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DMs: The Search for the Four Winds
Posted: 18 May 2007 06:23 PM |
This is an idea for a story arc that I've been talking to WA about. He's remodelled Aerialle and we've come up with an idea about why it is the way it is now, why it will change, and a quest to restore it.
Long story short: the Four Winds need to be restored to Aerialle.
As soon as I work out the details, I'll be running it over the next couple of weeks as a (mostly) low-level adventure and advertising on NWConn and other places.
More details when I get back home later.
Related reading:
* Tales of the Four Winds
* The Aeolus
* Aerialle
* The Four Winds |
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Re: DMs: The Search for the Four Winds
Posted: 11 Jun 2007 01:47 AM |
Sender: WickedArtist
Receiver: Fictrix
Sent: 11/06/2007 8:15:48 AM
Received:
Subject: "Paradise Lost" - Aerialle plot.
Message: [Message Sent to All DMs]
“More important than the nebulous threat of these Atalan is the ill wind that sweeps through our Queen’s realm. The stench of storm winds stirs in the air.”
“I have been told of incursions into the Ischlak’s Realm by one of his shamans, Great One,” the Priestess replied. “Followers of the airheaded enemy have been slaying the Ischlak’s people and plundering their wealth. It is... being dealt with.”
“See to it that it is,” the dragon snarled.
He arched his long, serpentine neck, bringing his narrow skull-like head almost down to her eye level.
“There is more. These whirlwind raids are brief and sporadic, but there is the stench nearby of a more permanent presence. A foul stormcloud lurks within our very realm. It did not come to my attention until recently... as if someone, somewhere, beneath my very nose one day converted to the windbag’s ways.”
"Find this presence. Destroy it, drive it out, be rid of it. Use whatever means you have at your disposal.”
He straightened, looking down the length of his nose again at the Half-Elf.
“I trust your priorities are clear now, Priestess.”
* * *
Shadows dance throughout the expanse of Thistle Creek, the movement of the wind their partner, blowing coldly at the few torch lights scattered here and there.
Saana had just made her way back to Thistle Creek. Her arrival ere morning twilight would not receive the usual manner that celebrated the return of all Windwalkers from their perilous travels. Her entrance into the haven she knew as home will not be accompanied by warmth and relief, but by shadows.
Shadows that danced independently of the light.
Atop the elevation that led down towards the vale, Saana watched the darkened settlement, the few torch lights scattered here and there like stars in the night sky. The wind moved the fire, and with the fire danced long shadows. The dance was mesmerizing.
She began her descent just as something caught her attention. A torchlight flickered at the edge of sight for a split second – a trick of the mind? The foreboding sensation that passed her by like an ill wind had told her otherwise.
Saana quickened her steps, those would-be tricks of lights appearing twice more.
Around her, eyes were watching. She felt she had been watched, but suspected these were merely the eyes of the tribe's guardsmen watching over their people at night. Those eyes were dead.
Passing through the encampment, she noticed none of theses would-be tricks. Perhaps these was indeed merely tricks in her mind – the possibility had passed her by when a sudden instinct pushed her aside, as if guided by a supernatural force of premonition just in time for a sudden gust to pass her by. A light flickered again. The only thought that filled her mind was obsessed with basic survival, hearing another gust pass somewhere unknown, and another, circling around the tribe in a precise rhythm.
Twilight broke – perhaps it had been only a few seconds, perhaps minutes, it felt like hours hiding in the darkness that housed these shadows with life of their own, their reach lengthened by the imminent breaking of dawn.
That small amount of light had brought the confidence of movement back to Saana, and she moved swiftly to catch glimpse of the interlopers, as one by one they flew from the encampment in all directions. From the high grounds above, where guards kept watch during the night, three more shadows slipped away. Elsewhere, a sheet flew outwards as another flew from the large pavilion standing at the northern edge of the pond that was the heart of the vale – dedicated to the Windwalkers and their journeys. Recognizing this, and in spite of her better senses, Saana moved swiftly and fluidly towards the pavilion. The shadow changed its course and made towards her. A split second had passed, but it was enough for her to commit into memory the hurrying figure as it crossed her eyes and struck her.
Perhaps by chance, some mystical intervention, or merely fine instincts, the strike had not been lethal, but she would not know this until the poison has been cleansed and her consciousness returned.
It was only seconds later that the tribe had been to its feet in alarm, and only minutes for huntsmen and scouts to hunt for the elusive interlopers of night.
But the shadows were no longer there.
