship but was removed from active rotation in the prison system. Should they adjust the control panel within the prison compound they can enter a mountain stronghold exclusive to giant and giantkin. I highlight this because they plan on rousing an assembly of Rune Giants.
Curious as to why you threw this "farm" at them so late in the game, especially with no previous indication of "other" prison habitats.


DUN DUN DUUUUN!!!!! Heh, lets see if demilich lad believes them and more importantly, forgives them. The plan is a good one. If they can devour the souls of all the anchors, the demilich can destroy them utterly in one day, removing all the beacons from play forever. Well, maybe not vamp boy. They might have to go pull him out and deal with THAT mess. I get the feeling his saves are pretty high.
But if they devour the souls of all the anchors, then they speed up the wax-burning, speed up the arrival of the horrors from beyond...

[Inevitability]

It was inevitable.

It is terrifying.

[Traab]

Curious as to why you threw this "farm" at them so late in the game, especially with no previous indication of "other" prison habitats.


But if they devour the souls of all the anchors, then they speed up the wax-burning, speed up the arrival of the horrors from beyond...

Nope, volcanus is the one approaching and he is using the beacons to know where to go. When they removed vamp boy from this realm they slowed down the candle burn time, if they can extinguish the other beacons entirely, then volcanus wont know where to go. The horrors can only come through if volcanus does because his flame is apparently so potent it can burn through the planes and reach that in between place full of eldritch abominations. So make sure volcanus gets lost and you keep the apocalypse from arriving. Remember Jaze has been screwing with everyones memories at this point, the demilich only THINKS he knew what to do.

[Gilphon]

You're misremembering; the beacons don't have anything directly to do with Volcanus. The horrors are using them as beacons, because they got connected to Jaze's soul, but they also serve as anchors preventing reality from approaching the horrors- which is why the wax-burning sped up after they killed the Demon teacher. Zapping Lau Rain into the Plane of Shadow delayed things because it was dramatically moving a beacon instead of destroying it, but that's still just a delaying tactic.

I don't know what effect feeding them to Ko would have, but I'd guess it either counts as killing them- which would speed things up- or the horrors are targeting the souls specifically, which would mean Ko would basically become the beacon instead.

[DireSickFish]

You're misremembering; the beacons don't have anything directly to do with Volcanus. The horrors are using them as beacons, because they got connected to Jaze's soul, but they also serve as anchors preventing reality from approaching the horrors- which is why the wax-burning sped up after they killed the Demon teacher. Zapping Lau Rain into the Plane of Shadow delayed things because it was dramatically moving a beacon instead of destroying it, but that's still just a delaying tactic.

I don't know what effect feeding them to Ko would have, but I'd guess it either counts as killing them- which would speed things up- or the horrors are targeting the souls specifically, which would mean Ko would basically become the beacon instead.

This sounds correct. They're saving all the souls but knocking off the bodies so that the eldrich abominations don't speed up there arrival.

Volcanus is only a danger because he single mindedly wants to hunt down Jaze, but he has to break out of the Void and into the ship to do that. If they can connive it to play guard dog or take out Jaze themselves so he has no reason to cross over Volcanus might actually keep the horrors at bay for a time.

[Perturbulent]

I try not to be impatient, but we're so close. hrm. (Pre-emptive sorry to all.)

[NRSASD]

We lasted 9 days. Nine days since the last thread resurrection... We can do better!

[FocusWolf413]

Come on, man. Not cool. Let Kaveman bring it back, not us.

[Reboot]

Come on, man. Not cool. Let Kaveman bring it back, not us.

Well, the thread needs to be kept "live" for that. Since he's apparently doing the last bit as three mega-chunks rather than twenty "normal" chunks, there's at least some risk of it slipping past 45 days before he next posts...

[Ice]

Well, the thread needs to be kept "live" for that. Since he's apparently doing the last bit as three mega-chunks rather than twenty "normal" chunks, there's at least some risk of it slipping past 45 days before he next posts...

lets not forget he also needs to post the Maps to this dungeon. something that greatly intrigues me!

[Tenmujiin]

Well, the thread needs to be kept "live" for that. Since he's apparently doing the last bit as three mega-chunks rather than twenty "normal" chunks, there's at least some risk of it slipping past 45 days before he next posts...

It isn't thread necromancy unless someone other than the op ressurects it so no problems there. This thead has been ressurected at least twice by Kaveman after multiple months of hiatus. Kind of appropriate really.

[FocusWolf413]

It isn't thread necromancy unless someone other than the op ressurects it so no problems there. This thead has been ressurected at least twice by Kaveman after multiple months of hiatus. Kind of appropriate really.

Also, I think the mods take thread necro on a more case by case basis. They *are* people.

[Inevitability]

Also, I think the mods take thread necro on a more case by case basis. They *are* people.

No, everyone on the internet is a bot except for you.

Continue your browsing, citizen. There is nothing suspicious in this post.

[Leon]

Also, I think the mods take thread necro on a more case by case basis. They *are* people.

Depends, one at least is a Eldritch Abomination...

[FocusWolf413]

Okay, okay, fine. The ones that aren't eldritch abominations have good enough coding that they seem humanish.

[Bad Wolf]

*pokes thread with a stick to see if it's still alive*

[The Bandicoot]

(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
How dare you get my hopes up you fiend!

Sorry about the table, I'll put it back

(ヘ･_･)ヘ┳━┳

[Brion]

*pokes thread with a stick to see if it's still alive*

At first I was angry about the bump, then I saw your name and avatar and now I just want to go watch the Doctor.

[GnomishPride]

Weeks pass... Kavemania sets in... The other Playgrounders begin to look more and more flammable. Must... control... sacrificial... urges...

[FocusWolf413]

Weeks pass... Kavemania sets in... The other Playgrounders begin to look more and more flammable. Must... control... sacrificial... urges...

Does that mean I should stop sacrificing orphans?

[BilltheCynic]

Does that mean I should stop sacrificing orphans?

Stop? No, it means you need to step up the sacrifices. And prioritize the cute ones.

[Inevitability]

Does that mean I should stop sacrificing orphans?

Why in the fiendish planes would you sacrifice orphans? You gotta pick the ones who have large families, then preferably do it in front of those. It really increases the total suffering.

[Honest Tiefling]

Real fiends sacrifice paladins. I mean, anyone can kill an orphan or two, but a paladin? That takes skill.

[Lord_Burch]

Real fiends sacrifice paladins. I mean, anyone can kill an orphan or two, but a paladin? That takes skill.

Of course, but you need some way to get the Paladins to come to you. Orphans make for a nice appetizer.

[IntelectPaladin]

I'm hoping to prevent THAT line of conversation right here.
Not another Anti-paladin conversation! Time to be stereotypical! Positively! TALLY-HO!
Are we all so bored without caveman's usual tales of atrocities that you're inventing your own?
Hasn't my class's status been hurt enough? Two words. "Prestige class." I mean, WHY?
I seriously hope his children aren't wearing him out.
Who else here is hoping for his swift, timely, and convenient return?
And now, to see where my attempts at good-guy steriotypicality end up.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!
P.S. anyone who knows me knows the secret to my posts.

[Honest Tiefling]

Of course, but you need some way to get the Paladins to come to you. Orphans make for a nice appetizer.
That's why you keep them ALIVE! Hostages draw paladins better then remains, sillypants!



Are we all so bored without caveman's usual tales of atrocities that you're inventing your own?
Not the first time. Through I forget how the pryophillia thing started.


P.S. anyone who knows me knows the secret to my posts.
Clearly anyone willing to put up with the rest of us for so long without being driven insane is clearly just a fiend in disguise. Good work there, buddy.

[IntelectPaladin]

Clearly anyone willing to put up with the rest of us for so long without being driven insane is clearly just a fiend in disguise. Good work there, buddy.
Hah! I'd almost take that assumption as a compliment, if I weren't me.
That comment actually startled me. I put up with you guys because you put up with me.
By "secret of my posts" I meant that instead of leaving white space,
I leave white-text messages. Every time. I'm no fiend, I assure you.
I'm on this thread to research The N-R's and find out ways of stopping them, to clarify.
To keep this post thread-relevant,
do you think that there are more surprises left,
by way of hidden characters or creatures?
What D.M. would leave it at cataclysmic when they can go apocalyptic?
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Fable Wright]

Weeks pass... Kavemania sets in... The other Playgrounders begin to look more and more flammable. Must... control... sacrificial... urges...

Some of us are already perpetually on fire, but thanks for the offer.


I'm hoping to prevent THAT line of conversation right here.
Not another Anti-paladin conversation! Time to be stereotypical! Positively! TALLY-HO!

Oh, no, none of us are anti-Paladin. Their existence is extremely handy for disposing of rivals and for powering some of the nicer rituals.


Are we all so bored without caveman's usual tales of atrocities that you're inventing your own?

Some of us are living atrocities, thank you very much. Good to know that Paladins are still close-minded about these things.


Hasn't my class's status been hurt enough? Two words. "Prestige class." I mean, WHY?

What, Dungeon World, 5th edition, and Magic: the Gathering Paladins not awesome enough for you? Get over yourself, everyone has a few games where their class is poorly represented.


P.S. anyone who knows me knows the secret to my posts.

Yes. Two interlaced and completely unrelated conversations condensed into a single block of text with abrupt and unnecessary paragraphs. It's very annoying.

[IntelectPaladin]

What, Dungeon World, 5th edition, and Magic: the Gathering Paladins not awesome enough for you? Get over yourself, everyone has a few games where their class is poorly represented.



Yes. Two interlaced and completely unrelated conversations condensed into a single block of text with abrupt and unnecessary paragraphs. It's very annoying.

Alright, Alright. I hadn't known I've been bothering you that much.
I apologize, and I'll cease and desist.
Also, I hadn't known about those other games, DnD being my only point of reference.

I still hope you have a better day.

[Ice]

Alright, Alright. I hadn't known I've been bothering you that much.
I apologize, and I'll cease and desist.

it was not bothering me, matter of fact i found it very interesting.

[Fable Wright]

Alright, Alright. I hadn't known I've been bothering you that much.

Eh, some of us are just acerbic in nature. And occasionally in composition. Do it if you want, just bear in mind that some of us see white text as easily as regular text, and in that case divergent conversations in solid-wall-of-text form are indeed distracting.


Also, I hadn't known about those other games, DnD being my only point of reference.

In AD&D: Fighters that somehow manage to be even more resilient and gain potent abilities from other classes aren't enough?
In 3.5e: Battle Blessing Sword of the Arcane Order (Prestige or Dungeonscape) Paladins aren't cool enough for you?
In 5e: Being the king of burst damage, saving throws, and one of the best classes for survivability in general doesn't give them respect?

When you look at Paladins on the whole, they've got a lot going for them. And even if they're mechanically weak, they've always got some of the most powerful backing and fiat options available to them. I've no idea why any Paladin would feel ever self-pity, really.

[Demidos]

In 3.5e: Battle Blessing Sword of the Arcane Order (Prestige or Dungeonscape) Paladins aren't cool enough for you?

When you look at Paladins on the whole, they've got a lot going for them. And even if they're mechanically weak, they've always got some of the most powerful backing and fiat options available to them. I've no idea why any Paladin would feel ever self-pity, really.

Could you explain what you mean by "backing and fiat options"?

I would note that while Battleblessing SOTAO Paladins are decent and quite fun to play, I'm not sure it speaks to anything of the paladin proper that giving them quickened wizard spells (not even paladin spells) barely brings them up to tier 3. However, you've already admitted they're mechanically fairly weak, so clearly we're on the same page here.

Given that, what do they have going to prevent self pity? :smallconfused:

[Fable Wright]

Could you explain what you mean by "backing and fiat options"?

If you're playing as a Paladin, you will be able to get the backing of... pretty much any organization in the setting. A good sit-down with a high-ranking official of your religion and a heart to heart can quite easily result in the assistance of the army of a faithful nation, or church-affiliated specialists coming in to help with more delicate matters. If that's not enough, getting the backing of the infernal planes is as easy as chanting three words. (In related matters, the most powerful character ever built for D&D 3.5 is a level 1 Kobold Paladin. How is that not an ego boost for the class?) If you're not going that far, plenty of religions are downright eager to see a hero of the people and moral paragon defect from a religion to their own, if your own church is unable or unwilling to give you the support you need.

Additionally, in my experience at least, if there's a macguffin given to the party, the Paladin is going to be the one who can activate it. (This is what I meant by my poorly-worded 'fiat options'.) When something important is going to be triggered, it's going to happen with the effort of a moral paragon. If a god is going to descent and give aid to mortals, it's going to be to the Paladin first. In terms of hand-wavy fluff, the Paladin gets the best of everyone, in exchange for their restrictive code.


I would note that while Battleblessing SOTAO Paladins are decent and quite fun to play, I'm not sure it speaks to anything of the paladin proper that giving them quickened wizard spells (not even paladin spells) barely brings them up to tier 3. However, you've already admitted they're mechanically fairly weak, so clearly we're on the same page here.

What do you mean, 'paladin proper'? They don't exist anymore than a 'fighter proper' or 'ranger proper' does. Eighty percent of being a Paladin is in the roleplay. A Sorcadin who wields world-reshaping magic according to their oaths is still fundamentally Paladins. A Paladin that prestiges out at level 4 and never comes back is still a Paladin in the way that a Wizard who PrCs out is still a Wizard. A Paladin who kits out with the best tools of their faith available is no less a Paladin than someone who sticks to a skeleton chassis. Hell, I've played a Duskblade who swore Paladin oaths for their powers, and was treated as a Paladin in-setting. 'Paladin' is a very different thing than 'someone who goes to level 20 never deviating from a tier 5 chassis'.


Given that, what do they have going to prevent self pity? :smallconfused:

They are literally fantasy Steve Rogers, and one of their best stats is self-assurance and confidence in themselves and their ability to rise to the occasion. They even get supernatural powers from this. When is the last time Captain America has moaned that he can't turn into an unstoppable rage monster, fly, or shoot lasers/throw hammers at his foes? Self-pity doesn't become him any more than it does any other Paladin.

[FocusWolf413]

{{stuff}}

My orphan sacrificing worked! It WORKED!

Guys, help me, let's GETTIM AN' SACRIFICE HIM TO KAVEMAN!

[Honest Tiefling]

Eeeew no. Do you know how long it takes to get paladin blood out of clothing!? I'll just watch from a safe distance, thank you.

[Inevitability]

Eeeew no. Do you know how long it takes to get paladin blood out of clothing!? I'll just watch from a safe distance, thank you.

*cough*Prestidigitation*cough*

[Honest Tiefling]

*cough*Prestidigitation*cough*

That really does nothing for the mess of innards afterwards. And depending on edition, we don't have endless cantrips.

[IntelectPaladin]

That really does nothing for the mess of innards afterwards. And depending on edition, we don't have endless cantrips.
Nor does it account for the fact that,
as a paladin with no mount and charisma as a dump stat,
I've managed to survive with the same paladin for over a year.


