Hey all, running DiA and my party is about to attempt to escape Elturel. I want to be prepped with some random tables/generators in case they go searching a warehouse or something like that for materials that could be used to get down from Elturel into Avernus proper. I'm having trouble finding something that would work. Anyone aware of resources out there that would be helpful here?
I think two alternatives besides Lyxen to think your options.
1. Sneaking into Mordor was technically epic too. This is that, on a downward slope. Elturel is 500' above the ground, you can use that as the distance or elongate it via some variety of the Pythagorean theorem to get the challenge you want. The module says "climbing" down the chains is fairly easy, the challenge being the magic necrotic effect which will require a lot of healing spamming. You need to be able to describe agony and despair of the clinging to soul sucking infernal iron on the party's way down. Some folks may want to use spider climb and dash it. That speed of movement would likely attract aerial harassment of some kind (my guess is infernal, I don't see abyssal forces caring as much).
2. Skydiving bait and switch. A steampunk type assists the party with a flying contraption, so the party needs to find silks and timber. Heavily assert in game doubt as to whether the scheme will even work. Either one glider for everyone to board or if you want some variety, squirrel suits. Fudge close calls at jump time, having their glider gradually fall apart on descent or the squirrel suits being more tattered. You could deal with some aerial fiend engagement if you want, but the idea is make them think the challenge was in the air but in actuality the problems start when they hit the ground, in what in tactical speak would be a "hot LZ" in the middle of a Blood War skirmish, so as soon as they land, they need to run based on the CR of the factions slugging it with each other in the landing zone.
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Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
This is an epic adventure, the PCs have to climb down infernal iron spiked chains for hundreds of meters while being harassed by flying demons and devils, and avoid falling down in the Styx or amidst a huge Blood War battle.
I'm not sure what level they are at that point, but you might want to point out that they'd better find some magical ways of going down, because looting a warehouse for ropes and improvised climbing gear is not going to cut it. Thee adventure is meant to be epic, not realistic, and it really cannot be kept low fantasy, it will only lead to failures later on.
That being said, I allowed my PCs to loot a floating assault barge using the same kind of principle and fuel as Infernal War Machines, but it was an epic ride as it ran out of fuel descending, some Pcs had cast spell, change shape, grapple flying devils, etc.
Think epic !
Thank you so much for this reply! I hadn't really been considering the moment in that frame and it really helped a lot. My party traveled from High Hall to the western edge of Eltruel, had a couple of encounters along the way, and on your advice I introduced a couple of flying infernal war machines into the setting as they were pondering how to get down. Ended the session there as the party was peeking over a wall seeing devils pour out of the machines and a barbed devil shouting instructions in infernal. Will make for a great kickoff to our next session! Thanks again :)
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Hey all, running DiA and my party is about to attempt to escape Elturel. I want to be prepped with some random tables/generators in case they go searching a warehouse or something like that for materials that could be used to get down from Elturel into Avernus proper. I'm having trouble finding something that would work. Anyone aware of resources out there that would be helpful here?
I think two alternatives besides Lyxen to think your options.
1. Sneaking into Mordor was technically epic too. This is that, on a downward slope. Elturel is 500' above the ground, you can use that as the distance or elongate it via some variety of the Pythagorean theorem to get the challenge you want. The module says "climbing" down the chains is fairly easy, the challenge being the magic necrotic effect which will require a lot of healing spamming. You need to be able to describe agony and despair of the clinging to soul sucking infernal iron on the party's way down. Some folks may want to use spider climb and dash it. That speed of movement would likely attract aerial harassment of some kind (my guess is infernal, I don't see abyssal forces caring as much).
2. Skydiving bait and switch. A steampunk type assists the party with a flying contraption, so the party needs to find silks and timber. Heavily assert in game doubt as to whether the scheme will even work. Either one glider for everyone to board or if you want some variety, squirrel suits. Fudge close calls at jump time, having their glider gradually fall apart on descent or the squirrel suits being more tattered. You could deal with some aerial fiend engagement if you want, but the idea is make them think the challenge was in the air but in actuality the problems start when they hit the ground, in what in tactical speak would be a "hot LZ" in the middle of a Blood War skirmish, so as soon as they land, they need to run based on the CR of the factions slugging it with each other in the landing zone.
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
Thank you so much for this reply! I hadn't really been considering the moment in that frame and it really helped a lot. My party traveled from High Hall to the western edge of Eltruel, had a couple of encounters along the way, and on your advice I introduced a couple of flying infernal war machines into the setting as they were pondering how to get down. Ended the session there as the party was peeking over a wall seeing devils pour out of the machines and a barbed devil shouting instructions in infernal. Will make for a great kickoff to our next session! Thanks again :)