Asgardian Campaign - Planning Stages

[plunoir101]

So, I'm writing an Asgardian campaign, based on Norse myth, and I'd like some feedback on some ideas I've been having.

D&D 3.5 Campaign

Main Story / Plot: Loki, like all gods, know what happens before Ragnarok. Instead of getting captured when it is discovered that he is evil, Loki consults someone (most likely the Norns Thanks Rhun for telling me about them) to find a way to change predetermined history. The consultants inform Loki of a spell (or item) that allows him to do just that within reason. Wishing to be alive after Ragnarok (he usually dies) he does the following:

- Loki seals the gates of Valhalla, preventing warriors from entering (increasing their ranks) and exiting (to fight in Ragnarok against the giants).
- He poisons Yggdrassil, the world tree. This prevents normal movement between the planes and stops interference from the other gods.
- Corrupts the valkyrie, turning them into Dark Maidens (name up for consideration) and uses them to recruit for his side and defend his places of power.
- Using the maidens, Loki successfully weakens Odin and imprisons him on his throne, Hlidskjafl, where he can see into all the worlds and witness Loki's trickery.
- Freya, the goddess who receives half of the slain and all of women slain, is captured and sent into a comatose sleep-state. Loki leaves Sigynm his wife, in rule of Sessrumnir, Freya's hall. All the souls who enter get recruited to Loki's side.

As you can see, Loki is tired of everyone's crap. All of these things should allow Loki to not only survive Ragnarok, but end up ruling the new worlds in his image, eventually endangering the multiverse when his grasp exceeds his current power.

Story Arcs: I'm still developing these but basically the PC's have to overcome the challenges listed above.

Current Problems: I need to dumb down the valkyrie from Deities and Demigods from a lv20 paladin (quasi deity) to a lv10, lv14, and lv18. The valkyrie will most likely trade in there Paladin levels for Blackguard levels or another similar class. Even though they dont have the paladin mount (a pegasus for them) they will obtain Nightmare's as mounts.

Any feedback or ideas would be appreciated by my players and myself.
Thanks in advance!

 

[BriarMonkey]

Just a real quick thought - why have all the Valkyrie fallen?

If Loki is doing all this to hedge his bets, which is understandable for him, how would he have had the ability to suddenly warp all of the Valkyrie into a dark image of their former selves?

From a player side of things, if everything is going well for him, then what hope could they possibly have of fixing this? If only some of the Valkyrie have fallen, this gives the players a potential ally in righting the wrongs - as well as something to try to slow down Loki. Especially if he has gotten as far as you say - with no other gods being able to stop him (Thor, etc.) - then what hope have the PCs?

As for the Valkyrie themselves, regardless of version, I do agree that you probably need some differing levels in there. Having a small range as you suggest will allow for PCs interacting with them at various stages of the situation.

 

[plunoir101]

Just a real quick thought - why have all the Valkyrie fallen?
If Loki is doing all this to hedge his bets, which is understandable for him, how would he have had the ability to suddenly warp all of the Valkyrie into a dark image of their former selves?

The Valkyrie were key in the events leading up to Ragnarok. They recruited fallen soldiers as well as fought in the final battle. They have fallen here to help Loki even the odds by "stealing" souls. If you're asking how, that falls into the spell or item that Loki recovers in the beginning (still being worked on).

From a player side of things, if everything is going well for him, then what hope could they possibly have of fixing this? If only some of the Valkyrie have fallen, this gives the players a potential ally in righting the wrongs - as well as something to try to slow down Loki. Especially if he has gotten as far as you say - with no other gods being able to stop him (Thor, etc.) - then what hope have the PCs?

Ok. These are very good points first of all. First, the gods aren't completely useless. They can still affect the lives of people (and the PCs) but have lost the ability to traverse the worlds due to Yggrassil being poisoned without considerable strain. There are loopholes in this. One, Thor was cast out by Odin to live in Midguard until he could redeem himself so he has minor powers and can, at the very least, act as an adviser to the party. Hel, Loki's daughter, despises her father and will actually help the PCs. She is of Loki's blood and we'll go ahead and say the spell/item doesn't work on kin. (Loki wouldn't know this). There may be Valkyrie that are still active albeit weakened (hence level drop) that can assist the PCs and even help them wage war on the Maidens later on.

I hope this solves those questions. I liked the idea of having non-fallen Valkyries to help the PCs. It really sets up for a good mid game war of things go well.

Great reply btw. Remember, all of this is still in development to things can be changed. Personally I love this site because I get to brainstorm with all of you while working on the campaign.

 

[Rhun]

Loki consults someone (Norse myth doesn't have the equivalent of the Greek "Fates" as far as I know)

Um, you mean like the Norns?

 

[plunoir101]

Dude Thank you so much!

 

[Rhun]

Dude Thank you so much!

No problem. When you've spent as much time reading up on Norse mythology as I have, you have a tendency to remember things.