Nor does it take into account the many magical items I've got on my person,
Including my weapons and armor.

At least 4 swords, one of them necrotic,
Add-a-material bolts, A troll's magic armor made to settle onto ANOTHER suit of magic plate,
A ring that's basically the One Ring for me, if I fall. I-E I control the new wearer.
And a background that grants my family a floating city.

I mean, I even took poisoned spikes off of traps and used them as crossbow bolts.
I once outwitted an entire hive collective!
I've had to use ingenuity and creativity in too many tight spots, survivability notwithstanding.
I was one trying to be dramatic, got nearly killed, and killed my opponent when I dropped that plan!

And those aren't even the highlights.

Phew. Glad that's over.
All in all, I'd like to think I'd survive 89% of all attempts.
Even the attempts by Master Tactician Greenstag, who can see this. I ain't no garden variety!
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[FocusWolf413]

I'm so disappointed in all of you.

[GnomishPride]

See, this is why I prefer orphans. They're weak, they fight back poorly, they have to family to protect them, and they scream so adorably. Paladins are just a big hassle, honestly.

[A Tad Insane]

See, this is why I prefer orphans. They're weak, they fight back poorly, they have to family to protect them, and they scream so adorably. Paladins are just a big hassle, honestly.

What if the orphan is a paladin? Or, when you say 'orphan', are you referring to the stereotype of 'small, malnourished, child'? Remember, Batman is an orphan.

[GnomishPride]

What if the orphan is a paladin? Or, when you say 'orphan', are you referring to the stereotype of 'small, malnourished, child'? Remember, Batman is an orphan.

I meant orphan child, preferably an urchin. High supply, low demand. Very efficient.

[A Tad Insane]

I meant orphan child, preferably an urchin. High supply, low demand. Very efficient.

Meh. I personally prefer taking over a small village Innsmouth style. A village filled with your kin/slaves can easily take any city folk who visit in their sleep, plus having control over a isolated circle gives you a much lower chance of discovery vs prancing about the sewers.

[Reboot]

What if the orphan is a paladin? Or, when you say 'orphan', are you referring to the stereotype of 'small, malnourished, child'? Remember, Batman is an orphan.

So is Superman. Twice over in the versions (including the original) where his adoptive parents are also dead.

[Honest Tiefling]

Yanno, guys, evil powers don't grant participation awards most of the time. Believe in yourselves, I know you can do better then kidnapping small children and sacrificing them. You can do it!

[GnomishPride]

Well sure, I'm aware of that. I mean from day to day, routine sacrifices, I prefer orphan children. Paladins are a treat to savor, not a mundane sacrifice. If we were to sacrifice Paladins routinely, then they lose some of their specialness, y'know?

[Fable Wright]

Well sure, I'm aware of that. I mean from day to day, routine sacrifices, I prefer orphan children. Paladins are a treat to savor, not a mundane sacrifice. If we were to sacrifice Paladins routinely, then they lose some of their specialness, y'know?

That's your concern? Not the fact that Paladin populations are easily subject to over-predation as native apex predators, or the fact that repopulation efforts invariably involve schools that destroy the valuable master-apprentice bond that Paladins share? Some of us have had to take a dive after every Paladin sacrifice, just to ensure the apprentices turn into a sizeable crop of Obi-Wans next generation. They're not treats, they're investments.

As for routine sacrifices, urchins are also a waste. Personal sacrifices are an order of magnitude more effective than external sacrifices; one deep cut in your arm for a blood sacrifice is as effective as using an entire urchin, and there's a lot more room for upward growth. Admittedly, the fact that you can't heal these wounds with magic is a bit of a disincentive, but this frees up your resource allocations to bribe the urchins instead. A few loaves of bread a week means you hear word on the street first, and it means that the urchins won't rat you out to the first adventuring party to visit town. Destroying that lasting relationship for a quick power grab is just downright shortsighted.

[IntelectPaladin]

Yes, yes! Feed me more of your comments!
I shall study them! And from them,
I shall learn your weaknesses!

Golem bombs made to look like street urchins,
or street-urchins with teleport!

Secret orders of robed people to invite you,
that are actually hidden paladins and clerics!

Ingredient suppliers that can magically check for residue of other ingredients,
and call in illegal combinations!

Oh, the possibilities are limitless!

Thank you all for reading this, and I hope you have a better day.
EDIT: Well..I hadn't been expecting to start a new page. Please refer to the previous page's conversation. Whoops.

[Honest Tiefling]

Eeeeh, Wisdom is my dump stat. I'm sure we can just grab some paladins from a nearby multiverse if we really got some population issues. Just find a way to get a half-celestial to spend a good amount of time somewhere and I'm sure in 20 or so years you'll have a new crop of paladins.

Besides, I for one, would like to see the fashion of shiny armor die. It's just so outdated and tacky.

And I like how the paladin's plan is to teach small children how to teleport. That won't end badly, will it? So what if you have a few fingers of children floating around the astral plane, they'll regrow it, honest.

[Aldurin]

Could we curb this discussion on sacrifices of various forms? This is both rather off-topic and disturbing, and should probably be its own thread so the people that are here for the campaign logs aren't put off by having to slog through posts they didn't necessarily want to read.

[Kane0]

Agreed, though now i can't help but think of Obi-Wan as a verb.

[Kaveman26]

For lack of a better term I had the "Muse" strike on a separate idea that had been ruminating. I alluded to it briefly some time back but I have dove off the high board and immersed myself in putting together a first draft in novella form for a screenplay I want to write. First goal is to write out the story I want to tell with some of the dialogue and plot elements, then refine it a bit to make sure it's coherent, followed by converting it to screenplay format. The main challenge arising from this is that it is a black hole sucking up what free time I have available. Each time I pull myself away to try and finish this recap it pulls me right back in.

This will get finished and instead of putting up three big chunks to finish it out I will probably go back to shorter segments. Currently it's hard because I am trying to empty my brain of the story currently running through it.

[Inevitability]

For lack of a better term I had the "Muse" strike on a separate idea that had been ruminating. I alluded to it briefly some time back but I have dove off the high board and immersed myself in putting together a first draft in novella form for a screenplay I want to write. First goal is to write out the story I want to tell with some of the dialogue and plot elements, then refine it a bit to make sure it's coherent, followed by converting it to screenplay format. The main challenge arising from this is that it is a black hole sucking up what free time I have available. Each time I pull myself away to try and finish this recap it pulls me right back in.

This will get finished and instead of putting up three big chunks to finish it out I will probably go back to shorter segments. Currently it's hard because I am trying to empty my brain of the story currently running through it.

I understand. Good luck with your writing!

Also, does anyone else notice how Kaveman showed up once we started discussing sacrifices? Coincidence? I think not.

[Michael7123]

For lack of a better term I had the "Muse" strike on a separate idea that had been ruminating. I alluded to it briefly some time back but I have dove off the high board and immersed myself in putting together a first draft in novella form for a screenplay I want to write. First goal is to write out the story I want to tell with some of the dialogue and plot elements, then refine it a bit to make sure it's coherent, followed by converting it to screenplay format. The main challenge arising from this is that it is a black hole sucking up what free time I have available. Each time I pull myself away to try and finish this recap it pulls me right back in.

This will get finished and instead of putting up three big chunks to finish it out I will probably go back to shorter segments. Currently it's hard because I am trying to empty my brain of the story currently running through it.

Best of luck with your writing!

[IntelectPaladin]

Well, I wasn't expecting to have to keep the thread up,
but I'm glad to do so.
Seriously, after this long, we just drop it? What?
I hope Kaveman manages to get some free time soon enough.

Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Ice]

Im just happy our Paladin friend continues to write in his fancy way :D

perhaps if Kaveman found time to upload the maps for this campaign i would be satisfied for a while :D

*crosses Fingers*

[IntelectPaladin]

perhaps if Kaveman found time to upload the maps for this campaign i would be satisfied for a while :D

*crosses Fingers*

Did you just ask for campaign maps!?
As in, a map for a massively colossal Science fiction-fantasy combination campaign?
No one pinch me, and keep beating my heart.
Thank you for thinking of the question no one else thought to,
with what could be the most rewarding answer in a long while!
Would pictures of the map be considered loot, or a gift?


Im just happy our Paladin friend continues to write in his fancy way :D
Why, thank you! As you can see from previous postings, I'd thought it had been annoying people.
I'm thankful to know otherwise!
At least, otherwise in most cases.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Ice]

Did you just ask for campaign maps!?
As in, a map for a massively colossal Science fiction-fantasy combination campaign?
No one pinch me, and keep beating my heart.
Thank you for thinking of the question no one else thought to,
with what could be the most rewarding answer in a long while!
Would pictures of the map be considered loot, or a gift?

Kaveman did promise some maps a while back. It has just been a very long time and we haven't seen any yet.

i would also lean towards a gift for us having to wait... such as a child getting a gift when you come back from a vacation.

but hey, what do i know?

[Kareeah_Indaga]

@IntellectPaladin: I've been skipping over large portions of the non-campaign text, so I apologize if this has come up re: thwarting a Necroranchers party. But it seems to me their biggest strength is their ability to talk people out of attacking them for atrocities already committed. So what about enemies that are deaf, or that don't speak any language known by the party (I'm vaguely aware there's a tongues spell out there somewhere that would need to be countered)? Or maybe a counter-Diplomancer--preferably somewhere they can't be easily killed or subverted. I'm imagining a magical radio-equivalent here...

Seraphim: You should do what we say because X, Y, Z...

Magical radio: *crackles* No, don't listen to her! She killed so-and-so, look, you can see his shambling corpse behind her!

[Traab]

@IntellectPaladin: I've been skipping over large portions of the non-campaign text, so I apologize if this has come up re: thwarting a Necroranchers party. But it seems to me their biggest strength is their ability to talk people out of attacking them for atrocities already committed. So what about enemies that are deaf, or that don't speak any language known by the party (I'm vaguely aware there's a tongues spell out there somewhere that would need to be countered)? Or maybe a counter-Diplomancer--preferably somewhere they can't be easily killed or subverted. I'm imagining a magical radio-equivalent here...

Seraphim: You should do what we say because X, Y, Z...

Magical radio: *crackles* No, don't listen to her! She killed so-and-so, look, you can see his shambling corpse behind her!

The problem with that is, they so often get into "the enemy of my enemy" type scenarios that they form an alliance as a lesser of two evils sort of thing. Also, its not like it always worked. They got betrayed a few times as well. But yeah, their ability to talk things out was quite dangerous as it almost always gave them time to find or make something to gain an advantage. Or at least to avoid getting obliterated.

[GnomishPride]

*deep breath* KAVEMAN WHERE ARE YOU!?!
Sorry for getting everyone's hopes up. :smallredface:

[Inevitability]

The sacrifice has been found! How dare this heretic raise our hopes?

*begins building pyre*

[Kane0]

Aww.

*Helps with firewood*

[IntelectPaladin]

Ehh....He's not just a heretic,
he's a criminally insane heretic.
I don't see why not.
Honestly I'm just happy to see almost ANY activity.
{Proceeds to drag an entire tree near the pyre, and to chop raw planks from it.}
{Additionally begins a barbecue to sell steaks and burgers to the other event-goers in this outdoor event.}
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Inevitability]

We've corrupted a paladin! Ia ia Kaveman fhtagn!

[GnomishPride]

If my sacrifice brings a paladin to the ranks of the fallen, it will have been worth it.

[GorinichSerpant]

Darn, that's impressive, we're going to need more firewood.

[NRSASD]

Tomorrow's headlines:

Paladin Snaps due to Lack of Necromancer Activity, Sacrifices Gnome to Gain Their Attention!

Local Druids Outraged over Excessive Deforestation, Join Gnome on the Pyres!

[LooseCannoneer]

Tomorrow's headlines:

Paladin Snaps due to Lack of Necromancer Activity, Sacrifices Gnome to Gain Their Attention!

Local Druids Outraged over Excessive Deforestation, Join Gnome on the Pyres!

You know what they say, folks. All that's necessary for the triumph of evil is for evil to do nothing and wait out the paladins.

[Nalthanzo]

I just beasted my way through this entire thread in about 2 weeks. I shall wait patiently for our lovely group of conniving undead flingers to gain updates. Until then, I will assume the role of an eagerly waiting plant.

[GnomishPride]

You know what they say, folks. All that's necessary for the triumph of evil is for evil to do nothing and wait out the paladins.

Sacrifices aren't strictly necessary, but sometimes they speed things along, and besides, cooked gnome is a delicacy.

[BilltheCynic]

Sacrifices aren't strictly necessary, but sometimes they speed things along, and besides, cooked gnome is a delicacy.

Bleh. Gnomes are too tough and fatty. They have nothing on a well roasted elf.

[NRSASD]

Bleh. Gnomes are too tough and fatty.

I believe you meant to say "Gnomes are pleasantly toothsome and well-marbled". Besides, roasted elf is like a burnt sprig of asparagus: all char and stringy bits with an odd aftertaste.

[A Tad Insane]

I believe you meant to say "Gnomes are pleasantly toothsome and well-marbled". Besides, roasted elf is like a burnt sprig of asparagus: all char and stringy bits with an odd aftertaste.

And they don't even give you the weird, yet strangely pleasant, erm, 'after scent'. Though they are a strangly great source of fiber.

[Traab]

And they don't even give you the weird, yet strangely pleasant, erm, 'after scent'. Though they are a strangly great source of fiber.

Its all that time they spent hugging trees, the sawdust gets ingrained into them.

[clawforce]

Its all that time they spent hugging trees, the sawdust gets ingrained into them.

Kaveman, I beg you to please finish this story, if for no other reason than to ensure this glorious thread doesn't end with an insipid Traab post.

[GorinichSerpant]

Kaveman, I beg you to please finish this story, if for no other reason than to ensure this glorious thread doesn't end with an insipid Traab post.

Well, if it ends now, then it'll end with a clawforce post...

Wait, never mind if it ends now it'll end with an GorinichSerpant post.

[Inevitability]

*Joins the line of possibly final posts*

[Perturbulent]

We are too close for it to be over now.

[IntelectPaladin]

Could he have forgotten? Is he in the hospital? Those are the questions that nip at me.

[Traab]

Could he have forgotten? Is he in the hospital? Those are the questions that nip at me.

He cant be in the hospital. That would mean this was one of those "The main character was secretly in a coma imagining the whole story" type of things and there is NO WAY this will end like that!

[FocusWolf413]

If we pray and sacrifice enough, we might win his love back.

[Ice]

i am wondering if Kaveman would care if i stole this campaign setting, and general plot... and some of the creatures (scionic Minotaur).

[NRSASD]

You guys find the sacrifices, I'll start building the temple! *Picks up bricks, begins assembling ziggurat*

[Cernor]

You guys find the sacrifices, I'll start building the temple! *Picks up bricks, begins assembling ziggurat*

Bricks?! The great Kaveman has no regard for ziggurats made of mere bricks.

*Hands you a bag of skulls*

These will work better.
;)

[Inevitability]

I wonder if we can tip this thread over 50 pages? AFAIK it'd be the first time a campaign log on this site needs a second thread made.

