The cleric at my table did something that caused me to improvise more than usual. Even after reading through articles and monster manual entries for ideas... I'm still drawing blanks for some odd reason. I like to share the info of the campaign thusfar and hope someone has interesting ideas to kickstart my own creativity once more as well. Thanks in advance.
For those familiar with the adventure module Red Hand of Doom... that is what is the backdrop of my current campaign. And the main adventure the group is starting on right now. Meaning all goblinoid tribes have gathered under the leadership of a half dragon/half goblin that is the cleric of Tiamat. His goal is to summon Tiamat into this world. For that he needs lots of stuff...once of which is blood sacrifices. What better way to get this blood then to use the hate of these goblinoids towards the human settlements. Leading to a war that is guranteed to cause a lot of death...and blood spoilage.
back info thusfar...a lot.
They left the capital, Brindol, to go north. Along the way they stopped at Witchcross where they dealt with a green hag. Had a quick visit to Hades which eventually led to the village being attacked by devils that wanted to free the hag. Afterwards they traveled further north to Blasingdell (Forge of Fury module). A mining colony at the foothold of a mountain. Predominantly dwarven with racial tensions with half-orcs. This place was under frequent harassment raids from orcs that appeared out of nowhere. The group fought against such a raid together with the militia, went into the mountains afterwards. Traveled through some woods with strong Fey connections that had some fun stuff. After a few days high in the mountains there was a plateau with pine trees and a very old ruined fortress embedded into the rocky surface.
The group dealt with orcs and learned those were hired mercs and not just a group of wildlings. There was a group of Duergar further in that were providing a group with arms through the Underdark. Fought against a young Black dragon in its watery lair. Also the very wounded barbarian was lured in by a beautiful women... that was a succubus and killed him. Then took the barbarian's place in the group without the others knowing for a while.
When back in Blasingdell the cleric immediately went to the local "library" to research all he could regarding devils and demons for two days straight. the rogue bard went to turn in all the quests, get the rewards, make some other deals for his future endeavors and then spend the remaining time tinkering new beyblades. druid was still recovering from a broken leg, gotten during the dragon fight, and was stuck to the local saloon. I gave the mining village a western theme and feel. After the time had past they resumed their journey back to Brindol. Stopping shortly in Witchcross for some minor negotiations since the cleric eventually wants to use the Hag's lair, previous monastary, as his future keep.
Back in Brindol everyone scattered to do their own thing. Some crafting, shopping etc. The cleric went to the mage for a business deal and getting some names for potential employees. Around that time the rogue/bard also got the information that an auction was soon to happen. Since he still wants to sell ancient dwarven stuff he found along their journey. When done everyone naturally got together at the market and from there decided to visit the Captain of Brindol. Reporting about all they were send out to do and their findings. They were all lead into the War Room to report and turned into a cool social RP sequence. Cleric worried about devil infiltration and securities measures need to be increased. Learning more about the strategic/tactical stuff going on and how their findings fit in with the larger picture. Gaining trust by the council and becoming their "task force" with a base of operations in town, a seal to gain access and privileges etc. With the information the group has multiple options. They can do as the Lord asked and go to Drellin's Ferry and see what is happening there. Or follow their own conclusions to other locations such as Hammerfast Hold and trying to find a way into the Underdark etc. First they want to take care of the Auction and Investigations in town.
During this interaction however I asked the cleric to do a perception check. He rolled high and through his research noticed that the Spymaster of the Council was wearing similar symbolic representation of a devil faction. Without knowing what faction exactly. So he took the Captain aside to share this information. Due to political reasons they couldn't just accuse and arrest the Spymaster without evidence. As the group was asked to get closer to the Table for tactical briefing the cleric pretended to stumble and grab the Spymaster. He didn't go through anything so no illusion. After the meeting in the hallway he could cast spells again, but instead asked the High Priestess of teh council to cast Zone of Truth. Asking questions which the Spymaster could mostly redirect smartly. "Did you, or have you, contacted devils?" <--- yeah so the Spymaster had no choice but to answer YES. However not every devil faction is "bad" depending on how you use them, but the cleric wanted to know nothing of it. Which is hypocritical seeing he made deals as well with a devil. The guards took the SPymaster away for further interrogations, but is not arrested due to the political nature. The cleric wants to spend the next session investigating all the real estate the spymaster owns. Hoping to find something.
