4e Fan Creations and House RulesWorking on variant powers? Statting up a PC race or your version of a monster? Creating or converting an adventure? Put it here!
Perhaps a sidebar on including dragonborn in Zakhara would be enough. I actually don't know that I would have them in my game, especially since I'm still ambivalent about having goblins, kobolds and gnolls as normal citizens, but feel we should have a mechanism for current core races to be in the game. Zakharan Ogres might fill the dragonborn slot nicely and I'm leaning toward that solution right now. (I know that seems in direct conflict with my goblin confusion, but there you go)
As for the other fantasy races fitting into AQ, I like the work Aaron's done. If we had to we could swap elves or eladrin for Peris, but I don't think it should be necessary. I don't recall any Arabian dwarf race off the top of my head, but 'short people good with making things' seems to be a fairly common theme in mythology.
The new backgrounds that Aaron has done fit very well with the setting, including the Tiefling 'slaves in Hell' idea which is far better than either of my two thoughts. I'm envious
One thing I strongly feel we need to keep room for is some Lovecraftian or Clark Ashton Smith influence. Both the Complete Necromancer book and Wolfgang Baur's 'Scimitars Against the Dark' article in Dragon #198 made reference to these themes and I think pulp horror fits well in some parts of the setting.
The background for the races are fine, IMO, but I don't think they're necessary. At least, it's not necessary to flesh them out too much. If Zakhara is racially tolerant (as it is) and cares more about whether one is enlightened than what one's background is (as it does), then the backgrounds of the various races shouldn't be much of an issue. I don't think you should get rid of the backgrounds you've worked up, I just don't think much time should be spent on them.
As for dragonborn and tieflings, I think they should most definitely be part of the setting. Elves, dwarves, orcs, etc., aren't found in Arabian myth, but we have no problem with having them in AQ. (And rightly so, since it's supposed to be racially tolerant.) To exclude these races would be counter to the racial tolerance of Zakhara. They don't need to be major movers and shakers of the setting (humans have always been predominant in Zakhara anyway), but they can still be present.
Regarding drawing further inspiration from our own history:
While I understand that AQ was (rather strongly) inspired by the history of Islam, I don't think it should be used as a source of new AQ material just for the sake of doing so. AQ should develop in its own direction. Sure, there are going to be some constraints; the setting should reflect the edition and it should reflect the fact that it is on the world of Toril. But contingent features of the real world should not dictate the setting without good reason.
If I want a historical recreation of the Abbasid Caliphate, I would not use Al-Qadim, and when I want Al-Qadim, it's not in order to have a setting that parallels history. (Incidentally, when I do want a historical recreation of the Abbasid Caliphate, I'd use Tales of the Caliphate Nights. I just think AQ should be different.)
I actually don't know that I would have them in my game, especially since I'm still ambivalent about having goblins, kobolds and gnolls as normal citizens, but feel we should have a mechanism for current core races to be in the game. Zakharan Ogres might fill the dragonborn slot nicely and I'm leaning toward that solution right now. (I know that seems in direct conflict with my goblin confusion, but there you go)
It's funny you say that, cause I've always thought it was a little...um...cute-sy? "Oh," the DM waves his hand, "the barber is a kobold who gushingly praises the Law of the Loregiver." It just seems like a novelty for players used to fighting these monsters, but lacking in any real substance - eventually it would get old hat. If these monstrous races are going to be included I want them not to stick out like sore thumbs but to be woven into the setting. I understand that it's supposed to be a fantasy racial polyglot, but dragonborn seem more out of place to me than gnolls, elves, or halflings.
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The new backgrounds that Aaron has done fit very well with the setting, including the Tiefling 'slaves in Hell' idea which is far better than either of my two thoughts. I'm envious
I'm sure you'll one up me in some other department soon.
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One thing I strongly feel we need to keep room for is some Lovecraftian or Clark Ashton Smith influence. Both the Complete Necromancer book and Wolfgang Baur's 'Scimitars Against the Dark' article in Dragon #198 made reference to these themes and I think pulp horror fits well in some parts of the setting.
I never read either of those - care to sum up?
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Originally Posted by Philosopher
The background for the races are fine, IMO, but I don't think they're necessary. At least, it's not necessary to flesh them out too much. If Zakhara is racially tolerant (as it is) and cares more about whether one is enlightened than what one's background is (as it does), then the backgrounds of the various races shouldn't be much of an issue. I don't think you should get rid of the backgrounds you've worked up, I just don't think much time should be spent on them.