[Reboot]

I wonder if we can tip this thread over 50 pages? AFAIK it'd be the first time a campaign log on this site needs a second thread made.

Don't try (at least, not before Kaveman's finished). It would be better to have it all in one go. Not least to see how ridiculously high the view count will get.

Just leave things be until he gets back, or until it gets near 45 days from this post.

[LooseCannoneer]

Don't try (at least, not before Kaveman's finished). It would be better to have it all in one go. Not least to see how ridiculously high the view count will get.

Just leave things be until he gets back, or until it gets near 45 days from this post.

We could let Kaveman have the last post on this thread. Allowing him to deal the killing blow to a sacrifice might bring him back.

[FocusWolf413]

We could let Kaveman have the last post on this thread. Allowing him to deal the killing blow to a sacrifice might bring him back.

Gods do not sacrifice.

[Perturbulent]

He has been gone for so long.

[GnomishPride]

Oh look! Another sacrificial victim to our eldritch patron, Kaveman!

[Inevitability]

That is not dead which can eternal lie! Ia Ia Kaveman Fhtagn!

[FocusWolf413]

There's an empty spot in me. Kaveman isn't updating, The All Guardsmen Party isn't updating, What If isn't updating, nothing is updating!

[GnomishPride]

There's an empty spot in me. Kaveman isn't updating, The All Guardsmen Party isn't updating, What If isn't updating, nothing is updating!

It's 2016, the world is ending. Par for the course, really. :smalltongue:

[Ionsniper]

Have a link to the What If thread? I'll read that in the mean time while I wait for Karman and Allguardsmen to get back!

[FocusWolf413]

What if isn't a campaign log, it's a series of essays. http://what-if.xkcd.com

[Roughishguy86]

I am officially heartbroken by the fact that I seen this was getting posted on again and I got excited but now I am depressed.

[Inevitability]

What if isn't a campaign log, it's a series of essays. http://what-if.xkcd.com

It's still worth reading, though: it's got fireflies half as heavy as the Milky Way and freakishly fast-growing babies.

[Demon 997]

There's an empty spot in me. Kaveman isn't updating, The All Guardsmen Party isn't updating, What If isn't updating, nothing is updating!

Truly, there is nothing left. Civ 6 streams are out, which is something. But yeah, I want gaming stories to read.

[IntelectPaladin]

There's an empty spot in me. Kaveman isn't updating, The All Guardsmen Party isn't updating, What If isn't updating, nothing is updating!

Well, it seem's I have no choice.
Well, technically I have a choice, I've just locked one in.
I will have to run my own campaign log.
Now, now, I know what you're probably thinking,
"How long will this dullard last?"
Probably awhile, and possibly with a story that's partially interesting.
My first nat one was..eventful. As was quite a bit else. Not 20% of it nice.
I'm looking forward to sharing my eventful past with you all,
and I'm still hoping for Kave's return.
I still haven't lost hope. Patience is worn a bit, but not hope.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Kaveman26]

I have NEARLY finished a single campaign completing post. It is condensed in portions in an effort to reach the conclusion but will still be thirty to forty pages in length. Look for that late today or tomorrow. I will post a follow up epilogue shortly after and a full map with some notes in the sometime near future

[Jacob.Tyr]

I have NEARLY finished a single campaign completing post. It is condensed in portions in an effort to reach the conclusion but will still be thirty to forty pages in length. Look for that late today or tomorrow. I will post a follow up epilogue shortly after and a full map with some notes in the sometime near future
Holy **** he's back!

[GnomishPride]

Can I say "Hallelujah!" loud enough?

[Khaiel]

I've been reading this since the beginning. I'm really excited for the end.

[Terrorvein]

Well, I'm on this hype train!

[TooMuchTIme]

Hallelujah!!

[Inevitability]

You mocked us, but the prophets of the seven maws foresaw all! Now, at the end of times, the pus-weeping gates of Cal'Drig'Nech'Bizz have opened, and forth has come Kaveman, Ender of Stories! Ia! Ia!

[BilltheCynic]

Our Lord Kaveman has returned unto us! Truly he has seen our sacrifices and deemed them worthy!

[Kane0]

Wow, i just realised this has been going two years. Thats one long subscription

[ImperatorV]

Here we go. Almost though we'd end up with a second thread for a while there. Would have been funny.

[GrayDeath]

Well....there may be a second one with their adventures 30 years after mostly taking over the world,..... no? ^^

[SorenKnight]

Bricks?! The great Kaveman has no regard for ziggurats made of mere bricks.

*Hands you a bag of skulls*

These will work better.
;)

That better be a really big bag of skulls.

[Inevitability]

That better be a really big bag of skulls.

Bag of Skulls of Holding

This item appears to be a common cloth sack about 4 feet by 6 feet in size. However, it opens in a nondimensional space: it's bigger on the inside. Treat it as a Type III Bag of Holding with ten times the listed maximum weight and volume for all purposes except as listed here.

The bag has one important restriction: all non-bony matter is immediately expelled from it the moment it is no longer held or carried by a creature.

Creatures can attempt to enter the bag, but they must make a DC 20 constitution check or have their skeletons (if they possess any) ripped out and pulled into the bag while remaining outside themselves. This sets their strength and dexterity scores to 0 and deals 20d6 points of damage. The damage can be healed normally: the lowered ability scores are only returned to their previous value if the creature's complete skeleton regrows, whether by natural regeneration, a Regenerate spell, or any other effect able to do so. A creature without bones is incapable of entering the bag. A creature that consists solely of bones (such as a skeleton) can enter the bag

Moderate Conjuration; CL 11th; Craft Wondrous Item, Black Bag, Fleshshiver

Bag of Flameskulls of Holding (Cursed)

This item functions as a Bag of Skulls of Holding and appears to be one when subjected to most forms of magical identification. However, it has one major difference: if a skull that used to belong to a spellcaster is placed within the bag, it transforms into a Flameskull (Lost Empires of Faerun). The next time the bag is opened, the Flameskull bursts forth and attacks the creature to open it to the best of its ability.

Multiple flameskulls can occupy the bag at the same time.

Moderate Conjuration; CL 11th; Craft Wondrous Item, Black Bag, Create Undead

Bag of the Skull Harvester

This item functions as a Bag of Skulls of Holding and appears to be one when subjected to most forms of magical divination. However, it has one major difference.

If no skulls have been placed in the bag for 24 hours, the next intelligent creature that touches it must make a DC 25 Will saving throw or be compelled to kill the nearest creature and place its skull in the bag as soon as possible. After completing this task, the creature loses all memory of its atrocity.

Moderate Conjuration; CL 11th; Craft Wondrous Item, Black Bag, Modify Memory.

[IntelectPaladin]

Kaveman has returned unto us, fellows!
Truly, he shalt bring forth his tales created,
and lo, we shalt be enlightened!
As a paladin, fluent forsooth 101 is a required prerequisite. We just ignore it.
Can I say it loud enough?
}{ /-\ /_ /_ {~ /_ !_! _| /-\ }{ !
I worked hard on that. Speak as you find.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Ice]

Yay im so exited... 40 pages that is rough. Speaking of how many pages total does that make this tale?

Anyway if anything i'm way more exited for the maps than anything else (been waiting on those forever) will give me a good idea on how to run a megadungeon of my own (though nothing as complex as this one).

[Kaveman26]

With free time about non existent I decided to summarize elements of the end game in an effort to post the completion of the campaign. This is a full conclusion to the campaign albeit somewhat abbreviated. I may fill section that I skimmed over at some point and I will add a player built further epilogue within next few days.

The Finale

Ko: I can’t deny the truth of my own words, especially given the knowledge that I knew they could be stripped or altered from me.

Seraphim: We have good news and bad news on that front. The good news is that as an undead you can’t be tampered with or overwritten. The bad news is, he can still read your mind. So nothing we can design will come as a surprise. He knows the punch is coming and we will still need to find a way to hit him.

Ko: As manipulative and elusive Jaze has proven to be, how can that even be possible? I don’t think I have the ability to make him stand still.

Ares: He is slippery and tricky, he knows where to duck and how to evade, so we can’t out think him we need to back him into a corner and force him to trade best shots with each other.

Their conversations mostly lean towards utilizing the gems which contain souls and how they can subvert them to aggressive weapons within the prison space. Worth noting is that while I have conceptualized a good deal of how the Space Between is supposed to operate, with Shoggoths obviously able to tag a long, I didn’t anticipate their Lich-Submersible and attempts to go Fantastic Voyage using the demilich as a ride. From a metaphorical standpoint, by immersing their mental essences within the confines of the Demi-Lich they will create a brighter point of light within the prison space, the greater the mental power concentrated the greater their presence within the domain. The souls held by Ko’s gems will act as boosters for their metaphysical vessel with the ability to detonate or expel a soul like a torpedo or flare. This also fit with the narrative of Jaze being swarm of fireflies annoying and distracting Volcanus. If they are able to flush him out of the prison and back to the Ark then a confrontation to destroy his physical form can be attempted.

Some points that we agree upon:

*10 Souls can be housed in gem form
*Five “Minds” can be concentrated within Ko’s demi-lich form. Ko, Hades, Pluto, Seraphim is four so they need a fifth.
*A subjugated Mind can be the fifth, so a thrall would suffice
*Ko has three gems already lit from respectably powerful entities.


Hades: We would like you to attempt harvesting The Sleeper as a gem. He should be a mental juggernaut.

Ko: He is, I helped imprison him. I sense a great trauma has befallen him. I can feel the shards of his soul, but it is no longer intact. Whatever happened should have obliterated his corporeal and spiritual essence but the bindings of his prison are preventing the death stroke so to speak. He is locked in a state between life and death. I can’t capture that which is shattered.

Seraphim: Then we need to harvest seven more. The Devil, Lau-Rain, Matron Domina, Ra-Gan, Infrit, The Survivor, and Teranthrope are the seven strongest potential targets we are aware of. The drow, vampire, and illithids are already trying to kill us so taking them reaps double benefits. Would also still love more sizeable bodies.

Ko: You also need to ensure that the original leak is secured. If you destroy Jaze in physical form and prevent him from reentering the prison as a sanctuary he may return to that which formed him.

Azzie: So we need to vanquish a murderers row of powerful nemesis, secure the most dangerous spot in all of creation, and move a ship that is broken for thousands of years, and then ambush an unsurpiseable foe on his home turf. F**K me this just keeps getting better.



The Devil:

The imprisoned Devil volunteers to take part in the Soul Harvesting Illithid Termination Experiment. He requests only that his soul once released be returned to Hell. He elaborates that was a potential outcome of his assignment and is prepared for the transference.

Vlad Jejai-The Survivor:

After a series of full scale sweeps and constant evasion they manage to trap the escaped prisoner in the animal showroom where they in essence carpet bomb the heck out of the entire area in an effort to stop anything from escaping. They completely destroy every trace of the corpse for precautionary purposes.

The Teranthrope:

I may flesh out this sequence and give it justice someday time allowing cause I enjoyed it a lot. Basically the teranthrope was a shapeshifter styled after The Thing from The Thing. It assimilated new forms and left a shard of it’s mind to control the host until dominating and replacing it. It’s prison was a bizarre matrix like place filled with intentionally déjà vu inspired head trips. Once they got the jist of what the creature was doing and how they went full scale radiation treatment on the place and used negative channeling to start full scale extermination. They also “self destructed” anyone that could be returned to ensure no “stragglers” stayed connected to themselves. Doc…well Doc as a living non coffin/phylactery type person got some rather abusive shock treatment. They tied him down and lit him up electric chair style and dropped him into negatives half a dozen times to try and make sure he was clean. They also kept a very close eye on him for some time after.

Lau-Rain:

The vampiric barbarian returned within seventy two hours of his exile to the Shadow Plane. I played it off as the creatures of the Shadow Plane got tired of being needlessly slaughtered so they kicked him back. Once returned he fanged his way into a small entourage of illithid thralls and set out to vanquish the party. They had several very close calls due to his immense damage output and ungodly will saves. Eventually Seraphim conceived a neat trap where she drew him to the undead graveyard and basically played whack a mole body hopping from undead to undead while using Bestow Curse and a few other choice spells until they finally managed to cripple him and then force him into one of Ko’s Gems

Infrit:

Never located.

Lean-Cohn+Ra-Gan

Lean-Cohn and several Illithid staged a heavy and extended series of skirmishes against the party and managed to hammer them back with authority. Ko+ Hades managed to ambush an isolated Lean-Cohn and Gem him while the rest of the party got their clocks cleaned but they called it a collective win as they also managed to snag Ra-Gan.

Matron Domina:

The drow matron was the entity they struggled with the most to locate. All trace of her drow and spider forces from their perspective had vanished. They could find no trace of her whatsoever. It reached a point where they decided to abandon their search with the assumption that she jumped ship (literally and figuratively speaking). With the majority of their souls acquired they prepared to ship Sirra as the last soul gem and utilize an illithid thrall as the last mind within the ship entering the prison if they secured the Leak Chamber without finding her. As is often the case…the evil drow matriarch is found in the last place you look, the radiation source itself.

They geared up to secure the Leak Chamber and when they throw open the door they find a pulsing spider web of real and seemingly ethereal gossamer cords tied directly to the leak itself. The Dragon-Spider offspring of Icy-Eights have latched their webs to the source and are drawing it’s strength directly into themselves…cocooned at the center of the room is the Matron herself…now dramatically evolved. Resembling more Drider than Drow thick cords of spider silk pulse and feed her as she seems to hover at the heart of the web.

All of the multi eyed spider dragons…now huge in size and also looking more like demonic driders…turn as one to face the group. With one voice they all chant:

Spiders: Burn them All.

Matron Domina: Lloth deceived us. Hers was never the true source of power, she hoarded this force for herself and allowed us the barest trickle. I have seen the true Mistress…a being who surpasses the gods themselves. His voice calls to us with clarity and strength. The Great Lord comes and we will burn this world and cleanse the path for his arrival. Join us and be born anew…drink from his nectar and feel your potential realized. Oppose us and your ashes shall tumble at the winds of destiny.

Seraphim: You have gotten a whole lot preachier since we last chatted. And unfortunately you now seem to have crawled in bed with Jaze’s family. So we are going to have to go with opposed.

The Matron bows her head ever so slightly as in respect and the spiders begin detaching themselves from the webs…the tendrils still clinging to them transform into tentacles very similar to the Shoggoth and suddenly each spider has an additional eight arms on it’s top half, each has a beak at the end and various elemental energies crackle from each added arm.

Everyone in the group makes a break for it and scatters back from the room. As they retreat Azzie puts a trio of arrows into the lead spider-dragon and all sixteen of it’s limbs seem to shriek as it crumbles and curls up into a fetal position.

Azzie: They are pushovers…

A voice…distinctly that of Volcanus erupts from the spider in it’s death throes…

Volcanus: All must be burned.

…and the spider explodes in a concussive blast that shatters the previously unshatterable walls.