* * *
A little after dawn, not so long later, the attention of the tribe was diverted. Priorities had changed, as they often do, and by the time Saana had regained consciousness, preparations were nearly complete for the new goal set ahead;
Finding a new haven for the tribe.
It did not occur often, but it was the sole reason why the Aeolian tribes never erected permanent structures or landmarks – mobility. Every so often the seasons shift, winter comes and the birds leave to nest in brighter parts; here the storm is metaphorical, but the danger in the night had been very real. The Aeolian homes were secret, hidden out of sight – once it was no longer so, time would come to pack and move.
Windwalkers, who were the tribe's best, headed the line alongside the priestess, from the rear the tribe's most capable huntsmen will keep guard, while further ahead from all directions scouts would ensure none will keep track of the exodus. Of no lesser importance, however, was the work of those who remained behind, erasing all tracks of human passage.
By the time the last of them had left Thistle Creek, there would be no sign that it had once been inhabited by man.
As for Saana, she did not accompany her people. Flying through the sands of the Kobai, sent urgently and without explanation, her eyes turned heavenwards to the Lady's perch atop the clouds –
Aerialle… "Paradise Lost".
How could anyone know they may lose it all over again?
* * *
The same day, at noon, a small group of men appeared at the gates of Icy Vale, thickly laden they braced themselves against the cold to traverse the hazards of the Cold Lands. Like twilight shadows, in fluid movement without a sound, more appeared before evening, and further more at night.
Few of them will return…
But they were expandable.
Some things are not.
------------------
OOC (from here on)...
A little plot I and Ficcy had thought of concerning Vilyave and Aerialle that would also double-act as a last Vives recruiting drive for new players, and also liven up Aerialle and Vilyavian lore.
Storywise, it goes back to Naillamne having a mean old spell-bound Vaast'liax in their province, which relates to them stealing some of the "four winds" of Vilyave - primal air elementals - for magical studies and purposes. Here the post goes how they steal one of them from the Aeolus, and how another has escaped their capture into the Cold Lands. I got a bit of lore written up on it which I already sent Fictrix and can send to the rest of you too.
Hypothetically, the events would be coordinated by players, and Fictrix offered DM support once they are actually running.
Naturally, before anything really happens, you had to be notified and respond to the idea. With all the frozen stories going on, it'll be nice to have something that isn't so epic and long-term.
Keep me posted. |
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Re: DMs: The Search for the Four Winds
Posted: 11 Jun 2007 01:51 AM |
Yah, this one's a really cool idea (man, I love player initiative). Minimum DM support, with some DMed quests (which will be advertised on NWConn, Bioware NWN forums, etc) - but for the most part, PC-initiated, PC-driven and PC-run.
Woooo!
So the summary:
Objectives
* Retrieve the missing winds
* Restore Aerialle to its former glory
Execution
* WA, with some help from Henesua, will organise events and then ping me to check for DM availability for them
* Nothing else needs to be coordinated, really; the PCs call the shots... and WA's already gone and written up all of the lore and the quest (with help from Henesua)...
Wheee! Give the kid a gold star! |
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Re: DMs: The Search for the Four Winds
Posted: 24 Jun 2007 09:30 AM |
* Paradise Lost - where WA will post story updates
* Paradise Lost - on NWConn |
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Re: DMs: The Search for the Four Winds
Posted: 21 Jun 2008 06:45 AM |
| ((Bumping for WA's benefit.)) |
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Re: DMs: The Search for the Four Winds
Posted: 21 Jun 2008 08:23 AM |
((Thank you, Fictrix, just don't drive too fast over those bumpy posts))
I've had an idea I presented to Fictrix not long ago about rewarding players who contributed (noticeably) to the Four Winds plotline with special, DM-made items unique to each PC. Right now, only three players have actively participated in the series of events related to the storyline: Salt, Amon and Talion.
From a mechanical point of view, I want to strike a balance on the properties of these items between relevance to the character, usefulness and RP-sense. I want them to be useful to epic characters like Talion, Salt and Amon and to fit with their respective classes/abilities. In other words: I'd like it to make sense and give the PCs a reason to use them (aside from them being a unique event reward).
From a fictional point of view, each item would be gifted to the appropriate PC by one of the Four Winds and will share continuity/alignment with the Wind's own nature.