So there is where I'm stuck at the moment. What kind of investigation to do...what to let the cleric find. Also the deal the cleric made with the devil means I can still take control of the cleric for a total of 3 days. Perhaps letting the cleric investigate stuff, but in his eyes it looks different than what really is in front of him or something. Since we've gone a few sessions without combat, it is time to add that into the mix as well.
As for the auction. That has some interesting individuals showing up. A young brass dragon polymorhped as a jovial halfling that just loves good stories. Enemies of Brindol pretending to be merchants. Was thinking of a Rakshasa for this. I also have some of this merchant convoy infiltrate other disguised creatures into Brindol for later purposes. A nobleman that is the head of the assassins, but nobody knows that. He is just a export dude to everyone.
That is all the info/hooks/situations going on at the minute. Hoping to have provided enough to share suggestions with something that'll fit in and connect nicely with it all.
If I were going down the devil route then I might go for a cabal of Succubi/Inccubi led by a Cambion. The Succubi/Inccubi can use their shapechange ability to inpersonate anyone so one of them is masquarading as the spymaster while a couple of others are pretending to be servants at one of his houses. If the party investigate the house then the could potentially find the real spymaster chained up and being used as a plaything.
The Rakshasa could be part of that cabal bringing dopplegangers or changlelings with a view to take over the town to create theirr own base from which to branch out and gain foot holds in other locations, using the conflicts in the area to hide their comings and goings, sending in scouts amoungst refugees, making some money and making deals/pacts with soldiers akin to giving them the magic initiate feat and a cantrip like booming blade, the deals are actually worded in such a way as the soldiers think they are getting magical weapons and the deal guarantee their survival of a battle but in the small print is a clause that upon their death their soul goes to (insert fiend) and there is nothing to stop the fiends "harvesting" the soldiers immediately after the battle. In that way the party could also stumble upon a small encmapment of soldiers celebratign after a battle that all start to convulse and vomit and fall over dead, investigating reveals heavily poisoned food supplies, using spells like speak with dead or revivify fail as the soul is not present to talk to.
The Cabal can be either affiliated to the Tiamat cult or a rival faction "piggy backing" on the slaughter with a view to siphon the power for their own ritual.
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That is just the stuff going on for half the group. So much to keep track of. And that while they don't really enjoy politics/intrigue and just want combat.
The goal is to teach the players that devils shouldn't be automatically dismissed as evil. Especially since the Blood War plays a decent amount into this campaign. More and more so as we progress in tiers of play.
I was thinking. What if the great-great-great-grandparent of the spymaster once made a deal with a devil. And now that lingers through all the consecutive generations. A deal once made when the valley was under attack of the demons and they fought to guard against it. No idea about further details.
The idea of little deals here and there is indeed something I've been playing with. Especially with the upcoming auction where a devil will walk in. The one that the cleric made his deal with. What perfect "innocent" place to make deals. Plenty of nobles willing to do something to get ahead of the competition after all. Don't even have to be soul-deals. Just things that start the corruption of the soul is sufficient and seems more innocent. Once again I have to think this through more with how the cleric might react to it. Don't want another scene to happen hehe.
I had a small side adventure/dungeon made where the group could stumble on a Tiamat cultist near a portal. Trying to activate the long dormant portal in order to let a green Abishai through with his Cambion and hellhound companion. How would the abishai and such fit in the larger scheme of things as a recurring element though?
Changelings/Doppelgangers suggestion is used in smaller degree in Terrelton. A place where corruption is heavy. One changeling had taken the place of a leading figure. Group doesn't know this, because they didn't get this hook when they passed through. Instead they ended up investigating illegal mining activities that let the hunter in gaining a Kruthik hatchling as pet.