Hades: We need to run…

Seraphim: We already started running…

Hades: Then we need to run faster!

The spiders attack with suicidal and reckless abandon, The group is racing in stages to try and delay and explode from a safe range but the collateral damage to the structure is staggering. As they turn a corner for safety the corner is obliterated by an exploding spider leaving them directly in the line of sight for icy harpoons and tentacle breath weapons.

Eventually they manage to circle back towards the Leak Chamber and find more spiders hatching from the webs left behind and growing to full size in a matter of minutes.

Doc: If we don’t cut her out of the heart I think she is just going to pump out more exploding babies.

Ares: Draw off as many of the spiders as you can. Seraphim get ready to transform. We are going for the matron while the clerics and Doc pull off the spiders. If we can incapacitate her maybe we turn off the faucet.

Doc, Azzie, Hades and Pluto play Benny Hill with the combusting spiders while Seraphim goes gas form and floats to the ceiling, Ares does his best to act subtle while the spiders give chase. Once she is directly over the matron seraphim returns to her natural form and transforms to drop from on high onto the matron while Ares charges her with a furious rally of slashes. As they fight desperately…

…Azzie notices that when a spider explodes they always chant Everything Must Burn…and for a fleeting second when they do the resulting explosion seems to pull back the curtain on Volcanus’s prison…for the briefest of seconds the interior of the prison becomes visible.

Azzie: You all seeing that too?

When the next spider explodes they confirm it with the bard.

Hades: That is really bad. I think they are inadvertently releasing him from the prison.

Azzie: We can’t risk killing more of them. Got to draw them to the vaults and lock them in. Hope they can’t commit full suicide while we lock them up.

Doc: That’s a long run.

Azzie: Yep.

Seraphim and Ares fight with as much aggression and focus as they can muster more attacking the bonds the matron has to the web than her, but within seconds of engaging her half formed and grown spiders rip themselves from their umbilical webs to attack them and peel them off.

Seraphim turns tactics and sinks her fangs into the matron who begins unleashing torrents of energy against the pair. Ares is faring better with fire, cold and electric immunity and he puts negative healing into the witch who is holding on for dear life with a death grip to maintain the bite and drain.

Azzie and company get creamed trying to stay ahead of the spider horde and the twins are juggling like mad to prevent player deaths, it becomes a roll by roll live or die every round for them.

Azzie: Doc…break off and try to get back to Veritas and the Giants. We are going to need them.

Doc: You want to leave the coffins and Ko vulnerable?

Azzie: A chance of losing the coffins is better than a certainty of losing us.

Doc: Aye Aye.

Ares ends up going down to a swarm of spiders and torrential drow clerical magic. Seraphim squeezes tight and ignores the masses of damage she is taking in a drastic effort to get the last drop of blood exsanguinated from the matron. A final whisper of crimson seems to melt away with her physical form as she is reduced to gas and exiled to her coffin, but as she is destroyed the matron slumps over in the webs now turning dark and the half formed spiders fall to the ground.

Doc at a sprint comes crashing into the room where they fortified Ko, Sirra, Ackshale, Breitag and Veritas to protect the coffins and phylacteries of the group. He stumbles into a mass ball of chaos as Psionic Demons and Illithid are staging an assault against their cache of priceless objects. The Giants and Dragons are holding their ground, but under heavy assault.

Doc: Well so much for pulling you guys in as cavalry.

The Witch Doctor lays into Jax-Uh and absolutely tears the Enclave member to shreds in ambush.

Hades and Pluto being the slowest split off from Azzie who has some better evasive capabilities he is falling back to see if he can double back and help Seraphim and Ares while the twins pull a suicide mission to trap the spiders in a vault. The Clerics manage to reach a larger main vault where they are swarmed and torn to shreds by the evolved spider dragons…their last action is to close the vault and trap the creatures inside.

Azzie finds the matron dead and the leak chamber vulnerable. After a brief assessment and with a head scratch he drapes the drow matron’s corpse over the shell of Ares armor and basically uses the armor as a sled to pull the matron’s body back to home base.

Doc and Company manage to hold their room by are getting constantly peppered and nickled down. As time drags on and they begin absorbing heavier and heavier attacks an angry Seraphim bursts from her coffin now reformed and healed and joins the fray. She basically suicides for a second time to draw enough time for the assembled forces to recover and is exiled to her coffin again.

By the time Azzie shows up the main assault has been stopped and they are pressing with staggered small probes, just enough to keep everyone off balance. Azzie pops an animate dead to create some back up for the sieged party and NPC members and then uses Dance of the Dead to reanimate a second batch outside the room to muddle up the attackers, a sudden influx of additional attackers throws everything already a mess into a much bigger mess. The remaining Illithid break off and flee with their demons and Azzie manages to reunite with Doc. A short while later Seraphim joins them and they work frantically to fortify and protect themselves until the clerics and graveknight can reform.

Jaze’s troops are relentless and continue to attack with added reinforcements, never giving them time to fully recover. Virtually spell empty and ability depleted they mount a heroic defensive effort and Doc’s buff spells are probably the difference between a TPK and a success. The little bonuses here and there add up to extra hits and damage from their disposable minions and some narrow misses are converted to timely kills. They hold out long enough for Ares to reform and with the graveknight back in the mix the Illithid break off and retreat. A short time later sees the twins return and everyone is about spent from the sequence of encounters.

Over the course of events they actually get to level 15 and Azzie approaches Seraphim with a grin that would make the Cheshire Cat blush.

Azzie: Hullo luv. Would you mind sucking me dry dear?

Seraphim: Thought you had a thing against blondes.

Azzie: not like that dear. I fink it’s time that I join the ranks of the undead. Vampire me up baby. Drain me like a pro.

Seraphim: You sure about that?

Azzie: You want the wrist, throat or something more mutually beneficial? *wink wink*

Seraphim: Wrist should be fine.

They end up having to restrain Azzie not from his fighting but from his incorporealability. Once restrained he stays substantial and hums to himself “Crazy Train” while Seraphim drains him dry. Once he keels over she turns to the group and wipes her mouth.

Seraphim: Should I release him when he turns or keep him a thrall?

Hades: A thrall Azzie could be amusing for a little while. For giggles at least.

They jokingly agree to haze the vampire bard before releasing him and are much chagrined when the bard gets up and acts completely of his own accord.

Seraphim: WTH?

Azzie: Agent of the Grave…fifth level bonus is that I always come back as a free willed undead mate. Its why I waited.

So:

*The Soul Gem’s are filled from Ko. Sirra is used to fill the last slot
*The Five Voyagers will be Ko, Seraphim, Hades, Pluto, and Domina…
*Azzie now has an animate dead pool, A vampiric thrall pool and Dance of the Dead temporary pool along with the Highest HD capacity owing to Agent of the Grave.
*Everything is relocated to the Leak Chamber as a base of operations.


End Game:

With the teams fully filled out and a battle plan prepped they initiate their final preparations and begin the last stage of their dual pronged assault. Seraphim and company meld into Ko and use the Dembella as a backdoor into the prison metaphysical while Ares and company march to the prison physical.

From within the metaphorical prison it is obvious that the walls are failing. The lights are approaching much faster and the Jaze fireflies are no longer enough distraction to keep Volcanus attention. The dragon’s fire extinguishes light after light but is fighting against the infinite…Jaze has slipped to the side….all of his lights gathered together in preparation of the Group’s arrival.

On the physical side The remaining Enclave Masters and whatever Illithid they have managed to rouse and rally along with a host of Psi-Demons are massed to protect the prison proper.

Ares: Ahhh…a true clash of strength and will. I love an old fashioned smash mouth battle.

Azzie: I would like it more if we had our casters here.

Buffed Undead Giants and Illithid clash against their foes and a straight up slugfest begins.

The Jaze lights taunt and flicker amidst the void…they realize quickly he is much more maneuverable then they are. As they try to cut him off or corner him he pulls distant lights directly to him and places them in their way…where they burst and coalesce into the realm physical…something visible through the thinning barriers. They watch as a Shoggoth materializes and begins sowing havoc in the battle between Enclave and Ares

Seraphim: Damn…if we miss we are adding reinforcements against our second half.

Jaze: Vexing is it not? To have your clumsy haymakers turn into punches against your brethren?

Hades: The big lights are getting here way faster than we expected. There are more lights than there are souls to fire.

Pluto: We can burst a flare of power, he can’t evade that…

Seraphim: Also unlikely to do much harm against him either.

Hades: I have an idea…probably one of those Prychic Victories those.

Seraphim: I’m all for it.
Hades: We need to remove targets for Volcanus to be distracted by.

Seraphim: You have an idea for how?

Hades: We drain away the mosquitos so he can focus on the cockroaches.

Pluto: You want to intentionally launch Shoggoths and their kin through the portal. You are basically saying Everyone not in the demi-lich is expendable.

Hades: I said Prychic not Ideal.

The Shoggoth is wrecking everything in it’s path both Illithid and Undead. As they try to get their arms around controlling the situation Another Shoggoth comes through, and then a third.

Ares: Alright that does it. Let’s bug out. No need to secure the prison if they are pouring through.

Doc: If we abandon the prison yard Jaze can slip through.

Ares: I don’t see how we can hold back a trio of Shoggoths.

Azzie: Four!

Ares: Alright. Azzie take Ackshale and Breitag as body guards…try to split them up, if we can isolate one at a time maybe we can fare a bit better. Drag them through the corpse piles and just keep them occupied.

Doc: A fifth one just tumbled through.

Ares: What the Hell is going on in there?

Pluto: they are royally screwed but not panicking, not thinking this is going to work.

As they keep trying to corner Jaze a lance of dragon fire cuts off his retreat and causes him to emit an audible yelp…Volcanus is targeting him now.

Pluto: Spoke to soon. Keep shuffling off the mosquitos. Our bull frog has eyes on the dragonfly.

Jaze is now frantically maneuvering away from the sentry gun breath weapon that is Volcanus while also avoiding the Cannon that is Ko’s mental projection…they launch their first soul torpedo…their weakest previously held soul and it is like a comet racing through the heavens where it wings the presence of Jaze who howls in pain as his mental form wavers.

Seraphim: Run em down! Taxidermy man is going to have a heart attack when he sees what I brought him!

They keep assaulting against the Jaze and begin utilizing their spell pools to act as weapons.

Meanwhile…

Becoming overwhelmed by the multi tentacled beasts pouring from the prison Ares and his folks are forced to fully abandon the prison as nearly a dozen shoggoths are now rampaging throughout. The beasts attack with reckless abandon dismantling everything in their reach despite the frantic mental and physical shouts of the remaining mind flayers. Ares regroups with Doc and Azzie and they take the lull to reorganize themselves…most of their bigger undead are already toast including their Rune Giant.

Azzie: We can’t beat that kind of firepower in a fair fight. They are mowing through the undead like corn.

Doc: Then make it an unfair fight. Let’s pop the cork on the vault and let the spiders kamikaze into them.

Ares: That will blow the prison wide open.

Doc: A dozen Shoggoths have poured out…it is already open.

Azzie: When the hole in the bottom of the bucket is lethal not much point in worrying about how lethal I guess.

Ares: Right. So let’s plan on the spiders chasing a runner directly into the prison room, and hopefully the blast clears the whole room leaving us in control. We split up on either side of the corridor on either side of the prison so that if stuff goes bad we don’t all go down at once. Azzie is the fastest and as a vampire can reform after the explosion. He is the runner. Doc take the giants to the right I will take Veritas and the remaining undead to the left. Once the explosion clears we reconvene in the middle.

The Clerics and Witch are getting a better feel for steering Ko through the prison plane, and are starting to get a good pattern running where they launch spells to pin down Jaze and then they launch a soul as a torpedo to strike with authority. With the majority of smaller lights pushed through to the physical they are landing solid hits that bear visual witness to progress. The lights now interceding and approaching are larger and more volatile, and the grand daddy of them all feels like it is looming ever closer and more substantial.

They glance to see the Shoggoths killing the straggler Mind Flayers and then watch them organize a welcoming committee as the form up around the prison. They also catch Azzie running back in and start to question just what exactly is going on when a swarm of spiders bursts through into the room the spider’s scream of “Everything Must Burn” rattles through the void like a warning call and Volcanus turns to see reality behind him. They swear the dragon smiles as an explosion rocks the realm physical and metaphysical in an avalanche of force.

The effect is much like a toilet flushing…Volcanus, Ko, and everything within any kind of proximity is sucked with a sudden and unavoidable speed into the real world…The Casters are all bodily thrown from their lich vessel and back into the physical world and a gaping hole between the two places is visible…They rush to gain their feet as they see Jaze frantically trying to stay within the prison…his light stretches and stretches trying to touch the greater presence that is Chthulu…and like finger tips just falling short he can’t quite connect…as he plummets out in the prison itself he makes one desperate last heave towards the next closest light and connects.

His spiritual presence swirls around a massive humanoid form…much akin to a Mind Flayer but far larger and much more imposing. They witness his “soul” merging with the Star Spawn and the towering abomination emits speech in Jaze’s voice.

Jaze: Perhaps not the body I had hoped to merge with, but this will suffice. I am now truly my father’s son and it is a child’s responsibility to welcome home his parent.

Volcanus wordlessly expands it’s chest and unleashes a stream of pure hell. The dragon’s breath is ungodly in it’s potency and the torrent goes directly through the Jaze Star Spawn. Baffled everyone looks at the unharmed creature and are equally baffled when the dragon is sent bodily into the gaping hole of the prison. The projection of the Star Spawn vanishes and the true body of Jaze is revealed to be behind Volcanus. Before the group can react a surge of energy makes the room lurch and the prison hole is shrunk down enough to prevent the dragon from exiting. The exertion is apparent on Jaze as he stumbles to a knee in the process.

Jaze: You have lost mortals. I have transcended the limitations of body and soul. I am timeless and free from the constraints imposed upon me. Your failure is complete. The prison is shattered, its warden bound to fight against a force even it’s fire can’t burn. Reopening the prison wide enough for Him to enter will be trivial given the time.

Ares: Not if we kill you first.

Jaze: Kill me? You? Laughable. The entire might of the Illithid’s finest could not kill me let alone conceive of my full glory.

Ares and Doc share a wordless glance and both launch into full charge attacks from opposite ends of the room, Veritas unleashes his own dragon’s fire…substantially more volatile than ordinary owing to the proximity of Volcanus. A frenzy is present in the red dragon’s eyes as if the voice of his distant kin is calling to him much like it did the spiders.

The Clerics both bolt from the room as Seraphim, Sirra, Ko, and Domina all launch spells of their own against Jaze.

Hades: Just grab whatever is closest and send them in. Ill meet you back there.

The Undead Lords both scatter and sprint towards their corpse caches spread through the closest halls. As Pluto reanimates a batch of creatures a battle cry precedes King Galud and his crusaders who are coming down the halls in force.

Galud: Be gone foul creature! Back to The Grave Where You Belong!