Here are two of the ideas I've managed to convince so far, and spoke with Fictrix about:
* * * Eyes of the North: * * *
Owner: Salt Sower
Item Type: Magic Staff
Properties:
Cast Spell: Clairaudience/Clairvoyance (10) 1 Use/Day
Cast Spell: See Invisibility (3) 2 Uses/Day
Cast Spell: True Seeing (9) 1 Use/Day
Skill Bonus: Concentration +6
Skill Bonus: Search +6
Skill Bonus: Spot +6
Use Limitation: Alignment Group: Good
Use Limitation: Alignment Group: Neutral
Use Limitation: Class: Sorcerer
Use Limitation: Class: Wizard
Description:
Gifted to Salt Sower by the Proud North of the Four Winds in recognition for their rescue from Naillamne, this staff is imbued with a portion of her power, coalesced into a swirling mass of clouds at its tip.
Fashioned for a specific wielder in mind, this staff is the tool of a seer: not only does the magical mass of clouds at its tip provide a useful scrying device, merely holding the staff empowers the user's precognitive and perceptual abilities, allowing him to think and perceive with greater clarity.
The Proud North of the Four Winds is renowned among followers of Vilyave for always seeking the highest reaches of the world; so that others may look up towards her and that she may look down upon them in return. It is said that the eyes of the North miss nothing that transpires under their watch.
Notes:
This is perhaps the item I want to give the most. Renter/Salt have wanted a wizard's staff for ages, and I think he more than deserves a good one. I really want to fit it in with Salt's seer/divination/scrying theme, so I'm sticking to put - a Scrying Staff of a sort.
* * * Aegis of the West: * * *
Owner: Talion
Item Type: Tower Shield
Properties:
AC Bonus +3
Cast Spell: Wounding Whispers (9) 2 Uses/Day
Damage Resistance: Cold Resist 5 / -
Damage Resistance: Fire Resist 5 / -
On Hit Cast Spell: Gedlee's Electric Loop Level 3
Use Limitation: Alignment Group: Good
Use Limitation: Alignment Group: Neutral
Description:
Gifted to Talion by the Guardian West of the Four Winds in recognition of their rescue from Naillamne, this shield is fashioned from a portion of her essence and maintains a cloudy, semi-corporeal form.
Made after the Western Wind's own nature of protection, this shield not only provides the wielder with defense against attacks but also strikes back at its aggressors with the Wind's own energies.
The Guardian West is not known among the followers of Vilyave for an apathetic and passive nature. Those who seek to offend the Lady's charges must be ready to face more than a wall standing in wait for their barrage, but also a weapon reared to strike back.
Notes:
Shields are easy to plan, and I'm pleased with the result. It's useful and interesting. At first I wanted to give Talion a weapon, but he already has his unique sword, so I opted for a nice shield.
~ ~ ~
On some other notes:
** I'm not really pleased with what I've got for Salt. While I'm insisting on a staff and on it fitting in with the Seer theme, I've been having trouble finding a good set of properties that would make it good enough to be useful to him while still being in balance. I'd appreciate suggestions (that means you, pdwalker).
** Like I said, I'm pleased with what I've got for Talion's Tower Shield, but I'll appreciate any remarks on that.
** No idea on what to give for Amon. He already has great weapons (Greater Astral Sword and Legendary Longbow), so Fictrix suggested a worn item. I'm thinking something that would enhance his druidic abilities but... any ideas? I'm lacking any. |
WickedArtist: I think he needs a proper elf.
WickedArtist: A christmas elf!
Tasra: Any sort of elf that actually smiles ;o
Gasp! Scandalous!!! |
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Re: DMs: The Search for the Four Winds
Posted: 21 Jun 2008 10:01 AM |
| Thought Id pop in and make a suggestion, How a bout a ring that allows another form to shift into. One that is considered rare. Always thought different forms were the best part of being a druid. Either that the ability to summon something special as an ally! |
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Re: DMs: The Search for the Four Winds
Posted: 21 Jun 2008 01:48 PM |
Polymorphing into new "forms" is really severly limited in the nwn engine. Basically you can only pick one of the "allowed" forms and not much else beside that.
And polymorphing is buggy.
Having a second companion might be interesting. wonder if that can be done in the engine? |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
--
<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: DMs: The Search for the Four Winds
Posted: 21 Jun 2008 02:32 PM |
| Im always fond of the summoning X or Luci rod. Just think of the endless and useless babble! |
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Re: DMs: The Search for the Four Winds
Posted: 16 Jul 2013 04:55 PM |
Another one for the public forums?
This was WA's other early quest. He basically hit the ground running and put together lots of ambitious events from the get-go. DMs tended to have certain specialties based on what they had played most, so WA was keen to introduce Vilyave lore and areas into the world, as she was the more neglected of the three sisters. |
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Re: DMs: The Search for the Four Winds
Posted: 16 Jul 2013 07:54 PM |
| Great event! |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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