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Con 2012 elements.

Posted by dipodomysFor group 0
dipodomys
Thu 31 May 2012
at 02:43
  • msg #2

Re: Con 2012 elements

I'll also remind you of the factions associated with Rimsedge--at least the known factions with a sitting Lord.  Recall that there are 12 Lords of Rimsedge, and that they ostensibly sit in council to decide on actions and set policy for the City.  At the current time (Paldorian Year 856), Rimsedge has been engaged in an ambitious expansionist policy, declaring war on Grang, Grang's vassal state Kai Mang, and Cazistan.  The nation of Canile has already fallen to Rimsedge troops, and the Lords have--it is said--divided the Canile's cities and provinces among themselves.

Here are the known Lords and their factions/power bases:

1. The undead nobility.  Currently there seems to be a power vacuum, with ancient vampires vying with one another to assume leadership.  In the past, the vampires were more or less united behind one or a few nobles who spoke for them.  In turn, their complete mastery of the rest of the Rimsedge undead is a significant component towards keeping a semblance of civil order.

2.  Lord Gunari, fighter Lord originally hailing from Canile and having accumulated immense wealth from slaving interests.  Currently, he is obsessed with the conquest of his homeland and converting its citizenry into slaves for other nations, other races, and other planar denizens.

3.  The Drow/Underdark contingent.  Formerly led by the Matron Lady Simovae of the House Azrinae, this power faction has virtually disappeared in the warrens and salons of Rimsedge...and the brisk trade with the Underdark that was a hallmark of Rimsedge has slowed to a mere trickle of activity.

4.  Rumor has it that a child-archmage--soulless, warlock-twisted and ravaged, with a mansion of living bone and whimpering flesh on a black isle in the poisonous mists of the Inner Sea--sits as a Lord on the Rimsedge council.

5.  Ever secretive and eschewing any distinguishing marks or characteristics beyond the voluminous gray robes and the adamantine circular collar-chain , the cowled representative(s) of the Merchant Mages provide the vital trade links between East and West and also sit on the Council.  He/they are always adressed as "Master Merchant".  A noteable and recent exception has occurred, with a fat and apparently amiable man who calls himself Proxenetes seemingly representing the Merchants.

6.  Lady Cyanosis, an ancient blue dragon from the deep ages, sits as a sixth Council member.  Her lair is said to be well outside the City, but her eyes, ears, and minions are spread throughout the City.

TBC
This message was last edited by the user at 17:00, Thu 31 May 2012.
DM
GM, 840 posts
Thu 31 May 2012
at 16:57
  • msg #3

Re: Con 2012 elements

7.  Lady TuuLikki--the "Little Wind" of the Witchharrow Wastes.  She is rumored to be absolutely ruthless and bloodthirsty, to oppose Lord Gunari, and to have no small component of dragon blood flowing in her veins.  Her interests accord mostly with the Merchant Mages and, previously, with the Underdark contingent.

8.  The Abberations.  The current Lord, it is said, appears as a kobold, but is clearly just a vessel for the powers behind this coalition.  A beholder is said to be the dominant voice in this faction, but several naga are also rumored to contend for power and force a consensus on occasion.

9.  The Thrailians.  Their current Lord/representative is unknown, but they have regained a place on the high Council.

10.  The extraplanar faction, with headquarters in Sigil.  The current Lord/representative is a Tiefling who goes by the name Comrade Kaos.

11.  The Kykeonos faction (mongrelfolk and their allies) through their leader Lathridios, a mongrelman who has been known to tend bar at the Solemn Sprite.

12.  The status of the current 12th position on the Lords' Council is generally unknown.  Rumor has it that an Eastern mage of some power has ascended to this position.
DM
GM, 841 posts
Thu 31 May 2012
at 17:06
  • msg #4

Re: Con 2012 elements

I will be posting a series of adventure hooks in the next day or so...please weigh in as to which one is most compelling to you.  This will be the route we take for the SeaCon 2012 event.