The Rakshasha merchant group are the evil people getting in unnoticed. As with all wars trying to weaken Brindol from within. Among them an Arachne which is half spider/half woman can shapeshift and pretend to be a female nurse when the war truly starts. For now these "merchants" are just having a look around. Potentially buyign 1 or 2 items that increase checks for Rituals. Which the Cleric of Tiamat would surely like using when presented as a gift. It could indeed also be another faction, or splinter cell of the "terrorist" Tiamat Cult.
Investigating and finding the real Spymaster. Isn't this a cliche trope? As a player would you find this satisfying? It would also show the devil threat is real and can reach even the highest echelon's of society... but still... And how would you expand on that to also add some combat elements?
Had some time to think about this. What if the current spymaster is a shapechanging Oni that has taken the place of the original Spymaster. The Oni are intelligent, charismatic horrible creatures that would fit the bill. They want to see the world be burned down to the ground since in their eyes it deserves too. Most are also seen as "ogre magi". A group of monsters that are aligned with the Red Hand army. Oni also want to play games, torment and be cruel while wanting to be in positions of power. Sounds like a perfect fit in my opinion. Also breaks the trope of yet another doppelganger etc.
Oni's hunt down people in cruel games of "hide and go seek". Tearing people apart more for the fun and sport and less for eating them. Which can be used as things the players can stumble upon in their search/investigation. Eventually finding the real Spymaster in one the houses. Think I'll place the house near the loud and rowdy theater on the edge towards the slums. The loud noises from the theater can mask the pains of scream and torment coming from the house. While the slums could be the hunting grounds for the Oni. Who cares if some of the lower class "disappear" after all. Meaning little to no additional attention to the Oni itself. Since the Oni can change shapes it would've just "rented" out the building to itself when impersonating someone else. As to not create an obvious paper trail. Using either Darkness or Invisibility to move things in and out of that building if needed.
Reason the Oni hasn't killed the spymaster is to keep appearances up. If someone talks to the Oni and it doesn't have any answers etc. Then it can torment the real Spymaster for it. However what if the Spymaster slipped through a few white lies. Hoping that some of her more observing followers would pick up on it and do their own investigation. Eventually collaborating with the PC's in the search. This could be used as a nice "plot twist" since the players currently believe the Spymaster is evul and assume the same of those working for her.
The Oni in the Spymaster's position would've probably also used that power to send out Assassination contracts. Taking care of groups of adventurers/mercs/scouts that got in to deep. Also explaining why the party got attacked by assassin's on their journey. A hole that I can now plug as well since I had no background motivation to have done so. Other then introduce some black onyx symbology for the rogue/bard to use. In his search for connections with the "underground".
Now I can reverse engineer an interesting CSI "Adventure" with all that information. Struggling with a potential interesting encounter. Oni's don't really fight, let alone to the death. And an Oni alone wouldn't be interesting. What else would fit as allies to the Oni to help make for a more challenging and interesting group though. Some summoned Hell Hounds gifted by the Cleric of Tiamat? Meaning people around the house might've picked up on a sulfur acidic smell if the wind blows the wrong way? Some Hobgoblins using illusions to look like subordinates of the Spymaster to aid the Oni... Also dropping in a coded message that the players can try to decode. However I'm not planning to drop a cipher until they stumble upon Vraath Keep with more tactical information. And players love the moments of "ah ha" and foreshadowing. Would be cool as it shows how close the threat of the enemy has come. That Brindol is on the defense and now with the aid of the PC's can try to slowly gain momentum... Making this much more rewarding overall.
So far. Thanks for the help getting my brain to work again :P
p.s. I eventually want to use the succubus the group has basically freed and unleashed themselves. However it is to early in my opinion. I rather wait till they have almost forgotten about it. And then re-introduce it in a heinous way. Right now they're too alert and suspicious. That needs to fade a bit over time for a succubus to work once more.
Been working on this side adventure/investigation quite a bit. Got most of it worked out. Am hoping some people would take a look at the Investigation aspect. There are still 2 scenes I need to come up with clues. Can't really think of any at the moment. Suggestions more then welcome. As well as comments on whether the current clues etc make enough sense to have the group come to a conclusion of sorts. Just need to figure out the final 2 scenes to tie it all together. Love some help with those.