You're right that being Enlightened is more important, but we are thrusting some very European creatures into a non-Eurocentric setting. By describing their backgrounds we allow them to retain some cultural identity - the point of Zakhara isn't that everyone is the same, rather it's that such a diversity of races embrace the same faith. I think these racial backstories help players understand how diverse Zakhara truly is.
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As for dragonborn and tieflings, I think they should most definitely be part of the setting. Elves, dwarves, orcs, etc., aren't found in Arabian myth, but we have no problem with having them in AQ. (And rightly so, since it's supposed to be racially tolerant.) To exclude these races would be counter to the racial tolerance of Zakhara. They don't need to be major movers and shakers of the setting (humans have always been predominant in Zakhara anyway), but they can still be present.
Actually, I do have a problem with elves, dwarves, and orcs in AQ. I think they can work, I just think they need to be thoroughly intertwined into the world rather than feeling dropped in as foils to human heroes.
You know, I've always thought it would be interesting if the First Caliph had a group of companions composed of different races, heroes and heroines that each race looks to as a paragon of virtue. These companions were critical in the success of the First Caliph's message, ending the racial hostilities that plagued Zakhara five centuries ago.
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Originally Posted by Philosopher
While I understand that AQ was (rather strongly) inspired by the history of Islam, I don't think it should be used as a source of new AQ material just for the sake of doing so. AQ should develop in its own direction. Sure, there are going to be some constraints; the setting should reflect the edition and it should reflect the fact that it is on the world of Toril. But contingent features of the real world should not dictate the setting without good reason.
Agreed. However, I do think there's lots of "good reasons" to draw upon such a rich history. We don't have to recreate it, and we can diverge from it greatly, but by using it as a touchstone we'll create a more immersive setting.
So, the fighter builds I listed were: Askar, Guard, Mamluk, Mercenary, and Traitor. I've tackled the first two so far, and I'd love some feedback.
These have proved more challenging for me than the clerics because I'm still learning the 4e combat rules and also because the 3 fighter class features (combat superiority, combat challenge, and fighter weapon talent) are really good and coming up with swap-outs is tough. For example, I ended up valuing fighter weapon talent as 1.5 feats, after comparing it to the Nimble Blade feat.
FIGHTERS
Zakharans divide fighters into two groups: career soldiers who are trained to fight in their youth and are paid by a ruler, and those who learned to fight through necessity or simply possess brute strength. Both groups share a disdain for each other.
Career soldiers (mamluks and mercenaries) are usually connected to a military organization and act most effectively when coordinating as a group. They generally are skilled tacticians, competent equestrians, and have well-honed armaments. Whether groomed since childhood or raised in a warrior culture, fighting is in their blood.
Those who wield a sword for other causes (askars, guards, and traitors) may or may not receive payment, and often have conflicting motives. For example, a harem guard may allow favorable suitors to come and go under the caliph’s nose, or a traitor may still love his old commander who now hunts him like a dog for deserting. Generally, such fighters are fierce when cornered but lack the tactical finesse and superior arms of professional soldiers.
Display Weapon Prowess
Every Zakharan fighter has the ability to put on a stunning display with their weapon, whether a traditional sword dance or splitting a melon with an arrow. Doing so requires both a standard and a move action, and allows the fighter to use their Strength or Dexterity (whichever is higher) as a modifier to an Intimidate check instead of Charisma.
Honor Duels
It is not uncommon to see two warriors circling each other outside a city’s gate. Whether fulfilling a fierce sheikh’s ruling, seeking revenge in a blood feud, or simply a friendly competition to prove the superior swordsman, fighters often find themselves in one-on-one honor grudge combats. Such duels rarely end in death, rather the loser is expected to make an oath to the winner; failing to do so results in the loss of 1 degree of station. Other Enlightened folk consider this practice a bit barbaric.
ASKAR “Who abandons his home lessens his value.”
When wars break out petty rulers prefer to call upon cheap infantrymen drawn from the ranks of their own citizens. You are one of the askar, inheritor of a proud family tradition of honor, warrior spirit, and loyalty to the homeland; indeed, you can recount back a dozen generations of brave ancestors. Their legacy lives on in you. Whether your home is a humble oasis or grand Huzuz it is “the greatest of all places in Zakhara”, an assertion you are happy to prove at swordpoint. When your ruler needs your service, you rise from your post as city watch or town sheriff to lift your father’s sword once again. While the more educated claim you are chauvinistic, provincial, hard-drinking, and loud-mouthed, they do not know the depth to which your family’s enemies and the enemies of your home have wronged you. Everything you do, no matter how bloody, is to restore and protect your family’s honor. When the battle is won will you stay the blade or will you take on your ancestor’s vengeance as your own?