KOB
dipodomys
Thu 31 May 2012
at 17:18
  • msg #5

Re: Con 2012 elements

Adventure Hook 1, SeaCon '12:

The power imbalance in Rimsedge is trending beyond the typical unpredictable vacillations.  Infernal influences are becoming increasingly apparent.  Either the Thrailians, the Sigilites, or some unknown/unidentified faction are likely to be involved and/or responsible.  Devious allegiances and backstabbing relationships are likely to ensue, and a mix of diplomacy, investigation, and a willingness to assume unknown risks are critical to the party's success.  Will you take this path?
This message was last edited by the user at 01:52, Sat 02 June 2012.
dipodomys
Thu 31 May 2012
at 17:22
  • msg #6

Re: Con 2012 elements

Adventure Hook 2, SeaCon '12:

Per the hard-won information derived from a harrowing sojourn in the Underdark, the party has couried favor in high places.  The Merchant Mages are willing to open their trapped and guarded academy to the party, as a semi-centennial and potentially deadly challenge issued to all, but with unguessed-at rewards.  The puzzled, trapped, and guarded Merchant labyrinths await.  Will you take this path?
dipodomys
Thu 31 May 2012
at 17:29
  • msg #7

Re: Con 2012 elements

Adventure Hook 3, SeaCon '12:

The deeper underbelly of Rimsedge consists of dark and narrow confines, on occasion opening to vast and sepulchral subterranean spaces--and currently these venues compise a bloody and horrific battleground.   A vicious power struggle within the noble undead houses that have traditionally propped up a portion of the Rimsedge power structure is occuring, and these grim creatures are engaged in a terrible internecine conflict.  To complicate matters, a killer of undead stalks amongst these ancient families and powers.  Will you take this path?
This message was last edited by the user at 01:56, Sat 02 June 2012.
dipodomys
Thu 31 May 2012
at 17:39
  • msg #8

Re: Con 2012 elements

Adventure Hook 4, SeaCon '12:

Secret and unknown elements within the Kykeonos faction have offered a reward to the party--consisting of an ancient and worn deck of cards.  Lathridios is clearly reluctant to extend this object to you, indicating that only sorrow and trouble have come to pass when this obscure artifact appears.  Yet the legends of the Kykeonos claim that the small are raised to great status from these worn cards, and Lathridios' people have spoken and extended the invitation.  He is compelled by tradition and courtesy to convey this to you.  Will you take this path?
This message was last edited by the user at 01:57, Sat 02 June 2012.
dipodomys
Thu 31 May 2012
at 17:45
  • msg #9

Re: Con 2012 elements

Adventure Hook 5, SeaCon '12:

The infernal and/or abyssal influences seem to nestle within Rimsedge, but those with a degree of understanding claim that tears in the planar fabric at some remove from Rimsedge are driving the planar dynamics within the City.  In particular, an ancient monastic holding some three days' travel from the City appears to be a hotbed of planar activity.  Investigating and dealing with the inter-planar incursions in the monastery would be greatly appreciated by some Rimsedge factions, and would be opposed--perhaps violently--by others.

Will you take this path?
dipodomys
Thu 31 May 2012
at 17:53
  • msg #10

Re: Con 2012 elements

Adventure Hook 6, SeaCon '123:

As the ancient glammers and protective wards that had previously obscured the portions of the gated areas leading to the vast Underdark are failing, an anomaly makes itself apparent.  There appears to be some sort of localized planar rift near the old Underdark trading gates.  What is it, where does it lead to, and has it significance beyond the shadowy twilight of the lower depths of Rimsedge?  Could it have some connection to the Drow and their murky and Abyssal blood-drenched plans...in particular those of Allevrah and her fanatical followers?

Will you take this path?
This message was last edited by the user at 17:19, Sun 03 June 2012.
Gilrak Kilring
player, 219 posts
Mr. Charisma
Thu 31 May 2012
at 18:46
  • msg #11

Re: Con 2012 elements

Kevin,

all awesome game hooks!  Scott and I are together right now - and just read through each of them.  We're both voting for #2.

Regards,
Jas
Garryn the Grey
GM, 354 posts
60/60 HP
Rogue 7/ Thief-acrobat 3
Thu 31 May 2012
at 19:29
  • msg #12

Re: Con 2012 elements

I'm really leaning towards #2...it sounds like a good old-fashioned-TSR-style trapped dungeon crawl like White Plume Mountain. Besides, it'll mean Garryn gets blown up a few times, that always improves Mr. Holt's disposition.
DM
GM, 842 posts
Fri 1 Jun 2012
at 02:59
  • msg #13

Re: Con 2012 elements

I'd like to hear from Tara and Jen on adventure hook druthers, and then I'll start putting together and posting pre-Con info for all y'all.
Aine Cliodhna
player, 41 posts
Fri 1 Jun 2012
at 16:12
  • msg #14

Re: Con 2012 elements

In reply to dipodomys (msg #9):

Well #4 looks fascinating in a "it'll all end in tears" kinda way. I like it.