The cleric at my table did something that caused me to improvise more than usual. Even after reading through articles and monster manual entries for ideas... I'm still drawing blanks for some odd reason. I like to share the info of the campaign thusfar and hope someone has interesting ideas to kickstart my own creativity once more as well. Thanks in advance.
For those familiar with the adventure module Red Hand of Doom... that is what is the backdrop of my current campaign. And the main adventure the group is starting on right now. Meaning all goblinoid tribes have gathered under the leadership of a half dragon/half goblin that is the cleric of Tiamat. His goal is to summon Tiamat into this world. For that he needs lots of stuff...once of which is blood sacrifices. What better way to get this blood then to use the hate of these goblinoids towards the human settlements. Leading to a war that is guranteed to cause a lot of death...and blood spoilage.
back info thusfar...a lot.
They left the capital, Brindol, to go north. Along the way they stopped at Witchcross where they dealt with a green hag. Had a quick visit to Hades which eventually led to the village being attacked by devils that wanted to free the hag. Afterwards they traveled further north to Blasingdell (Forge of Fury module). A mining colony at the foothold of a mountain. Predominantly dwarven with racial tensions with half-orcs. This place was under frequent harassment raids from orcs that appeared out of nowhere. The group fought against such a raid together with the militia, went into the mountains afterwards. Traveled through some woods with strong Fey connections that had some fun stuff. After a few days high in the mountains there was a plateau with pine trees and a very old ruined fortress embedded into the rocky surface.
The group dealt with orcs and learned those were hired mercs and not just a group of wildlings. There was a group of Duergar further in that were providing a group with arms through the Underdark. Fought against a young Black dragon in its watery lair. Also the very wounded barbarian was lured in by a beautiful women... that was a succubus and killed him. Then took the barbarian's place in the group without the others knowing for a while.
When back in Blasingdell the cleric immediately went to the local "library" to research all he could regarding devils and demons for two days straight. the rogue bard went to turn in all the quests, get the rewards, make some other deals for his future endeavors and then spend the remaining time tinkering new beyblades. druid was still recovering from a broken leg, gotten during the dragon fight, and was stuck to the local saloon. I gave the mining village a western theme and feel. After the time had past they resumed their journey back to Brindol. Stopping shortly in Witchcross for some minor negotiations since the cleric eventually wants to use the Hag's lair, previous monastary, as his future keep.
Back in Brindol everyone scattered to do their own thing. Some crafting, shopping etc. The cleric went to the mage for a business deal and getting some names for potential employees. Around that time the rogue/bard also got the information that an auction was soon to happen. Since he still wants to sell ancient dwarven stuff he found along their journey. When done everyone naturally got together at the market and from there decided to visit the Captain of Brindol. Reporting about all they were send out to do and their findings. They were all lead into the War Room to report and turned into a cool social RP sequence. Cleric worried about devil infiltration and securities measures need to be increased. Learning more about the strategic/tactical stuff going on and how their findings fit in with the larger picture. Gaining trust by the council and becoming their "task force" with a base of operations in town, a seal to gain access and privileges etc. With the information the group has multiple options. They can do as the Lord asked and go to Drellin's Ferry and see what is happening there. Or follow their own conclusions to other locations such as Hammerfast Hold and trying to find a way into the Underdark etc. First they want to take care of the Auction and Investigations in town.
During this interaction however I asked the cleric to do a perception check. He rolled high and through his research noticed that the Spymaster of the Council was wearing similar symbolic representation of a devil faction. Without knowing what faction exactly. So he took the Captain aside to share this information. Due to political reasons they couldn't just accuse and arrest the Spymaster without evidence. As the group was asked to get closer to the Table for tactical briefing the cleric pretended to stumble and grab the Spymaster. He didn't go through anything so no illusion. After the meeting in the hallway he could cast spells again, but instead asked the High Priestess of teh council to cast Zone of Truth. Asking questions which the Spymaster could mostly redirect smartly. "Did you, or have you, contacted devils?" <--- yeah so the Spymaster had no choice but to answer YES. However not every devil faction is "bad" depending on how you use them, but the cleric wanted to know nothing of it. Which is hypocritical seeing he made deals as well with a devil. The guards took the SPymaster away for further interrogations, but is not arrested due to the political nature. The cleric wants to spend the next session investigating all the real estate the spymaster owns. Hoping to find something.