Class Features: Combat Challenge, Combat Superiority, Zakharan Fighter Talent*
Class Skills: Athletics, Endurance, History, Intimidate, Streetwise
Station: 8
Zakharan Fighter Talent: You gain a talent according to your homeland. Some ideas...
Crowded Sea: Power Attack, +2 Fortitude
Free Cities: Distracting Shield, +1 speed
Haunted Lands: Durable, +1 initiative
Heart Cities: +1 AC in light or no armor
High Desert: Defensive Mobility, +1 speed
Mamluk Cities: +1 attack with either one or two-handed weapons
Pantheist League: Shield Push, +2 Will
Pearl Cities: Blade Opportunist, +2 Reflex
Ruined Kingdoms: Powerful Charge, +1 initiative
GUARD “Trust makes way for treachery.”
There are many treasures in this world – from royal vaults filled with the spoils of war to the irreplaceable life of a child – and many who would seize them were it not for you, the stoic and unyielding guard. You may have begun tending caravans or city gates, but now you are concerned with grander tasks – treasuries, royal heirs, and harems are your wards. While you may be richly rewarded, you have a deeper conviction, a commitment to the cause and your profession. Your eagle eye identifies threats, and your intimidating presence can help to dissuade would-be assailants, but when the time for action arrives your response is unwavering and you become an impassible wall of death. Even if your life pays the forfeit, your charge will remain secure. When faced with a choice will you follow your heart or your honor?
Class Features: Guard’s Challenge*, Combat Superiority, Warding Talent*
Class Skills: Athletics, Endurance, Insight, Intimidate, Perception
Station: 8
Suggested Feat: Alertness
Suggested Skills: Insight, Intimidate, Perception
Suggested At-Will Powers: tide of iron, warding strike*
Suggested Encounter Power: covering attack
Suggested Daily Power: comeback strike
Suggested Paragon Paths: Iron Vanguard, Slave of the Promise*, Tasked Minder*
Guard`s Challenge: At the start of an encounter choose a target (character or place) you are guarding. Enemies attempting to attack or enter the target are marked by you. If an enemy you have marked attempts to attack or enter the target, you may make an immediate interrupt basic attack against them. You can mark a number of enemies equal to your half your level.
Warding Talent: When wielding a weapon, you bestow +1 AC on one adjacent ally of your choice. You may change who you are warding as a free action.
Here's my completed pitch for a 4th edition AL-QADIM. I appreciated your critiques earlier, Philosopher, so if there's anything that sticks out as a sore point for anyone please let me know.
The Winged Cat is from City of Delights. I'll finish the rest of them (except for the Genies) from that set then. Also a few dribs and drabs from Corsairs and Ruined Kingdoms.
ZAKHARAN OGRE
RACIAL TRAITS Average Height: 9’–10’ Average Weight: 300–350 lb. Ability Scores: +4 Strength, +2 Constitution Size: Large Speed: 6 squares Vision: Normal Languages: Midani, Ogre Large: You have a Reach of 2 and may use
medium 2-handed weapons in one hand.
In most lands, ogres are big, ugly, greedy humanoids who live
by ambushes, raids, and theft; not so in Zakhara. While still
big and ugly by human standards, and sometimes greedy,
Zakharan ogres are respected members of civilized society.
Zakharan ogres usually speak Midani, but several also
know their ancestral ogrish tongue and have expanded its
vocabulary far past that used by their less intelligent cousins.
Rightly so, they consider ajami ogres to be quite barbaric, and
their language similar to that of a child.
Zakharan ogres have the same life span as regular ogres,
with most able to live 90 years, and a few for over a century.
Play a Zakharan ogre if you want . . .
✦ to be a hero with a fearsome presence.
✦ to be good at fighting, intimidating, or protecting.
✦ to be a member of a race that favors the fighter and
paladin classes.