#2 is a close 2nd.
Perrato Viatomagne
player, 233 posts
Absent-minded Cleric
From Vedia, Palone
Mon 4 Jun 2012
at 08:30
  • msg #15

Re: Con 2012 elements

First choice: #2; Second choice: #4.

I think that probably makes our choice clear...
Lathridios
NPC, 0 posts
Thu 28 Jun 2012
at 16:20
  • msg #16

Re: Con 2012 elements

The Solemn Sprite is a bit slow this evening--the rusty, dust-tinged sunlight has long-since departed the walls and windows of the Rimsedge tavern.  Lathridios tends bar, quietly serving the tankards of ale and smaller shots of Phanarian whiskeys and Rhendonish vodkas.  Occasional glasses of Palonish red, Grangian sake, and Kazistani uzo appear in front of various patrons, as well.

Addressing no one and seemingly at random, the mongrelman clears his voice and begins to declaim--in a surprisingly rich and mellifluous baritone:

"It is said..."

Several of the more quiet, oddly misshapen clientele of the Sprite murmur, in unison "It is so..."

"It is said that the Merchant Mages founded this City...this Rimsedge.  Their own scholars claim to have founded the City some three centuries ago."  A pause.

"I remember," whispered from a dimly lit corner.

"The Mages founded an older Academy, it it said."

"It is so..."

Lathridios resumes.  "This Academy is an older complex, which the Mages left after all magics became ineffective within the grounds.  The Mages removed to another complex within the subterranean matrix of the City, as you know."

"It is so.."

"The old Academy has fallen into decay—the work to originally build the Academy was initiated in Paldorian Year 650 and completed sixteen years later--but that was some 200 years ago."

"It is so.."

"They say that this...complex...remained as the Mage’s academy for about 100 years, and then the complex became unusable by the Mages.  They say...that these grounds are time-locked, and no further manipulation of Time by the Mages was possible, and even simple advancement of time as perceived by mortals was not occurring.  Spell rememorization became impossible."

"It is so.."

"Dead magic zones began to appear,it is said--spreading throughout the academy.  Long-standing spells were disrupted, existing wards that bound certain extraplanar creatures were obviated, and the general stochastic dynamic—that the Mages attempted to channel and guide—overtook the Academy."

"It is so.."

"The Old Academy was abandoned and shut down, and all activities for the Mages were removed to a new complex around PY 775.  A series of keys was implemented to grant access into the physical structure of the Old Academy, to allow Mages to occasionally enter and investigate the complex.  It is said..."

"It is so.."

"...that no possibility of use or occupancy in the remaining structures was possible:  Stories are told of an itinerant Rhendonish family that had sought to use the complex as a permanent camp and settlement, as you know."

"It is so.."

"They say that the family was essentially spinning through a cycle of sameness of activity—due to the time-locked nature of the complex—until the various members began to butcher one another.  This, too, became locked into the time-loop that is rumored to be a part of the place."

The mongrelman resumes his cleaning and polishing of the various glasses at the Solemn Sprite.   "Since PY 800, there have been semi-public “openings” of the academy complex to allow independent investigators into the area.  Apparently, many of the original wards and traps are in place—maybe.  And no one to date has emerged from the complex once fully engaged."

"The Acadamy used to be opened for investigation every 10 years for a couple of decades, and once more at 25 years following that...I believe the last Opening to have been at PY 845.  There is no schedule, but an expectation exists that the field is opened again at PY 870.  This is a few years earlier...we are not entirely certain as to why."

"It is so.."
This message was last edited by the user at 16:20, Thu 28 June 2012.
Gilrak Kilring
player, 220 posts
Mr. Charisma
Tue 26 Jun 2012
at 17:58
  • msg #17

Re: Con 2012 elements

It is So... going to be a great Con Event!!

Love the build-up Kevin..
Aine Cliodhna
player, 42 posts
Wed 27 Jun 2012
at 16:47
  • msg #18

Re: Con 2012 elements

In reply to dipodomys (msg # 16):

Creeeeee-pppy!
Kerdaleos
NPC, 1 post
Thu 28 Jun 2012
at 15:48
  • msg #19

Re: Con 2012 elements

"'Tisn't what me granpappy told me 't-all, 't-all."