So there is where I'm stuck at the moment. What kind of investigation to do...what to let the cleric find. Also the deal the cleric made with the devil means I can still take control of the cleric for a total of 3 days. Perhaps letting the cleric investigate stuff, but in his eyes it looks different than what really is in front of him or something. Since we've gone a few sessions without combat, it is time to add that into the mix as well.
As for the auction. That has some interesting individuals showing up. A young brass dragon polymorhped as a jovial halfling that just loves good stories. Enemies of Brindol pretending to be merchants. Was thinking of a Rakshasa for this. I also have some of this merchant convoy infiltrate other disguised creatures into Brindol for later purposes. A nobleman that is the head of the assassins, but nobody knows that. He is just a export dude to everyone.
That is all the info/hooks/situations going on at the minute. Hoping to have provided enough to share suggestions with something that'll fit in and connect nicely with it all.
Thats a lot of stuff going on and sounds awesome!
If I were going down the devil route then I might go for a cabal of Succubi/Inccubi led by a Cambion. The Succubi/Inccubi can use their shapechange ability to inpersonate anyone so one of them is masquarading as the spymaster while a couple of others are pretending to be servants at one of his houses. If the party investigate the house then the could potentially find the real spymaster chained up and being used as a plaything.
The Rakshasa could be part of that cabal bringing dopplegangers or changlelings with a view to take over the town to create theirr own base from which to branch out and gain foot holds in other locations, using the conflicts in the area to hide their comings and goings, sending in scouts amoungst refugees, making some money and making deals/pacts with soldiers akin to giving them the magic initiate feat and a cantrip like booming blade, the deals are actually worded in such a way as the soldiers think they are getting magical weapons and the deal guarantee their survival of a battle but in the small print is a clause that upon their death their soul goes to (insert fiend) and there is nothing to stop the fiends "harvesting" the soldiers immediately after the battle. In that way the party could also stumble upon a small encmapment of soldiers celebratign after a battle that all start to convulse and vomit and fall over dead, investigating reveals heavily poisoned food supplies, using spells like speak with dead or revivify fail as the soul is not present to talk to.
The Cabal can be either affiliated to the Tiamat cult or a rival faction "piggy backing" on the slaughter with a view to siphon the power for their own ritual.
That is just the stuff going on for half the group. So much to keep track of. And that while they don't really enjoy politics/intrigue and just want combat.
The goal is to teach the players that devils shouldn't be automatically dismissed as evil. Especially since the Blood War plays a decent amount into this campaign. More and more so as we progress in tiers of play.
I was thinking. What if the great-great-great-grandparent of the spymaster once made a deal with a devil. And now that lingers through all the consecutive generations. A deal once made when the valley was under attack of the demons and they fought to guard against it. No idea about further details.
The idea of little deals here and there is indeed something I've been playing with. Especially with the upcoming auction where a devil will walk in. The one that the cleric made his deal with. What perfect "innocent" place to make deals. Plenty of nobles willing to do something to get ahead of the competition after all. Don't even have to be soul-deals. Just things that start the corruption of the soul is sufficient and seems more innocent. Once again I have to think this through more with how the cleric might react to it. Don't want another scene to happen hehe.
I had a small side adventure/dungeon made where the group could stumble on a Tiamat cultist near a portal. Trying to activate the long dormant portal in order to let a green Abishai through with his Cambion and hellhound companion. How would the abishai and such fit in the larger scheme of things as a recurring element though?
Changelings/Doppelgangers suggestion is used in smaller degree in Terrelton. A place where corruption is heavy. One changeling had taken the place of a leading figure. Group doesn't know this, because they didn't get this hook when they passed through. Instead they ended up investigating illegal mining activities that let the hunter in gaining a Kruthik hatchling as pet.
The Rakshasha merchant group are the evil people getting in unnoticed. As with all wars trying to weaken Brindol from within. Among them an Arachne which is half spider/half woman can shapeshift and pretend to be a female nurse when the war truly starts. For now these "merchants" are just having a look around. Potentially buyign 1 or 2 items that increase checks for Rituals. Which the Cleric of Tiamat would surely like using when presented as a gift. It could indeed also be another faction, or splinter cell of the "terrorist" Tiamat Cult.