Physical Qualities
Adult ogres stand as tall as ten feet and weigh 300 to 350
pounds. Their skin colors tend to be on the yellowish side,
though a few individuals have a violet tinge to their skin, possibly
indicating an ogre mage in their ancestry. Their eyes are
purple with white pupils; they usually have orange claws and
teeth. Hair color ranges from blackish-blue to dark green, and
the hair is carefully tended and often braided. Even the curdled
milk odor common to other ogres is but a subtle undertone
usually masked with other scents.
Playing a Zakharan Ogre
Zakharan ogres adapt their culture to the
type of society nearby. Those in the cities live as Al-Hadhar,
while those in the desert live as Al-Badia. Though not all consider
ogres one of the ins, or Enlightened races, many ogres
follow the Enlightened way and are as civilized and as honorable
as any of their neighbors.
All Zakharan ogres share a few traits. They generally dislike
ogre magi, though they follow the demands of honor and give
them a chance to prove worthy of respect. Most shun ogrima,
the offspring of ogre and ogre mage, for they are uncivilized
brutes (described in Golden Voyages). Even violet-skinned
ogres are outcasts because of their association with ogrima.
Al-Hadhar ogres have most of the same traits as other Al-
Hadhar. These ogres tend to be calm and rational, and they are
greatly prized as workers and warriors because of their
strength. Many are members of mamluk societies. Others are
similar to merchant-rogues or, rarely, shaíir or pragmatists.
Al-Badia ogres are also similar to other Al-Badia, roaming
the harsh areas of Zakhara, but living as free people. Al-Badia
ogres must occasionally deal with prejudice from other races,
for there are still occasional tales of ogres carrying away children.
Thus, these ogres tend to be less social than other ogres.
This attitude adds to the rumors.
In addition, some of the more brutish Al-Badia ogres interbreed
with ogre magi or ogrima. To compensate for this, and
to prevent even more rumors of evil ogres, the more civilized
Al-Badia ogres raid ogrima tribes, trying to kill them.
Zakharan ogres have the same impact on the world
around them as humans, dwarves, or elves do. Very few have
any crafting skills. Zakharan Ogre Characteristics: Strong, confident,
imposing, honorable, proud, loyal, protective,
stubborn, uncompromising, determined Names: As standard Zakharan for their region.
FEATS
Endure
[Zakharan Ogre] Prerequisites: Zakharan Ogre Benefit: You take only half-damage from ongoing effects.
Honor Bound
[Zakharan Ogre]
Prerequisites: Zakharan Ogre, Defender Class
Benefit: When you give an oath you may use Honor Bound.
Honor Bound Feat Power The force of your oath will assist in bypassing any obstacle.
Even those Fate itself has placed in you path. Daily
Free Action
Effect: Until the end of encounter, all your defenses, to hits, saves, skill rolls and damage are at +1.
I know, Large and a +4 to Strength...
However, they have no encounter power, bonus to any defense, save bonus, extra weapon proficiency or much else.
At no small expense and from the far corners of the earth I bring the notes you requested.. but it'll have to be tomorrow. In my move all the magazines got scattered and out of order. I found the 'Scimitars Against the Dark' and the 'Roof of the World' (about Yakmen) by the same author. I can see Complete Necromancer, but have to dig down to it.
I also found 'Secrets of the Brotherhood of the True Flame' (spells) , the 3e sha'ir, and the 3e Prestige Classes (barber, corsair, holy slayer and mamluk).
I'm certain I have the issue with the 'Secrets of the Geomancer' (spells again) as well as the Pillared City of Irem and one about a fortress I barely remember at this point
I'd like to see at least one of the Geomancers come back as a threat.
If the Brotherhood of the True Flame has been hunted down, we'll need to make up something to take their place. In the complete Sha'irs Handbook, other elemental factions were fleshed out, but several seemed . . odd to me.
Hodag, the Ogre seems a little overpowered to me. Maybe +2/+2 str and con instead? The whole large and +4 str just seems off to me.
Anyway, it's late and I work tomorrow. Talk to you soon
Agreed. However, I do think there's lots of "good reasons" to draw upon such a rich history. We don't have to recreate it, and we can diverge from it greatly, but by using it as a touchstone we'll create a more immersive setting.
My concern is that this seems to have no impact on an actual game of Al-Qadim. Does it matter to a bunch of adventurous types, for example, that the First Caliph, a very long time ago, had a bunch of companions?
By the way, I'm afraid that I don't have quite as much free time as I had expected, so I can't make any promises about what I might contribute to this project (besides feedback in this thread).