The pipe is refilled, the battered old pewter mug refilled with ale.

"Th' Academy started th' Openin' fer its own.  Th' students were put t' th' test...only th' most advanced, mind ye.  An' these...students...were nae striplings wi' little wide eyes an' wet behind th' ears--nae, they were mages 'ccomplished an' powerful in their own right."

A tap of the clay bowl of the long-stemmed pipe, a healthy swig of ale.

"Th' students would volunteer fer th' honor in them old days...and it were considered a honor, guv.  An' me granpappy did tell that none o' 'em come outta that Openin'...save one.  Th' Mages always been a hard lot, cullin' their best t' what end I ain't sure.  Me granpappy tol' me, 'twas cullin' th' proudest an' most difficult that were th' goal."

"Anyways, 'tis true what his honor behind th' bar says--th' Mages up an' left that Old Academy nigh on five score year ago.  Don't know th' reasons why, but musta been good 'uns.  An' as th' guv says, 'tis true that th' Mages keep th' Openin' o' th' Old Academy goin', but less so these days.  Still, 'tis a bit o' an event when th' time arrives."
This message was last updated by the user at 15:48, Thu 28 June 2012.
Ooch'ilios
NPC, 1 post
Thu 28 Jun 2012
at 16:08
  • msg #20

Re: Con 2012 elements

"No, no...do not mistake the Opening--a paltry thing of little consequence--with the attendant festivities that accompanied this event.  The Opening of the Old Academy was a Rimsedge event, with the folk and denizens of the City flocking to the grounds of the Academy...or the area surrounding the Academy in the later years...for a Rimsedge carnival.  Gladiators, minstrels, bards, wizards would perform, and the small folk would watch.  Ale and wine would flow, roasted meats and delectable savories and sweets would be hawked throughout the carnival.  The Opening itself was a brief ceremony consisting of the contestants entering the Academy buildings--although older tales speak of these students enacting feats of dweomercraft and sorcery to dazzle the crowds before they undertook entry into the Academy."

"Of late, the Openings are fewer and further between, yet they still garner a sizeable crowd, and the festivities during the ceremony are as boisterous as ever.  However, the contestants are now mercenaries, rogues, hedge wizards and entertainers, blackguards and rapscallions.  The crowd seems not to care, and indeed will cheer some favorite of theirs, steeped in infamy.  To date, though, one element of the tradition has remained true:  none have returned from the Academy."
dipodomys
Fri 13 Jul 2012
at 17:05
  • msg #21

Re: Con 2012 elements

Two weeks until we're scheduled for this year's gaming fest.  Is everyone in?  I believe Bret and Scott have plane tix...Jas?  Tara?

I'll take care of accommodations for folks.

KOB
Aine Cliodhna
player, 43 posts
Sat 14 Jul 2012
at 04:16
  • msg #22

Re: Con 2012 elements

In reply to dipodomys (msg # 21):

I can host one in a bed or two if someone doesn't mind the couch.  I'm just up the hill from Kev's place.
Gilrak Kilring
player, 221 posts
Mr. Charisma
Mon 16 Jul 2012
at 13:23
  • msg #23

Re: Con 2012 elements

My ticket's booked - looking forward to seeing all of you!!

Jas
dipodomys
Tue 31 Jul 2012
at 02:24
  • msg #24

Re: Con 2012 elements

Good times.  Thank you all, so much, for coming out here.  You guys rule, and I had a great time.

Cheers,
Kev
Perrato Viatomagne
player, 234 posts
Absent-minded Cleric
From Vedia, Palone
Tue 31 Jul 2012
at 05:35
  • msg #25

Re: Con 2012 elements

Thanks for having us, Kev (and Caroline)!

It was one of our best gatherings ever, and I'm really looking forward to our game next year, wherever we decide to hold it.

Love to all. Stay awesome!

Tara
Totmacher of the Wilds
player, 295 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2012
at 03:34
  • msg #26

Re: Con 2012 elements

In reply to Perrato Viatomagne (msg # 25):

Yes - awesome town - thanks Kevin for hosting!

It was great seeing all of you - looking forward to 2013!
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