Pluto groans in frustration and flippantly tosses his scythe to the ground, he cups his hands around his mouth and shouts

Pluto: Hey Dumbass! The world is ending right now! I don’t have time for this garbage.

Pluto directs a few undead to form a red rover line holding hands and then grabs his scythe and starts to hoof it out of there, the charging crusaders barely pause as they obliterate the defensive line. He reconvenes with Hades who gestures to the approaching band of paladins and knights.

Hades: We doing something about that?

Pluto: Yeah…they can chase us back to the Star Spawn.

The clerics are virtually overrun but do manage to reach the decimated husk of the former prison cell to find Jaze along with a Gated Shoggoth. The King rounds the curve and damn near throws himself out of the saddle in surprise as he sees the immense monsters hurling broken husks of undead and the two melee fighters like mice through the air.

Pluto: You want to fight evil and put in a good showing for your god? Here’s your chance, and against a greater evil than us (I think).

Most of the wounds against both Jaze and his Shoggoth seem to vanish almost as fast as they can be delivered. Only strength of numbers and the economy of actions make it a fight. Virtually everything is in disarray and as they try to blitz down Jaze the bulk of their heavy weapons are expended.

A spell deprived Domina is sent directly at Jaze with fangs out and she sinks her teeth into it’s thigh and latches on until swatted away and dusted. Sirra soon follows suit, and even Ko’s gem laden skull is ripped asunder by flailing tentacles and gouts of psionics.

A roar pierces the thinned prison barrier and they see flashes of an immense struggle as Volcanus is torn asunder by a presence far more imposing than Jaze.

Jaze: He has Arrived!

Hades: If that thing gets through we are screwed.

Seraphim: Not like we fix the prison on the fly, and the goalie just got wrecked.

Azzie: Then it’s back to Plan C. We got to move the net.

Ares: You want to jump start a millenias dormant ship and repair it to a workable state mid fight against a supreme intelligence and an unimaginable force of evil?

Azzie: I’ll settle for a single strong push to make the b**ch move far enough to make the forward miss. Let me take a crack at it with Doc.

Pluto: Go fast.

The dirge bard and witch doctor bolt for the engine room while Ares and Veritas dive back in against Jaze. Seraphim gets topped off from a harm spell and does likewise. The twins are reduced to strictly a support role as they try to keep pressure on the Star Spawn and keep his attention localized. The two NPC giants bolt from the fight not willing to throw their lives away.

Azzie has the highest UMD which is what they were leaning on to try and bring the ship back online. They have witnessed a lot of the moving components and are aware that Jaze sabotaged things when pressured. An examination of the systems makes Azzie think he can create thrust without control…basically a blind lurch…but has no idea of the direction it will go. It if pushes them further into the mountain or directly down they are screwed. He sets to work barking out directions to the Orc as he preps the ignition.

Ares and Veritas are getting their butts kicked. The Jaze Spawn is an immense combatant with a powerful psion build. The whole group is forced to abandon the prison territory and they elect to scatter. The moment they let up on Jaze it is like a light goes off and he immediately lumbers off directly towards the engine room.

Ares: Seraphim, get ahead of him and slow him down. We are going to heal and re-buff and we will follow. Let’s try to play leap frog and keep him engaged if he gets to Azzie and Doc its game over.

Seraphim: Doesn’t abandoning the prison mean game over too?

Hades: Not if he can move the ship and change the entrance. Just because HE has arrived doesn’t mean he is through. The hole is hopefully small enough that we can still juke the finish line away.

Seraphim sets out on a suicide run to cut off the Jaze Spawn and throws everything she has left at him. Right about the moment he rips her physical form in half and renders her to gaseous form the whole Ark vibrates as the main propulsion and engines come back on line with a sputter.

Her temporary death buys Hades and Pluto enough time to get off their last animate dead spells and stand up a bunch of road blocks that literally function as just that…clutter to impede progress. Ares and Veritas leap frog the clerics and set up a final stand of their own just down the way.

As the clerics push negative channeling to extend the timeframe on their line of undead the last few surviving crusaders led by Galud take a final organized cascade of charge attacks to the Star Spawn’s rear and then peel off to reform for a second round. As they wheel off a second Shoggoth is gated in and gives chase.

The undead are mowed over and the clerics scatter in desperation hoping Jaze elects to follow one of them. He declines and continues an advance against the engines which are still sputtering back to functionality. In absolute fury he finds the next roadblock of Ares and in an anger fueled haze barrels into the graveknight…leaving himself wide open to counter attack from the dragon. A flurry of claws and snapping fangs leaves a heavy trail of damage against the Star Spawn. The clerics manage to catch up and throw in their remaining channelings and bolster the dragon as best they are able. The commotion is close enough that it is audible from the engine room…

Azzie: Go throw in with them mate. I can take it from here.

Doc: Alright.

Doc arrives as Veritas is cast aside on the brink of death. Hades stabilizes the dragon but is out of juice and is unable to get him back up and operational. Pluto ducks in to throw his last harm spell on Ares and ends up getting taken out the following round by a massive blow and constriction from Jaze. A heavy focus of damage has finally resulted in apparent and potentially fatal harm against the Star Spawn, but Seraphim has fallen, Pluto is down, Hades is on fumes. Ares throws his last channeled smites into two handed power attacks trying to push through enough damage to sunder or break the physical form of Jaze. They go straight up Rocky IV slugfest toe to toe with Hades meagerly swinging with own scythe trying to find that last trickle of added damage.

The Orc Witch Doctor pops his psionic lions charge and launches a full attack from out of nowhere that nearly takes off Jaze’s shoulder right at the neck joint. Bleeding profusely and staggered Jaze lands a killing (albeit temporary) blow against Ares. Doc wins the initiative for the last round and with massive axe in hand lands a swing that damn near severs the Jaze Spawn’s head…

Jaze: Wait! I can offer you the world.

Doc: I’ld rather mount your head on the wall.

The last two swings fully decapitate the Spawn and throw it’s twitching body to the ground. Doc takes a fast glance around the room, lays a Cure Light Wounds on Veritas to get him awake and then grabs Ares armor from the ground and with a single word grunts at Hades.

Doc: Azzie…

Hades and Doc race back to the engine room to see Azzie running around like mad throwing levers and turning dials some of which seem to be invisible.

Azzie: I think we just about got it.

Jaze Voice: I am going to devise a special plane to torment you for all eternity. I will make you all immortal so as to extend your suffering.

A collective groan issues from the group.

Hades: Apparently we didn’t kill the soul.

Doc: I know the body is dead. Made extra sure of that. The spirit stuff…not so sure.

Azzie: Hey disembodied wanker! Watch this extend your suffering!

The dirge bard throws one last switch and the entire Ark shifts thrown in some direction at high and sudden speed. Everyone goes flying and struggles to gain their balance.

Azzie: Best I can do mates…we need to beat feet and get back to the prison opening and see if Big and Gruesome is getting through.

As they sprint back to the prison the ship comes to a stop and sends them crashing back into the walls…with enough force to knock out the dragon.

Azzie: Oh bollocks.

The now trio comes around a corner to witness the disembodied Jaze (now resembling a cloud of electricity that is vaguely humanoid) straining to widen the gap where Chthulu is now visibly moving farther away with each second. From their first impression the ship moving was enough to force a course correction that will miss it’s target.

Jaze: No father! Come back!

Hades: Any ideas on how to stop him/it?

Doc: Pushing him in somehow just resets the problem, and doesn’t close the hole.

Azzie: Could go gas form myself and see if me flying into him scrambles his code. Or I could try to pop him to the Shadow Plane.

Hades: That doesn’t close the hole or stop him from just popping back even if it works. Ko is probably the only one that could close the gap, and I don’t know he survived the initial encounter and is slowly going to reform or if he is dusted permanent.

Doc: Well you and Pluto bound your phylacteries to his chains right?

Hades: Yeah. I can still sense my soul inside and Pluto’s.

Doc: Doesn’t Ko’s gems allow one to capture souls? Or did we go through all that pokemon soul catching for nada?

Hades:Yeah we used them as fuel to power a weapons system that could affect Jaze’s metaphysical.

*light bulb*

Doc: Can you do that again?

Hades: I am not sure. Would have to be inside to find out. Not sure how I can get back in…

Before the sentence can be completed a trio of bone shattering axe swings devastates the completely unsuspecting Hades.

Azzie just stares blankly at the Orc.

Doc: What? Now he is back inside.
The detached essence of Hades and Pluto manage a crude form of communication as their souls are intertwined amidst the wreckage of the demi-lich. Hades manages to empathically get the gist of FIRE EVERYTHING across to his brother and they make a force of will effort to jump the boundary of their phylactery back to the interior of Ko’s metaphysical space. Having been inside and privy to the workings of this strange space within space they manage a limited proxy control and hit the disembodied Jaze with the full force of every soul still captured. The mist like field is hit with a spasm of disruptive energy and the bodiless screams are deafening. Reaching more by instinct than direction they try to reverse the attack and pull the disabled spirit back to the confines of the gem. The most heavily disrupted fragments of the Jaze entity are pulled within a gem…and bit by bit more and more is pulled within until gem upon gem hits a blinding level of brightness. In all six of the ten gems are lit fully and the last whisper of Jaze vanishes within the sixth and final gem.

Azzie and Doc watch the Jaze spirit get sucked into the shattered Ko skull and see the hole cease to widen. They look at each other and then around the room.

Doc: So?

Azzie: I think we just saved the bloody world.

Doc: Well there is still a gaping hole to the horrific Space Beyond, and the whole Ark is in shambles, and there is still a pissed off super powerful fleet arriving in the near future, but yeah I think we are doing pretty good all things considered.

A few hours later Seraphim and her vampiric thralls Sirra and Domina have returned from their coffins and find Azzie observing the prison hole and writing. Doc is M.I.A.

Seraphim: What you writing Azzie?

Azzie: Notes.

Seraphim: On how to close the prison?

Azzie: Not those kind of notes. Musical notes. Composition of Sound.

Seraphim: Is that the best of your time given what could come through that gap?

Azzie: I can’t do nothing about that, beyond my abilities. But I can write songs damn well.

Seraphim: Where is Doc?

Azzie: He took off and went back to hack the Star Spawn to smaller bits. He also said he was doing a patrol to check for any other dangers.

Seraphim: I take it Jaze is dead?

Azzie: Yeah Doc took his head off and I think the clerics managed to trap his soul in the shiny head baubles on ol Ko, so for now at least he is done for. The Big Gruesome skimmed close to our Plane but is sailing on now. Well at least he was. I been writing a song about his return for an hour now.

Seraphim: Say what?

Azzie: Look through the gap and you can see the light changing course, it is heading back our direction. Taking a wide path for sure, but it is turning and coming back.

Seraphim: How? The Beacons are all dead, Volcanus is dead, the ship moved and Jaze is dead. There should be no more anchor left. Nothing for it to home in on.

Azzie: Well either we missed part of Jaze or the big gaping hole is enough of a landmark amidst the empty void of nothingness to be a something-ness.

Domina: The Radiation is still seeping in. It was not sealed off. Like a fox drawn to the scent of a hare it can sense the Radiation.

As they converse Doc comes back in with the severed head of Jaze and plops it on the floor he also reports that virtually nothing is moving nearby. He found the body of the Shoggoth gated in to chase the Paladin King. Most of the crusaders are dead, but the King is missing. The doors to the outside world are open, and he hasn’t the foggiest clue of where the ship landed.

Seraphim: Well we won but we might still lose.

They fill in the witch doctor and then all stare into the abyss as the distant star continues to course correct after missing it’s target.

Seraphim: Not sure how to fully seal off the Radiation.

Azzie: Let’s pile up as much s**t as possible over it to try and dampen it. Then we need a decoy signal.

Doc: I can start demolition and piling up crap over the leak area.

Seraphim: Do we risk jettisoning a soul gem into the void in the hopes that it gets followed? Or does that hose us? Ko may be able to seal the gap, but I don’t know if he is coming back.

Azzie: We got a few hours to spare, but the liches could take days to reform, and Ares at least another 20 hours. I don’t think we have time to spare like that.

When Doc comes back to report that he has stuffed as much garbage over the leak area they notice that something on his chest is glowing. When probed over it he pulls out the necklace hidden from a vault ages and ages ago.

Doc: Started glowing when Volcanus died I think. Not sure what that means.

The scour their notes and wrack their brains recalling that it was a portion of a key that was meant to secure and lock the prison. They all have a scribble about a “fragment of the dragon’s soul” being tied to the amulet.

Seraphim: So we need to chuck that through the hole and we can scramble the beacon.

Doc: It doesn’t come off, has to be stuck to someone.

The witch gives Azzie a look and slightly shrugs her shoulders.

Azzie: Hold on luv, we ain’t tossing him through. Why don’t you step into one of your thralls and have them take it and make the leap.

Seraphim: Well if you want to be BORING about it.

Seraphim jumps into Sirra and takes the amulet from Doc and tries to pull a swan dive through the gap, but is stopped at contact. Nothing will pass through from their end. One Way Street.

Azzie: Alright. I am going to open a Shadow Plane transport. Walk him through with the amulet.

They transport Sirra to the Shadow Plane and leave the amulet with him. When Seraphim returns to her body they all rush to the gap and watch for any signs of redirection from the astral terror.

The light is fading, moving away back from where it came.

Azzie: Well that’s a relief.

Seraphim: Still kind of a temporary solution, but time gives us more options.

They manage to get the entire party back on it’s feet and recover spells and recuperate. Ackshale and Breitag along with Galud are all in the wind, but Veritas survived along with Domina. They spend a few days patrolling for any signs of stragglers or overlooked Shoggoths while monitoring the gap and trying to elicit basic repairs or operational control over the Ark.

The brief excursions beyond the Ark’s confines inform them that they moved a sizeable distance in a very short time, as no one really knows where they are geographically. Of consequence…
*The Sleeper is still mentally shattered and physically distressed but “alive”

*Ko seems to be in a similar state. The stress of multiple minds riding through his consciousness or torpor state and sudden expulsion of said minds coupled with a sudden and violent physical destruction seem to have stranded his awakened self aside from his physical being. It is as he has been cast into an ocean and is unable to find his way back. Undeath/Life is still present but functionally he is comatose.

*The Black Box was undamaged and is accessible.

*The Engine’s thrust action has knocked out most systems and the main power source for the ship is offline, it takes a lot juryrigging to enable even partial function for limited areas at once.

*There are four areas of inquiry they mark priority. First and foremost they want to consult all the Black Box/Dembella references for anything pertaining to the creation or maintanence of the inter-dimensional prison space. Second they consult the archives for any reference to how Jaze was able to excise memories or cut them from a subject. They specifically state seeking a way to reverse engineer that ability and apply it to undead subjects. Third they want a firm if not absolute estimate of when the Illithid Fleet would arrive. Fourth they look for a solution to plug the leak from the Underdark’s radiation.

With little pushback they are able to locate steps to repair the thinned barrier between realities and shore up the gap connecting the Material Plane to Chthulu. They likewise manage to cap the leak and stop the underdark radiation from continuing, they do so by redirecting and containing it below ground where it will self contain based on the geography of the Underdark.