Hodag, the Ogre seems a little overpowered to me. Maybe +2/+2 str and con instead? The whole large and +4 str just seems off to me.
Jon
That's why they have no racial powers, save bonuses, or defense bonuses. Large and the Strength are the only racials they have. All of the PHB races have at least three and up to five racials
My concern is that this seems to have no impact on an actual game of Al-Qadim. Does it matter to a bunch of adventurous types, for example, that the First Caliph, a very long time ago, had a bunch of companions?
A couple reasons spring to mind... (1) Recovering the sword of one of the companions to defeat an ancient enemy. (2) Solving a puzzle to the First Caliph's tomb or ancient palace which refers to his companions. (3) Divergent religious sects might trace their lineage back to one of the First Caliph's companions. (4) Adds flavor when a dwarven NPC mentions that he looks up to "Diyab al-Nisr, most loyal ally to his grace the First Caliph, beloved of dwarves, etc, etc" (5) If reincarnation became a theme, one of the PCs might have once been a companion of the First Caliph.
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By the way, I'm afraid that I don't have quite as much free time as I had expected, so I can't make any promises about what I might contribute to this project (besides feedback in this thread).
I understand, and thanks for your insight and especially your critique. Feel free to drop in on the thread as you're able to.
Dr. Strangemonkey, nice thoughts on the dragonborn arriving as immigrants. My sense is that dragon-born are too out of place in Zakhara, and that including them would alienate old fans. However, it is a multi-racial empire, so if we decide there is a way to integrate them that doesn't feel contrived, I say go for it. Personally, Zakharan ogres seem like a good replacement.
Are you proposing the Sultanate as a ruling authority independent of the Grand Caliph or swearing fealty to him? Or more in line with the Free Cities model of giving him lip service but ultimately doing their own thing?
I don't know. I am an old Al-Quadim fan and one of the things I most loved about the setting was that it was the place where no one could tell you what to do race-wise unless you wanted to play a genie or yakman. Forbidding Dragonborn seems to make genies and yakmen less special. Including them really ratchets up the 'Enlightened is the only distinction that matters' theme.
I was thinking of the Sultanate as operating on the same level as the cities of the Pantheon. It's a separate nation with its own policies that sends a steady supply of pilgrims and political pressure to the Caliph. Unlike the Free Cities - who just ignore what they don't want to hear - the Sultanate will be critical and engaged when the nation feels like it needs to be.
Hey, this is a random question, but I noticed the flying carpet in the DMG is a 20th level magic item! According to the treasure parcels, PCs must be at least 16th level to even have a chance of getting a flying carpet. And it's a tiny carpet (4x4, 300 lb. max).
I'd like to design a flying carpet that's accessible to 11th level PCs.
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Originally Posted by Jubelo
The pitch looks good, Aaron At no small expense and from the far corners of the earth I bring the notes you requested.. but it'll have to be tomorrow. In my move all the magazines got scattered and out of order. I found the 'Scimitars Against the Dark' and the 'Roof of the World' (about Yakmen) by the same author. I can see Complete Necromancer, but have to dig down to it.
Glad you like it, Jon.
Cool, thanks for posting about that - look forward to mining it for ideas.
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I'd like to see at least one of the Geomancers come back as a threat.
If the Brotherhood of the True Flame has been hunted down, we'll need to make up something to take their place. In the complete Sha'irs Handbook, other elemental factions were fleshed out, but several seemed . . odd to me.
Geomancers, huh? I'll see what I can come up with. I definitely think the Brotherhood should remain as villains, but I'm going to push them back to intrigue types whose presence isn't suffocating to other elementalists.
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Originally Posted by Hodag
So I was looking at City of Delights and well...
Neat! I would say cut their speed to 6 - they're more of the lumbering type. Large is a nice feature. +4 Strength seems too much at first glimpse cause that means +2 to some powers, +2 damage, and +2 Athletics. However, you've made a good defense of +4 strength for ogres. Really, the question is what is a +2 attribute bonus worth compared to other racial features? One option is replace that extra +2 strength with a "burden bearer" feature allowing them to carry twice the load they normally could, or to otherwise ignore encumbrance penalties? I like the Endure feat a lot. However, Honor Bound is too powerful; I'd reduce the bonus to +1 if it's going to provide it to all those different checks.