Investigating and finding the real Spymaster. Isn't this a cliche trope? As a player would you find this satisfying? It would also show the devil threat is real and can reach even the highest echelon's of society... but still... And how would you expand on that to also add some combat elements?
Had some time to think about this. What if the current spymaster is a shapechanging Oni that has taken the place of the original Spymaster. The Oni are intelligent, charismatic horrible creatures that would fit the bill. They want to see the world be burned down to the ground since in their eyes it deserves too. Most are also seen as "ogre magi". A group of monsters that are aligned with the Red Hand army. Oni also want to play games, torment and be cruel while wanting to be in positions of power. Sounds like a perfect fit in my opinion. Also breaks the trope of yet another doppelganger etc.
Oni's hunt down people in cruel games of "hide and go seek". Tearing people apart more for the fun and sport and less for eating them. Which can be used as things the players can stumble upon in their search/investigation. Eventually finding the real Spymaster in one the houses. Think I'll place the house near the loud and rowdy theater on the edge towards the slums. The loud noises from the theater can mask the pains of scream and torment coming from the house. While the slums could be the hunting grounds for the Oni. Who cares if some of the lower class "disappear" after all. Meaning little to no additional attention to the Oni itself. Since the Oni can change shapes it would've just "rented" out the building to itself when impersonating someone else. As to not create an obvious paper trail. Using either Darkness or Invisibility to move things in and out of that building if needed.
Reason the Oni hasn't killed the spymaster is to keep appearances up. If someone talks to the Oni and it doesn't have any answers etc. Then it can torment the real Spymaster for it. However what if the Spymaster slipped through a few white lies. Hoping that some of her more observing followers would pick up on it and do their own investigation. Eventually collaborating with the PC's in the search. This could be used as a nice "plot twist" since the players currently believe the Spymaster is evul and assume the same of those working for her.
The Oni in the Spymaster's position would've probably also used that power to send out Assassination contracts. Taking care of groups of adventurers/mercs/scouts that got in to deep. Also explaining why the party got attacked by assassin's on their journey. A hole that I can now plug as well since I had no background motivation to have done so. Other then introduce some black onyx symbology for the rogue/bard to use. In his search for connections with the "underground".
Now I can reverse engineer an interesting CSI "Adventure" with all that information. Struggling with a potential interesting encounter. Oni's don't really fight, let alone to the death. And an Oni alone wouldn't be interesting. What else would fit as allies to the Oni to help make for a more challenging and interesting group though. Some summoned Hell Hounds gifted by the Cleric of Tiamat? Meaning people around the house might've picked up on a sulfur acidic smell if the wind blows the wrong way? Some Hobgoblins using illusions to look like subordinates of the Spymaster to aid the Oni... Also dropping in a coded message that the players can try to decode. However I'm not planning to drop a cipher until they stumble upon Vraath Keep with more tactical information. And players love the moments of "ah ha" and foreshadowing. Would be cool as it shows how close the threat of the enemy has come. That Brindol is on the defense and now with the aid of the PC's can try to slowly gain momentum... Making this much more rewarding overall.
So far. Thanks for the help getting my brain to work again :P
p.s. I eventually want to use the succubus the group has basically freed and unleashed themselves. However it is to early in my opinion. I rather wait till they have almost forgotten about it. And then re-introduce it in a heinous way. Right now they're too alert and suspicious. That needs to fade a bit over time for a succubus to work once more.
Been working on this side adventure/investigation quite a bit. Got most of it worked out. Am hoping some people would take a look at the Investigation aspect. There are still 2 scenes I need to come up with clues. Can't really think of any at the moment. Suggestions more then welcome. As well as comments on whether the current clues etc make enough sense to have the group come to a conclusion of sorts. Just need to figure out the final 2 scenes to tie it all together. Love some help with those.
It is a lengthy 7 page document on google docs.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Juw2t61fyjS9VXytZUEWXiiH4-GSA9uYWgfcZzHcsoI/edit?usp=sharing