With knowledge that the Fleet will arrive within a week’s time they pour every free second for that timeframe into honing a voluntary thought extraction process. When I press for details they remain cagey on what they are aiming for only insisting they are looking for some “insurance”

[Kaveman26]

Finale Part 2: Too Long to Fit in One Post:


The Arrival:

Six Ark’s all land and settle in a ring around the heavily damaged and crippled vessel. Long before any contact or approach is attempted they become aware of mental probes aimed at the ship and it’s interior. A scouting party of Illithid with heavily controlled beholders as “hounds” begins a cursory investigation of the derelict craft and encounter a trail of Dembella research crystals almost like breadcrumbs. Upon sight of these crystals the scouting party is pulled back and a much more authoritative party compromised of ranking officers from each of the six ships converge and begin examination of the crystals.

Quite intentionally the first “breadcrumbs” impart some vital and classified details about events and how horribly wrong things went. A recently printed non Dembella crystal built by the party imparts some requests for negotiation and parley. It’s message is related thusly.

“A rogue sect of your race dabbled in forces too great to control. They achieved a magnificent failure that nearly doomed all members of your species. That threat is contained for the moment. It will continue to be contained if certain conditions are agreed upon in good faith. We are firmly aware that diplomacy and concessions with races deemed inferior to your own is a ground you do not often tred upon. Once we present the full details of what has transpired we are confident you will make an exception to this tradition. What we seek to share is meant for only the most trusted Revered Elders. Take what you will of our knowledge of these honored and distinguished leaders. We seek not to insult or betray your protocols and await a response wherein we shall convene with good faith”

In the end a group of six Mind Flayers, each the respective captain of their Ark and a proxy for the ship’s Elder Brain convene within the Black Box of the derelict Ark. They meet the six members of the group in a now empty vault. Revered Elder Lea-Yun speaks for all present.

Lea-Yun: Why are the crystals removed from this safe location?

Ares: Insurance. Should we fail to leave this location in control of our minds or bodies they will be shattered. Should aggressive action befall us the contents of those messages will be relayed on open channel to all vessels capable of receiving such communications. First and foremost of those messages will be the knowledge that a mind flayer who gives themselves to the Elder Brain has their personality and self erased and destroyed.

Lea-Yun: Is such sacrilege how you respect our traditions? With hersey and threats.

Ares: A precaution and one required based on the strength and power you command. It is our intention not to share this information we will respect your traditions and allow this information to be classified once we leave here unharmed. We are prepared to surrender all crystals intact and unmolested upon agreement to our terms. Your examination of the crystals will reveal with certainty the service we have done for your species.

Lea-Yun: What do you seek?

Ares: In a word Amnesty. This Plane and it’s inhabitants are to be treated as a Safe Zone. No contact or interference from your species is permitted on this planet. We will not be experimented upon, augmented or observed. This place is offlimits. Furthermore we require repairs to this vessel that allow full control of it’s automated systems and capacity, with the caveat that all extra planar and extra dimensional transportation capacities be fully disabled. Basically we want your ship intact and functional for our purposes but just as we need you to leave us alone we will do the same. Our interests will be confined to this Plane and this Plane alone.

Lea-Yun: Anything else?

Ares: Yes. The last piece is the tricky piece. Without going into the full details we have Jaze’s spirit/soul contained within a series of gems. We intend to hold them as a safe guard for this pact. There are ten gems in total, six contain his essence. We have scattered these ten gems across the world and placed a series of contingencies upon them. Do not attempt to intervene or locate these gems under any circumstance. The results would be bad.

Lea-Yun: We sense no trace of these contingencies or location of these gems. You are lying.

Ares: Nope. We are telling the truth. We just excised the memories of their locations and the contingencies from our minds. Should a contingency trigger the memories will be restored. A neat trick we learned studying Jaze. We have for you a series of crystals to back up what we are saying. We encourage you to view and study them for their contents and authenticity here. The tale they reveal is dangerous if made public.

The illithid process the crystals and an extended period of discussion endures through which they marvel at the horrors perpetrated. When they reconvene there are several addition requests made of the group.

Lea-Yun: This radiation. We wish to examine it in person.

Seraphim: We can arrange for a single captain to be escorted and be allowed confirmation of it’s existence and containment but no more. It’s what started the chain of events.

Lea-Yun: Second we require proof of the remaining crystals safe status.

Hades: We will not disclose their location until we have a binding agreement. We can arrange for you to see them and confirm visually they are intact. But you will be allowed access or possession until we have an accord.

Lea-Yun: We accept the conditions of the first two stipulations. Our last condition is the most vital and will determine if we have an agreement. For one week each century we must be allowed access to this Plane to monitor and ensure the thinned barrier and the gems containing this “error” you call Jaze are still functioning as safeguard. Our agreement will endure for as long as you do. We will hail each of you once a day for one week prior to our arrival, should none of you respond the agreement is void. If you respond we will not interfere or overreach the prescripts of your terms provided we are assured the barrier and gems still hold fast.

Seraphim: We accept that stipulation and thank you in advance for your knowledge and diligence.

The transfer of the crystals is processed without treachery, as is the examination of the barrier and radiation. The Mind Flayers make a few pointed suggestions for strengthening both and work quickly to effect repairs on the ship. A few days later a final meeting is held to confirm details and arrange the means though which communication can occur. Upon the Illithid Fleet’s departure there is a final parley amongst the group itself.

Ares: I think this concludes our business within the Ark itself. Perhaps the moment has arrived where we part ways.

Seraphim: I think we have achieved everything we had anticipated and more. I agree.

Hades: We concur.

Azzie: Aye

Doc: Ok?

Pluto: Hades and I have a proposition. As our interests in the future may coincide or clash we propose that the Ark itself be a neutral territory. A non-hostile location where differences can be negotiated. Once per century we all converge to discuss events and prepare for the Illithid Arrival. My brother and I wish to remain within the vessel for the time being to conduct research and see if there is a means to revive Ko and The Sleeper. We offer our services as a neutral party to maintain and protect the Ark as a sanctuary for the party in the years to come. Does this sound reasonable?

All seem on board with this arrangement.

Hades: Our plans have been declared, anything of interest you all have in mind?

Ares: Veritas and I have talked and determined there is an empire with a power vacuum and lack of leadership. Seeing as how Ko, Sirra and the majority of their ruling leaders have perished we are setting out to conquer and fill that void.

Azzie: As for me I plan on setting myself up as the head of a new church and expand my cult. Figure I can set up a harem and a good old religion where I am at the top.

Seraphim: I intend to track down the Good King Galud and either drain him to a husk or set him up as a puppet ruler. I also plan on recruiting and organizing a suitable coven.

Doc: Well you undead type can plan for centuries. I don’t know how long a Giant Half-Dragon psionically altered Orc can plan on living so I guess I am going to have to just enjoy myself and see if I can’t raise a nice family horde. Although, I am curious, where did we hide the gems?

Pluto: We felt it safer to not know. When one of the contingencies is triggered we will know.

Seraphim: Well it is midnight. Time for me go. We will be in touch



Epilogue:

Over the proceeding century the world comes under a great period of despair. The Legion Infernus led by the ferocious and unquenchable Ares atop his massive red dragon incinerate and lay waste to all who oppose his rule. His domain stretches for leagues and his will is law.

The once noble king Galud has changed and is still hale long past the age when most of his men submit to their ailments. The official word is that is righteousness and piety preserve him as a means for the gods to hold back the dark by the faith of his light. The gossip on the street is that he is possessed by a witch.

Most of the nobility who may have once united to stand in opposition to ever more progressive and tyrannical declarations have themselves been drawn into a world of shadow and decadence. Drawn to the mysteries and pleasures that is the world of The Yellow Eye. A charming and unseen messiah leads his flock to the joy of the Unseen Eye where hedonism and excess are expected.

The expanses of wilderness once a hotbed for humanoid raiding parties have gone quiet. Border towns once the subject of constant tension lay unmolested. The scouting parties sent into the deep wilds never return and unrest grows with every passing season.

Where there were once whispers of a vanishing citadel that seemed to vanish and move on it’s own there are now confirmations of the stronghold that moves. The Travelling Dungeon one a story shared with doubt is now a fixture viewed with awe and terror. Those who enter vanish and the scant few who emerge are changed. Memories and personalities altered and crippled.

[Mith]

Thank you for this excellent campaign, Kaveman. With one of your updates, could you potentially give designer notes as to how you played out the metaphysical battle against Jaze? Or was that more "what seems right" compared to actual rule set?

[Demidos]

Beautiful. I want to thank you for putting so much time and effort into writing out this story and sharing it with us. It was a great ride, and I am both happy and sad to see its end and know that the adventures of the Undead Cowboys have moved on to bigger and better things.

I'm sure I speak for the Playground when I say this story was truly amazing and we'll miss it dearly.

Three cheers for Kaveman!

[GnomishPride]

*gives standing ovation*
A job extremely well done, I must say. What an end to a magnificent story. Many thanks, Kaveman.

[GrayDeath]

That was an amazing adventure....although if it was me playing (popr DMing) I would want to meet again and play every passing century or so....if Iw as undead that is ^^


Thank you for sharing!

[IntelectPaladin]

A story that took two years to tell.
A single post will never be enough.
Hence, why you've added two.
On this day,
October 9th, 2016,
One of the most interesting stories of the forum ended.
ALso one of the most detailed, and horrific.
Thank you, Kaveman.
Your stories have inspired and terrified.
We wish you good luck in your life, and with your dice rolls.
And I hope to have finally learned from all this. Hoo, boy.. How do we fix this?
Thank you for reading this, Kaveman26, and I hope you have a better life!
{EDIT}: I hope I contributed, and I hope to see you all again.

[Kaveman26]

That was an amazing adventure....although if it was me playing (popr DMing) I would want to meet again and play every passing century or so....if Iw as undead that is ^^


Thank you for sharing!


The player epilogue is the 100 years later reunion as they each envision it. I committed to picking it up from that point provided I had recovered sufficiently from the trauma of managing this mess and if Starfinder felt like a good fit for moving forward

[BilltheCynic]

*Standing ovation*

Brilliant, as the others have said, and as epic a conclusion as any of us could hope for. We should get a thread solely for the compilation of all of your campaigns, similar to this one (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?116836-The-SilverClawShift-Campaign-Archives) for Silverclawshift's campaigns.

[Michael7123]

*Standinng Ovation*

Well done good sir! Thanks for sharing this with all of us!

[falcon1]

Amazing. Just amazing. I have no words.

[Demon 997]

But I'm busy tonight....


In all seriousness, thank you Kaveman. I look forward to it.

[Twelvetrees]

Thank you Kaveman, for all the work you put in to make this story happen and for choosing to share it with us.

*joins the standing ovation*

[Kane0]

Bravo Kaveman, have yourself a rest well earned!

[Don nadie]

This was an absolutely epic journal. Congratulations on some great DMing (and some quite creatively annoying players!)

[NRSASD]

What a story, and what a finale! Hats off to the Undead Necroranchers and their stupendous cosmos-defying antics; and to Kaveman for sharing them with us. Thank you from the bottom of the blackened and charred cinder that passes for my heart for inspiring us with your saga!

[Drazik]

Thank you, Kaveman, for an excellent story and a wild ride.

[Efrate]

I wish I had players that awesome in my group. Of course, I wish I was as good as DM as well. I salute you Caveman. Very well done.

[Fizban]

http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/slow_clap_citizen_kane.gif


It takes its place above the mighty, climbing just past the titans which came before. If it can be equaled, this will surely not happen for some time.


And might I just say, that Ares and Veritas put every single "badass rides a red dragon just because" where they belong, one their knees before a pair that actually earned it. Doc's apparent desire to remain mortal provides the needed counterpoint to all the rest, and reminds us that indeed as well as they have got along now, time will bring change. And while it sounds a little unambitious at first I would guess that Azzie's cult following might be intended to reach some level of godhood, if it's possible in that world, which would put his aims higher than the rest.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Excellent campaign! :smallsmile:


And I hope to have finally learned from all this. Hoo, boy.. How do we fix this?

Well the biggest obstacle to my mind is the 'Illithid fleet will invade if the Necroranchers stop answering calls' facet. So killing them outright would be unwise without some kind of contingency. I see a couple options:

--Deal with them Helm of Opposite Alignment-style; they already researched the spells necessary to alter undead minds...maybe find those spells, then start injecting feelings of regret for destroying so many lives, souls etc. Try to convert them over to the side of Good. (Good luck with that, but I leave it open as a possibility.)

--Find a way to fake their transmissions to the Illithids. Then kill them all.*

--Build up a big enough power base to deal with the Illithids after the Necroranchers stop answering calls. Then kill them all.*

*I suppose technically you don't have to have the power base or transmission-faking ready BEFORE killing them; if you time it right you'd have about a hundred years to set it up afterwards.

[Blitheslayer]

I am a very grateful reader. This has enthralled me from the beginning and you have given me a lot of inspiration as well as many long smiles. It takes a great deal of work to do what you have done. It speaks well to your character how you give your time to us humbly. I hope life treats you well and I look forward to your next project. I second the ideas that this story be archived similar to the Silverclaw format.

You've added a lot of joy and needed fantasy relief to a lot of stressed out peoples lives. You really should be paid for this. I hope you write a book.

Thank you so much.

[halfeye]

http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/slow_clap_citizen_kane.gif
That appears to be a slow handclap, i.e. a complaint not a compliment.

I did like this overall, the waits were torturous, overall I liked it, more please.

[dysprosium]

I want to join the rest in congratulating Kaveman on an excellent campaign journal. It was well worth the wait.

Thank you.

[GrayDeath]

The player epilogue is the 100 years later reunion as they each envision it. I committed to picking it up from that point provided I had recovered sufficiently from the trauma of managing this mess and if Starfinder felt like a good fit for moving forward

Very good, I am looking forward to that.

Also, maybe Starfinder and your setting would do well with some Chaositek?
Just a thought, but after all they found/will find.....

[FocusWolf413]

Kaveman, you outdid yourself. Bravo.

[PrismCat21]

WOOHOO!!!! I loved every second of it. I can't decide if my favorite part was the Psionic Minotaurs or Icy SpiderDragons :D

I'm mainly curious about one thing though. What are they going to to with all their item creation knowledge now? ;)
Hoard it all for themselves? Make select items for their top people?
Will there ever be a separate campaign with a bunch of upstart do-gooders that have decided to take on their oppressive Overlords?

[ImperatorV]

A magnificent ending to an awe-inspiring campaign. Kudos to you and your group Kaveman.

[Traab]

/releases a sigh of deep contentment. This was the very first campaign journal I have ever read, and it was brilliant from start to finish. A combination of efforts to be sure. From an amazing dm with a world ready to adapt, and a team of incredible players able to take the rules of your setting and make them dance a complicated jig. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[Fizban]

That appears to be a slow handclap, i.e. a complaint not a compliment.
If that is a convention I've never heard of it before, meanwhile I've always seen this gif used as the standing ovation of gifs, and have always wanted to use it. Haven't seen the movie though so for all I know you could be right.