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Originally Posted by Dr. Strangemonkey
I don't know. I am an old Al-Quadim fan and one of the things I most loved about the setting was that it was the place where no one could tell you what to do race-wise unless you wanted to play a genie or yakman. Forbidding Dragonborn seems to make genies and yakmen less special. Including them really ratchets up the 'Enlightened is the only distinction that matters' theme.
Well, I'm up for including dragonborn. However the PHB/MM info is very scanty on their official origin story. And including them means we include Bahamut, their progenitor and the only Arabian dragon-ish creature I can think of, into Al-Qadim. That's a big change, but doable. Personally, I would make their breath weapon a thunder-based attack - a roar, really.
This brings up a larger question of other Enlightened monstrous races dwelling in Zakhara. Lizardmen, goblins, ogres, etc. How are they differentiated from each other and from any old human? I realize some of this is up to the DM, but it's a relevant question.
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I was thinking of the Sultanate as operating on the same level as the cities of the Pantheon. It's a separate nation with its own policies that sends a steady supply of pilgrims and political pressure to the Caliph. Unlike the Free Cities - who just ignore what they don't want to hear - the Sultanate will be critical and engaged when the nation feels like it needs to be.
I really like that idea. I'd always wanted to explore the Astok overthrowing Umara more. If the Tuigan (or some other tribe) were to seize the Free Cities I imagine the Astok would be in an interesting position. Also I'd say that Muluk's king stays in power (to continue that unbroken lineage) but is married to a Tuigan warrior-queen who is the true power behind the throne.
Dark Zakhara is kind of 'Ravenloft' meets "Al Qadim". The grand caliph is an ineffective ruler, as well as being sterile. Efreeti kingdoms reach into the material plane to capture slaves and goods, the Mamluks plot to take power from the caliphs and substitute their own rule and the cities may openly war with each other. Genies are rarely helpful and, in general, society is much less tolerant.
He created 2 kits:
The Priest-Defender is driven to exterminate evil. He can turn genies and undead, but may not associate with genies at all. He casts spells as a normal cleric, with emphasis on combat and protection spells. He also gains attack bonuses against specific foes as a ranger does. A new non-combat proficiency, Dark lore, allows him to know the habits and weaknesses of non-genie supernatural, evil monsters.
The Sungazer is a mage who derives his powers from 'dark forces of the ancient past'. Their protective spells reduce damage from evil, supernatural beings by -1/ 6 levels of ability. They may communicate with all supernatural creatures as if using a comprehend languages spell, and may detect evil once/day as a paladin. The price for their additional protection is gradual insanity.
The Roof of the World by W.Baur
An overview of the Yakman holdings. He shows brief statistics for the rulers of the 8 provinces (Gate of Heaven, Sun's Eye, Fiend's Wing, Red Goat, Yak's Horn, Enlightened Ring, Bronze Falcon and Ghost Leopard) and the Emperor of the Lotus throne (young and ritually sacrificed every 20 years). He adds that the marrashi are willing allies. Rumors of Brotherhood of the Eternal Flame or Kadarosto connections to the Yakmen or Faceless God are repeated and suggestions to fit the Yikari Empire into other worlds (Birthright, Oerth, and others) are made.
The Complete Book of Necromancers by Steve Kurtz
Some kits are offered, including the Ghul Lord who can spontaneously cast necromantic spells, at the cost of corruption of his mind and soul. Some salient abilities (as in the Ravenloft books for vampires) are suggested for npc's.
Some secret societies (Cult of Worms, the Scabrous Society and a Cult of Pain) are discussed. He also suggests the creation of tomes of power, books of dark knowledge.
One of these is The Art of Necromancy by Kazerabet. She was described as being the 'former queen of an entire undead principality' and I found elsewhere on the web that it is believed the campaign in the book takes place nearly 100 years after Cities of Bone.
The campaign takes place on the Isle of Sahu.. the serenity is the serenity of the dead. Starting with ghoulish pirates and a shipwreck, the party discovers priests of the God of the Ghouls. The priests claim to take care of the island's dead, but devour them instead. One of C.A. Smith's stories is almost exactly this. The campaign trails through 'normal' necromancers, creators of gargantuan golems and other horrors before ending with Verminissa, an ancient liche who tends the garden of worms.. a garden of halfhuman plant things and limbs rooted in the dark soil of her cavern prison.
Brief notes for another group of quests are given, including one where six urns holding the ashes of a noted heretic are to be recovered. Places where they might be are undersea, in a scorpion infested ravine and guarded by a neutral genie, sphinx or similar.