[Reboot]

Two questions:
1) If they found Domina alone (well, barring Icy's offspring), what happened to the rest of the Drow? Did she kill them herself?
2) Weren't you going to post the ship map a while back? :)

[Kaveman26]

Two questions:
1) If they found Domina alone (well, barring Icy's offspring), what happened to the rest of the Drow? Did she kill them herself?
2) Weren't you going to post the ship map a while back? :)

The remaining drow were killed offscreen.


I will post the map eventually. Every time I would sit down and start thinking about trying to hook up scanner and transfer the images and upload something pull me away. It will happen in near future

[Kaveman26]

Epilogue Continued:I asked everyone for around a page or two just giving me an idea of what their characters would be up to after the campaign and this is the expanded material they gave me.

Azzie:

Azzie felt a little guilty not sharing his full experiences from staring into the Void as the Terror Named Chthulu advanced. He felt like they were a good band, but their gig had just about played out and when the front man started talking about the voices calling him from the void things got dicey. It wasn’t The Great Terror that called to him. It was The Yellow Eye. Finally a voice that didn’t whisper to kill but one that urged him to let loose and get CRAZY.

It wasn’t often that Azzie had been able to move from one great gig to the next so seamlessly. The proposition Hastur laid out was choice. Front Man of not only his own cult, but Boss Man of an entire religion and sole exclusive high priest rights were his and his alone. All for the price of doing everything he already enjoyed…just more of it and louder. It started like most new cults or bands he had formed. Small and underground with the kids with too much time and boredom. This time around though the parents were the real marks. Some of these nobles could give Azzie a run for his money with their tastes. The more depraved the better. Hedonism was his God’s calling card.

It was somewhere around year nine he couldn’t exactly remember. After a while the virgin sacrifices and blood orgies ran together. Must have been year nine though, a slender gal very easy on the eyes had caught Azzie’s attention. She walked the room like she owned it and it took a keen eye to avoid gawking at her figure and notice the poppet in her satchel. They had exchanged pleasantries and a few choice fluids…blood from the vein was always better than from the chalice. He saw potential in her and she reminded him of a certain blonde.

Azzie: Luv. I think you got a future. I want you to look up an old bandmate of mine. That doll of yours may whisper in your ear but my girl will make it sing. Problem is she may kill you before catching on that I sent you. To be safe tell her you are a snowflake…a unicorn from the bloke who don’t do Blondes.

As the decades passed and the Yellow Eye spread he sent several more Snowflakes her way. His recruitment wasn’t limited to Snowflakes. Some chaps found themselves tying a chain from their lip to their skull and were sent to find the Moving Fortress. A few were branded with a fire red dragon tattoo and marched off to join the Legion.

Azzie would never admit it, but as the century mark grew close he was almost eager to get off his duff, pack up the coffin and hit the road for a world tour reunion. All the partying and not working or being nearly killed was turning into some real f**king work.

Doc:

His clan and kin were ash and dust for five thousand years but that bothered him barely at all. He had risen to be second in command of his clan by dint of his respect and reverence for his ancestors and damn it these little buggers were going to learn to do the same. Locating the clans was easy. Taking control of each tribe was easier. No Orc, Troll, Gnoll, or other tribal chieftain could take him in a fight. Only the most stubborn did he kill. He didn’t want to be a leader, he strived to be a uniter, cause he damn well couldn’t lead them into the future by being their leader it would take too much time.

As the tribes which had raided for scraps and survival joined they grew stronger. Eventually he called an end to all raids and incursions. They built an empire hidden away from civilization. The chiefs remained chiefs, they simply followed their Doctor’s orders. With each passing seasons his duties as Witch Doctor ceded to his duties as procreator. The villages filled with his sons and daughters, their bloodline was strong and encouraged further breeding. The Orc fertility melded with giant strength, dragon’s longevity. The new breed were stronger, faster, bigger, and some could even fly. They could have easily supplanted and exterminated their weaker uncles and grandparents but the overriding edict was to respect one’s ancestors and so they did.

Doc was pleased to see the years losing their struggle against his virility and stamina. He grew confident that perhaps a century wouldn’t be out of the question. He would leave his mark on this world and his bloodline would be a dominant force for years and years to come.

His armies grew and bristled to loosed. They delved deeper and deeper into reaches of the wild where no humanoid had dared trod. They consumed territory greedily in their expansion. A culling became vital and he pitted his scions against each other to claw and fight for dominance. As the years passed those who carried his genes were honed against their siblings and steadily climbed in brutality and ferocity.

When the call came upon the turning of the century he felt like his family was ready.

Ares:

The Red Hand bowed to the Burning Fist and Ares was pleased. Satisfied was not the right word, so long as there was strife and turmoil to sow upon a field of battled Sated was not a feeling he could achieve. His reach extended with every passing year and those who opposed him were ground into ash. Veritas was just as pleased. A cadre of reds called him alpha and submitted to his will and wants. A mountain home with a hoard that rivaled anything he had claimed in the past life was now his bed and hearth. Many a would be lord or king had found himself engaged in single combat against the graveknight only to see the Red Death dive from on high bathing the warriors in flame. Ares basked in the glory of the dragon’s flame it stoked the flame in his own vacant and long forgotten heart and being at the epicenter of the inferno brought him joy to be so close as his foe melted to cinder.

It was almost regrettable that the pact and companionship that had bound his comrades was soon to be undone. His empire had grown spread and reached edges on the map that he knew fell under his former companion’s sway. Either they would cede the territory or be forced to withdraw. In any event conflict was virtually a certainty and it was conflict which drove him.

Hades+Pluto:

Being the overlords of a dungeon was tedious. It was baffling to the duo that they had enjoyed delving so much more deeply than managing. Undead across the world answered their call and came to the Ark as a sanctuary. It was to be a safe haven and a place of refuge. Like moths to the flame the adventurers came. It was vexing to have such constant interruptions. Their research was unlocking knowledge critical to the evolution of their kind and vital to their ascension onto the next rung of Undeath. To stop their work and dispel up jumped warriors was a source of frustration.

In an effort to form a positive from a negative they began capturing these invaders and using them to augment and expand their research. It was through them that they made their first major breakthrough. Using an illithid memory crystal, designed for documenting and preserving research, as a conduit attached to each of their chains they were able to build a transfer system to shift memory and personality from one subject to another. Their first success came when they successfully imported a human ranger’s full memory and personality to that of a skeleton. The Skeleton was aware of his mortal life and was nearly driven insane as a result but the principle was sound.

They honed the technique and in time were able to parse and select what attributes they desired to transfer. They could withdraw the compassion from an elf and place in within a ghoul. A barbarian’s fury and anger could be added to a zombie.

When they managed to reverse the flow and place an undead’s traits into a living host…well that was cause for celebration.

Seraphim:

A day presiding over court had left her drained and slightly irritable. By proxy she ruled several territories and city states, the prospective monarch or ruler a puppet under her control. None were vampires. That was a gift she reserved for her finest of enemies. Each was in fact a zombie. The kiss of death was placed lightly onto each as to show no sign or whisper of their condition. Soon after their deaths an advisor gifted with a particular set of skills would attend upon them. Gentle Repose and illusions to make it seem as if life persisted were administered. A coven member, perhaps not of the inner circle but a suitable candidate was stationed to take control of the puppet and enact the daily requirements to create a mockery of their existence. Good men and women who had ruled with grace and compassion would alter, and their actions would feed into her agenda. It was Galud whom she savored pulling the strings for.

To rule from the shadows was a defensive mechanism for her. Only those in her inner most circle understood her to be the true queen of their regime. To most of the initiated Domina was the matron of their sisterhood. Seraphim had searched long and hard to find prodigal talent, and if there was a soft spot left to her heart it was certainly to Azzie. She had sent acolytes to investigate the cult he so heavy handedly now controlled and with the certainty of a setting sun he had spotted their nature and sent them in return to her…his little Snowflakes. He had keen eyes and a cunning she respected, several of his Snowflakes were diamonds from the rough and suited her purposes with great ability.

She was certain that none of their cadre had kept closer tabs on the rest than her. An unarmed girl wandering through the wilds was too blatant but raven, wolf and bat were part of the landscape in the testing grounds where Doc spurned his descendants to greatness. Her agents were everywhere and their loyalty to the sisterhood was ironclad.

Ares swallowed up and ruled from a place of tyranny, the twins lurked in the shadows while Azzie amused himself at the whim of others but Seraphim was confident that her web reached far and returned all along it’s strands.

[Talakeal]

Great story. Awesome campaign. I wish I could run one like this.

However, I am a bit confused as to the mechanics of how they managed to defeat Jaze, Vulcanus, and the Great Old Ones.

Forgive my lack of reading comprehension, but I am not quite clear on how exactly the players end game plan worked. Could someone please give me a "for idiot's" rundown of it?

[PrismCat21]

Folks are going to be foaming at the mouth, wanting to know what happens at the end of the first century. :D

[Kaveman26]

When the spiders exploded within the physical prison they tore a rift that sucked Jaze and Volcanus through. This also expelled seraphim and the clerics from Ko. Volcanus got booted back into the prison and then killed by chthulu who never made it all the way through.

Jaze who managed to latch his metaphorical self to a star spawn now occupied a formidable physical form which was eventually killed as he sought to prevent the ship from moving.

The spiritual manifestation of Jaze was captured by the clerics hijacking the soul capturing ability of Ko. They then shifted the Volcanus amulet to the shadow plane to make the chthulu's gps signal error out.

So they never killed the old gods. Nor did they truly kill Jaze, they fragmented his "soul" and held it ghostbusters containment trap style in six soul gems from the demilich.

[Talakeal]

When the spiders exploded within the physical prison they tore a rift that sucked Jaze and Volcanus through. This also expelled seraphim and the clerics from Ko. Volcanus got booted back into the prison and then killed by chthulu who never made it all the way through.

Jaze who managed to latch his metaphorical self to a star spawn now occupied a formidable physical form which was eventually killed as he sought to prevent the ship from moving.

The spiritual manifestation of Jaze was captured by the clerics hijacking the soul capturing ability of Ko. They then shifted the Volcanus amulet to the shadow plane to make the chthulu's gps signal error out.

So they never killed the old gods. Nor did they truly kill Jaze, they fragmented his "soul" and held it ghostbusters containment trap style in six soul gems from the demilich.

Gotcha. Thank you.

[GrayDeath]

Ah, I really want to read the reunion Campaign now.

Really REALLY....

Please?

[Mith]

I thought Demi Liches devoured souls that are trapped in the soul gems? The gems serve as a larder of sorts.

[BilltheCynic]

Ah, I really want to read the reunion Campaign now.

Really REALLY....

Please?

Personally I think it would be hilarious if the "reunion campaign" is the players coming in as new, low level PCs on a quest to overthrow the tyrannical Cattle Driving Necromancers.

[Traab]

Personally I think it would be hilarious if the "reunion campaign" is the players coming in as new, low level PCs on a quest to overthrow the tyrannical Cattle Driving Necromancers.

An interesting idea would be to do this all long distance, but run a campaign where they have their falling out and are now at war with each other. The dm basically is the go between for each of their moves as they manipulate their armies and such to fight a multi way empire war. I think Azzie and Seraph would team up, the lich duo would be another faction of course, then doc and his mordorish army, and of course ares and veritas. It would be complicated as hell to setup a rule system for them but I think that would be incredibly fun to play with.

Might even involve some homebrew classes as it sounds like each of them has advanced in an unusual way. Take Azzie. He is a shadow lord vampire high priest of an old one. Thats a complex mix of skills. It sounds like the lich duo have each worked to develop new and unusual forms of undeath. There is no telling what they are capable of. Doc of course has bred an entire army of interesting multi breed beings. Seraph has probably advanced the least, but im sure she could easily create some sort of uber vamp to have evolved into. Something like this (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Vampire_Highlord_(3.5e_Creature)) as an example. Or this one (https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Vampire_Lord_(3.5e_Prestige_Class))

[RatElemental]

I just have to say... Well, that was a wild ride. Totally worth reading from start to finish, and lucky I caught this on the front page, not sure I'd have found any of Kaveman's logs otherwise.

[Kaveman26]

An interesting idea would be to do this all long distance, but run a campaign where they have their falling out and are now at war with each other. The dm basically is the go between for each of their moves as they manipulate their armies and such to fight a multi way empire war. I think Azzie and Seraph would team up, the lich duo would be another faction of course, then doc and his mordorish army, and of course ares and veritas. It would be complicated as hell to setup a rule system for them but I think that would be incredibly fun to play with.

Might even involve some homebrew classes as it sounds like each of them has advanced in an unusual way. Take Azzie. He is a shadow lord vampire high priest of an old one. Thats a complex mix of skills. It sounds like the lich duo have each worked to develop new and unusual forms of undeath. There is no telling what they are capable of. Doc of course has bred an entire army of interesting multi breed beings. Seraph has probably advanced the least, but im sure she could easily create some sort of uber vamp to have evolved into. Something like this (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Vampire_Highlord_(3.5e_Creature)) as an example. Or this one (https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Vampire_Lord_(3.5e_Prestige_Class))


I have given some thought to a "reunion campaign". I could see it breaking down a few different ways.

*As mentioned above: They have to bring in a band of lower level adventurers to remove the now diversified and separated U.C.

*A PvP campaign where they go after each other for dominance of the world. I would need to create a system where there are limits for wealth, number of minions/cohorts etc. That would be a logistical nightmare but potentially a blast.

*Wait for Starfinder and take them cosmic.

We will see, I have two shorter campaigns where I actually got to play in I will likely share first (at some point) and we are gearing up for a third so I got time left to plan and determine what I would do next.

[Traab]

I have given some thought to a "reunion campaign". I could see it breaking down a few different ways.

*As mentioned above: They have to bring in a band of lower level adventurers to remove the now diversified and separated U.C.

*A PvP campaign where they go after each other for dominance of the world. I would need to create a system where there are limits for wealth, number of minions/cohorts etc. That would be a logistical nightmare but potentially a blast.

*Wait for Starfinder and take them cosmic.

We will see, I have two shorter campaigns where I actually got to play in I will likely share first (at some point) and we are gearing up for a third so I got time left to plan and determine what I would do next.

If you do continue the campaign, whats the plan for the players? I mean, do they basically just get to be epic level versions of themselves? So epic vamp, lich, etc? Or would you actually work to include some of this extra stuff they had in their epilogues?

[Kaveman26]

I'm not sure. Working in some of their story type achievements would be neat and lend heavily towards a pvp adventure. Establishing some limitations would be tricky part.

I keep coming back to adding a unique template or bonus to each character and advancing them to level 20. Then have a pool of like 200HD of subordinates, and that where I get hung up. Balance of any kind at that point is impossible.