Although the imagery of the campaign is slightly dated, I enjoy the swords and sorcery side of Arabian adventures too, and hope that some of this might be of use.
Jon
If Mr. Baur thinks that I've put down too much info, please let me know and I'll remove.
thx
Jon
Last edited by Jubelo; 20th September 2008 at 11:03 AM..
Reason: oops, maybe too much info?
I think one of the design restraints of 4e is that flight isn't commonly available until epic levels.
With that said, perhaps a carpet with limited time for flight, or an item that has other drawbacks? Something powered by imprisoned geniekin which would enrage other genies that saw it?
Bunch of stuff.
1) Edited Zakharan Ogre. Reduced Honor Bound to +1 and Speed to 6.
The extra +2 to Strength give a +1 to hit and damage with melee weapons, +1 to Athletics and possibly +1 to Fortitude. They have no other skill bonuses, so the Athletics isn't a problem. +1 to hit and damage is worth at least 1 racial ability, probably two and the possible (but very likely) +1 to Fortitude is worth 1/2 an ability or so. That totals up to (including Large) 3 1/2 Racials +1 point of skill bonus vs. Dwarves who have 5 Racials + 4 points of skill bonuses.
2)Up on the Monsters thread I've posted a sample layout (currently without fancy fonts or smoky edging) for the AQ Monster Manual. Check it out and let me know if it's acceptable. This version is in landscape mode, but I could flop it to portrait. I built it in Filemaker Pro 9.
3)The Ruined Kingdoms never got much love so I'm working on some stuff for Nog and vicinity. The segarrans are just the beginning BWAH-HA-HA!
Wow! Lot's of parallels with how I've been reinterpreting Zakhara. While I think sword & sorcery can be a little dumbed down compared to the direction I'd like to see AQ go, I agree there are lots of great elements that fit the genre.
The yakmen article looks especially interesting. The Priest-Defender reminds me of the Reckoner build concept I have for Paladins, and the Sungazer vaguely parallels the Feisha build concept for Wizards. The spin on the Isle of Sahu is interesting. what Dragon/Dungeon articles are these from? Is the necromancy campaign it's own book?
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Originally Posted by Jubelo
I think one of the design restraints of 4e is that flight isn't commonly available until epic levels.
With that said, perhaps a carpet with limited time for flight, or an item that has other drawbacks? Something powered by imprisoned geniekin which would enrage other genies that saw it?
Hmm, at paragon tier heroes can fly for short periods of time/short distances. How about a "billowing" carpet...
Billowing Carpet (Level 12) An ornately woven silk carpet, 5-foot by 3-foot in dimension, with gilded calligraphy around the border. Wondrous Item 13,000 gp Power (Daily): Move Action. By speaking a magic word the billowing carpet rises to hover 1 square above the ground. Due to the winds generated by the carpet, a close burst 1 around it becomes difficult terrain. A character can command the carpet to move at speed 4 to catch a falling ally; an ally caught by the carpet takes only 1/4 of the damage they would otherwise take from the fall.
The billowing carpet can carry one Medium or Small character of no more than 200 pounds. Because it is so delicate, the carpet can only hold the character for 3 rounds before collapsing. The billowing carpet's base speed is 3 on its first round of use, 2 on its second round of use, and 1 on its third round of use. Its surface is incredily unstable; while on the carpet a rider takes -2 AC and Reflex defense and must make an Athletics or Acrobatics check (DC 20) each round or be thrown off the carpet.
Stories say that the winds empowering the billowing carpet are created by bound jinn, and that they tire easily of service to mortals. It is believed the jinn sometimes have a mind of their own.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hodag
Up on the Monsters thread I've posted a sample layout (currently without fancy fonts or smoky edging) for the AQ Monster Manual. Check it out and let me know if it's acceptable. This version is in landscape mode, but I could flop it to portrait. I built it in Filemaker Pro 9.
Looks good. I had a question for you about heroic/paragon/epic adversaries. It seems like most heroic-tier enemies in AQ will be humans of some type. Maybe a couple human entries would make a nice addition? I'm working on a heroic-tier solo holy slayer for example.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hodag
3)The Ruined Kingdoms never got much love so I'm working on some stuff for Nog and vicinity. The segarrans are just the beginning BWAH-HA-HA!
I'm sure you'll one up me in some other department soon.
Linear Mode
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