[Anxe]

Still, seems like you could get a sequel campaign of some sort out of this if you and your group want to. (I know we all want it)

[oshi]

Thank you very much for your efforts posting all this Kaveman :)

[Dromuthra]

I just wanted to echo the others in saying thanks for the epic journey you've taken us on. This has been one of the most clever, delightful campaigns I've had the pleasure to read, and I definitely look forward to seeing what happens next (and obviously any campaign journals you just so happen to write).

As with the others, I'm excited at the prospect of a reunion campaign.

[Kane0]

Also out of curiosity, will you be staying with Pathfinder for the foreseeable future?

[Kaveman26]

We are sticking with pathfinder.

[Inevitability]

I just read through the entire story once more to ensure I didn't miss anything, and I must say it's even better that way. Kaveman, you've truly created a work of art here. :smallsmile:

[FocusWolf413]

Check out his new campaign log!!

[Norin]

Check out his new campaign log!!

Where can i find this?

[GnomishPride]

Where can i find this?

Ask and ye shall recieve
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?503465-Making-Cambodia-Look-Like-Kansas-Campaign-Log

[Demon 997]

I have given some thought to a "reunion campaign". I could see it breaking down a few different ways.

*As mentioned above: They have to bring in a band of lower level adventurers to remove the now diversified and separated U.C.

*A PvP campaign where they go after each other for dominance of the world. I would need to create a system where there are limits for wealth, number of minions/cohorts etc. That would be a logistical nightmare but potentially a blast.

*Wait for Starfinder and take them cosmic.

We will see, I have two shorter campaigns where I actually got to play in I will likely share first (at some point) and we are gearing up for a third so I got time left to plan and determine what I would do next.

What about the Ithlids coming back and betraying them, and the Necroranchers heading into space, or leading a counter invasion? Or just flat out trying to survive on their own world. You could likely contrive some plot reason that removes much of the followers/gear that would make it so hard to balance.

[Traab]

What about the Ithlids coming back and betraying them, and the Necroranchers heading into space, or leading a counter invasion? Or just flat out trying to survive on their own world. You could likely contrive some plot reason that removes much of the followers/gear that would make it so hard to balance.

Something simple like, they bomb the hell out of the ranchers empires from orbit, then have to come in and land to track them down as they know damn well that none of them are that easy to kill. Or possibly the crew are having their once a millenium get together on the ship or whenever it is, when suddenly the whole place is rocked with explosions. They storm outside and see another ship landing after having wiped out their escorts. We get a "The deal is off, my people wish to continue investigating the blah blah blah" And now its a fight to the death. Our crew are much stronger than they were when the deal was struck, so they are not going to be easy to take down, even with the illithid knowing more or less what their weaknesses are.

[Kane0]

Don't forget to add this one to your signature, Kaveman!

[Algeh]

Oops.

In the place of my original, redundant post, I'll now ask something I was curious about at the time but didn't get around to asking until now: during the Giant Exposition Dump with the Dumbellas, how did you handle that in-game? Did you write it all down and hand it out between sessions, have the players spend a session reading it, narrate it all for them, or...?

[Kaveman26]

Oops.

In the place of my original, redundant post, I'll now ask something I was curious about at the time but didn't get around to asking until now: during the Giant Exposition Dump with the Dumbellas, how did you handle that in-game? Did you write it all down and hand it out between sessions, have the players spend a session reading it, narrate it all for them, or...?


It was something I handed out between sessions. Gave them time to digest and assemble questions etc.


Appendices and Notes: A few odds and ends some reveal the ending of the campaign.

Some of you may have noticed that Gup the Stockholm broken rogue and the were dwarves+gnoll vanished. I had aspirations for them to have started a lycanthrope revolution outside of the Ark as a means to create conflict when they exited the dungeon. As leaving the dungeon became non existent I abandoned that potential development and simply left them as having run off.

Originally, as in before the first session, I had envisioned a scenario where the group would have assembled an alliance with various factions and opened a manageable hole to the prison where some of the horror of horrors would leak out until Volcanus would force Jaze to flee to the physical world where they would fight him. The end result somewhat came down to this, but in a dramatically different fashion.

I had an entire sub-story arc in mind where they would have to recover some artifact quality weapons and items to give them an edge. That also got scrapped.

When they prepped for the arrival of the Illithid Fleet, Azzie wanted to have everyone waiting at the entrance to the derelict Ark with their hands in their pockets while whistling. While chuckle worthy it was vetoed.

There was going to be a Giant Prison System much akin to the Undead Habitat, but I felt like that would feed a little too directly into their undead scheme. I didn't want them spending three full weekends farming and manipulating the giant habitat to get the right mix of HD for their giant armies. I also didn't want to hand wave it and let it happen in five minutes to save time, so I scrapped it.

[Inevitability]

So, about that map...

[Kaveman26]

I will make posting the map a priority once I get a few days off

[BilltheCynic]

Kaveman, would you be alright with someone making a thread dedicated to consolidating all of your awesome campaigns in one easy to access area, similar to this one (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?116836-The-SilverClawShift-Campaign-Archives) done for Silverclawshift? Unless you yourself want to do so, of course.

[Kaveman26]

I am cool with that.

[BilltheCynic]

I am cool with that.

Excellent! Starting and working on it now, but time's a precious resource on my end so I don't know when it will be finished. I'm taking the liberty of naming chapters that were simply labled as "Session X" to make browsing easier whiling leaving chapter names that you devised. Hope you're alright with that. I will of course link to the original thread for each campaign journal.

As a side note, I really want to make sure I get all of the campaign journals Kaveman has done, so if anyone can think of any that I missed that would be great. So far I have:

An Adversarial Process (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?240332-An-Adversarial-Process-Campaign-Recap)
CalimShaw-Shank Redemtion (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?244374-The-CalimShaw-Shank-Redemption-Campaign-Log)
City State of the Enigmatic Overgnome (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?245994-City-State-of-the-Enigmatic-Overgnome-Recap)
The Big One (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?247997-The-Big-One-Campagin-Log)
Chaotic Goodfellas (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?245596-Chaotic-Goodfellas-Campaign-Recap)
The Little Big One (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?309668-Little-Big-One-Campagin-Log-Part-Two)
The Greatest Story Ever Rolled (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?270639-Greatest-Story-Ever-Rolled-Final-Recap)
The Ones that Went Wrong (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?270620-Worst-Campaigns-Recap)
Cattle Driving Necromancers (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?325177-Cattle-Driving-Necromancers-Bizarre-Campaign-Journal)
Making Cambodia Look Like Kansas (In progress) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?325177-Cattle-Driving-Necromancers-Bizarre-Campaign-Journal)

[Kaveman26]

Excellent! Starting and working on it now, but time's a precious resource on my end so I don't know when it will be finished. I'm taking the liberty of naming chapters that were simply labled as "Session X" to make browsing easier whiling leaving chapter names that you devised. Hope you're alright with that. I will of course link to the original thread for each campaign journal.

As a side note, I really want to make sure I get all of the campaign journals Kaveman has done, so if anyone can think of any that I missed that would be great. So far I have:

An Adversarial Process (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?240332-An-Adversarial-Process-Campaign-Recap)
CalimShaw-Shank Redemtion (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?244374-The-CalimShaw-Shank-Redemption-Campaign-Log)
City State of the Enigmatic Overgnome (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?245994-City-State-of-the-Enigmatic-Overgnome-Recap)
The Big One (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?247997-The-Big-One-Campagin-Log)
Chaotic Goodfellas (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?245596-Chaotic-Goodfellas-Campaign-Recap)
The Little Big One (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?309668-Little-Big-One-Campagin-Log-Part-Two)
The Greatest Story Ever Rolled (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?270639-Greatest-Story-Ever-Rolled-Final-Recap)
The Ones that Went Wrong (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?270620-Worst-Campaigns-Recap)
Cattle Driving Necromancers (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?325177-Cattle-Driving-Necromancers-Bizarre-Campaign-Journal)
Making Cambodia Look Like Kansas (In progress) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?325177-Cattle-Driving-Necromancers-Bizarre-Campaign-Journal)


I forgot about the greatest story thread, that one got left unfinished.

[red_kangaroo]

I just want to say how awsome reading this was! :smallsmile:

[Kaveman26]

I just want to say how awsome reading this was! :smallsmile:

My thanks to all who posted comments along these lines. Took a little over two years from start to finish but it was worth the hand cramping and obsessive note taking

[red_kangaroo]

Speaking of which, I know you have other campaigns to play, but Pathfinder has some interesting (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/kingdom-building) rules (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/mass-combat) for clashing empires. :smallbiggrin:

[Kaveman26]

We looked at mass combat and talked about a pvp reunion. I came up with what I hope would be an innovative follow up for the same six characters.

I am going to finish the short campaign recap currently running. Then we are doing a dark sun themed mid length run (7th to 10th) or so.


Following that....so maybe three to four months from now I am possibly revisiting the necromancers. Got to see if I can flesh out my concept

[Mith]

I forgot about the greatest story thread, that one got left unfinished.


Do you ever plan to finish the story? Or do you think you will leave it as is?

[Forumlurker]

After two days, three nights, and at LEAST 12 hours of reading, I've finally reached the end of this thread. A huge thanks to Kaveman (and his players) for creating this absolutely superb campaign journal.

[NecroDancer]

So I just finished the campaign log. Who says evil parties can't work together?

However I did get lost around the end of the campaign, would it be to much to ask for a synopsis of the adventures of the Undead Cowboys?

EDIT: wait, I just re-read the thread, I now know who Volcanus is and How the UC stopped him.

EDIT: Don't type using a phone keyboard, it's sh*t.

[Inevitability]

EDIT: wait, I just retread the thread, know I know who Elinna is and why she appeared to the UC.

Could you please rephrase that sentence, preferably in a way that makes it an actual sentence?

[Inevitability]

Quick question, was Jaze's name in any way inspired by this (http://magiccards.info/wwk/en/31.html) guy?

[Kaveman26]

Quick question, was Jaze's name in any way inspired by this (http://magiccards.info/wwk/en/31.html) guy?


I stopped playing magic right around the time that card was released so partially. At the time I was building my boss's son was named Jace and I has recently had a nephew named Jaxen born. So I combined jace and Jaxen and came up with Jaze. I realized it had similarities in theme and style to The Mind Sculptor and called it a bonus

[Kaveman26]

The Next Leg of the Drive:



I have deemed myself adequately recovered from the debauched sadism that was the necromancer’s campaign to begin work on the second leg of those character’s journey. When I left off they had parted their separate ways having eliminated the threat of Jaze and extorting a peace treaty with the Illithid. For the purposes of the campaign a full century has passed wherein the players have each carved out seats of power for themselves.

Here is what I am certain of: (or mostly certain of…feedback will possibly alter things)


They will be reuniting to mark the century and receive the Illithid Envoy for the first time.

Characters will be level 20 and will be given capacity to retrain their characters layouts.

Each character is going to be given a unique Player/DM created aspect specific to their character. For Azzie’s purposes something High Priest of Hastur as a template with special talents/feats baked in.

I want to continue the Mega-Dungeon theme


What I am Considering:


Scenario 1: The Illithid No Show


The envoy does not arrive, instead a single pleading message comes in their place with the warning that the machines now think for themselves. In an extension of Jaze as a sentient bodiless form a Borg like Death Star has breached the barrier between machine and mind. It is pulling the souls and consciousness of all it encounters and placing them into mechanical bodies. Intelligent undead simply fall over inert or vanish as their minds are sucked into golem type hosts all subservient to a central intelligence. Wraiths take on cybernetic forms that are both metal and incorporeal. They are neither good nor evil, but slow and unyielding in their subjugation of all things living and dead.

Similiarties to Terminator, Skynet, Borg, Cybermen etc.

What I like: Seems to fit the concept and spirit of the initial campaign. A Death Star type dungeon could be intriguing.

Dislikes: Feels a bit too cliché and perhaps too similar to the first campaign.


Scenario 2: Too Deep and Too Greedily

A fragment of the initial breach has expanded and become a rift to the Lovecraftian chasms where sanity shatters. An eerie not quite existence pulls in the group where they must confront a reality where they are deemed the aliens and outsiders. Emphasis on horror and aberration.


Likes: If developed properly would be original and new.

Dislikes: They may deem it a vacation instead of an abomination.


Scenario 3:

The Awakening. The conquest and evolution of the necroranchers powers has caused a force long since faded to legend to reawaken. A continent rises where being of immeasureable power rise to extinguish this dangerous new flame.


Scenario 4:

The Grimoire of Cenobis Hallum: The Twins accidentally pull an Ash from Evil Dead and incant a passage that releases the spirt of the most vile and powerful necromancer in history. A being of such staggering malice that the gods themselves locked him, threw away the key and then wiped their own memories as to where he was housed. Such was his cruelty and skill that Heaven and Hell combined their resources to create an obuilette to hold him. Pit Fiends will exist hand in hand with Solars to safeguard this necromancer from being freed.

Likes: I could see this being bonkers and wild

Dislikes: None.



Looking for feedback and input as to what sounds the most promising. Leaning towards 1 or 4 but have not commited to any one idea yet. Will start a separate thread for this, but adding here because I know a lot of folks have it subscribed or get alerts on updates.

[Talakeal]

Cool ideas.

My preference would be 1, 4, 2, 3.

Three seems like it has a ton of potential but would be very hard to pull off.

It also seems like you could somehow combine the ideas of 1 and 4 into a single awesome scenario.

[halfeye]

We need a new thread, there is a site wide 50 page thread length limit and this thread has reached 49 pages already.

[LooseCannoneer]

We need a new thread, there is a site wide 50 page thread length limit and this thread has reached 49 pages already.

I think the independent thread Kaveman made for the scenario question will be an admirable thread 2.

Scenario 4 definitely has potential for crazy hijinks.

[blindsey88]

New here. Playing for 13 years (can't believe it's been that long really) and I have never DM'd a game this awesome. To throw in my vote I would say 1 would be a lot of fun but maybe it could be do the meet and greet with the flayers but a few months before the twins had awoken this necros soul and as the flayers leave it returns from ghostly scouting the world and stumbling upon a shard of Jace and uses the knowledge gleaned from that one piece to tag along with the leaving vessel and combine with the tech and Jace with him being the over riding assimilating... nevermind you could do the same thing with out combining them and wasting the greater evil dead idea. Sorry I'll go away now. Great campaign.

[NecroDancer]

I'd really enjoy to see option 4

[Kane0]

I vote a combination of 2 and 4. Turn the rules upside down and introduce beings that are nigh impossible to reason with or double cross.

Also Slaadi, because they are underused and underappreciated.

[Hrafngar]

Hey there Kaveman, amazing campaign log. It sounds like you have an incredibly fun gaming group there. I was curious if you were still planning to upload the maps for this. I am very interested to see the layout of the ship.

[VariaVespasa]

That probably was the ... bad move he mentioned.
I mean honestly, thats a level of OotS First Chapter Incompetence in Spot....

Yeah, I dont agree with a spot roll being needed to see the blatantly @&*@^# obvious in the first place. To notice stuff BEHIND the hall-filling dragon maybe, but that was just stupid.