Greyhawk's doomgrinder

[Dykstrav]

I invoke ye, grey of beard, to reveal unto me a pearl of thy older games knowledge...

So I was going through the From the Ashes boxed set today to put together a Greyhawk campaign (yeah, I know, it was the first Greyhawk source material I was able to actually buy for myself many a year ago). I fondly remember some older games I played in involving Diamond Lake, Hardby, the Echo Caverns, the Mistmarsh, and the Star Cairns. I then stumbled upon the Doomgrinder.

What is the Doomgrinder exactly, beyond what's in From the Ashes? Describing an ominous windmill made of black stone somehow seems a bit silly. What can you tell me about it?

 

[NiTessine]

There's a module about the Doomgrinder, the third part of the Lost Tomb series, released in 1998. The first two parts explored the Star Cairns and the Crypt of Lyzandred the Mad.

In the module, the Doomgrinder is revealed to be the remains of an ancient, powerful engine of war that was broken apart and buried some eight millennia back. Now derro have found it and are trying to rebuild it.

 

[grodog]

I was less-impressed with Doomgrinder in execution, than I was in concept/inspiration. The "Greyhawk '98" products detailed many of the adventure hooks from FtA and earlier sources, and I wasn't as keen on some of them as others. (FWIW, I liked Return of the Eight and The Star Cairns quite a bit, Crypt of Lyzenrad the Mad less so, and Doomgrinder least).

I always envisioned the Doomgrinder as more of a mechanical omen, slowly counting down to some-now-lost-prophetic doom, and that the PCs would need to find some way to discover what that doom was before they would be able to halt it's doomgrinding. (FWIW, I also pictured something mill-like, since that just seemed to fit, given the site's name). Anyway, the derro engine of destruction was fine, just not as cool as what I'd hoped for, given my expectations (damn TSR for not reading my mind and building Greyhawk in my own image! ).

 

[CryHavoc]

I was less-impressed with Doomgrinder in execution, than I was in concept/inspiration. The "Greyhawk '98" products detailed many of the adventure hooks from FtA and earlier sources, and I wasn't as keen on some of them as others. (FWIW, I liked Return of the Eight and The Star Cairns quite a bit, Crypt of Lyzenrad the Mad less so, and Doomgrinder least).

I always envisioned the Doomgrinder as more of a mechanical omen, slowly counting down to some-now-lost-prophetic doom, and that the PCs would need to find some way to discover what that doom was before they would be able to halt it's doomgrinding. (FWIW, I also pictured something mill-like, since that just seemed to fit, given the site's name). Anyway, the derro engine of destruction was fine, just not as cool as what I'd hoped for, given my expectations (damn TSR for not reading my mind and building Greyhawk in my own image! ).

Really, the Crypt of Lyzenrad was awful and painful for players, and unsatisying for GMs. Doomgrinder brought forth a prophecy of medeocre danger, to one city, maybe, but at least the PCs could have fun with it. Really, as soon as the Doomgrinder popped up the PCs decided: Let's smack them around abit inside before unleashing the Doomheart, then the module will end, tada!

 

[MerricB]

I only caught up with those Greyhawk products late, and they weren't good. Before the LGG, the previous Greyhawk product I thought was good was Five Shall Be One, and its sequel was terrible.

Before that, I think I have to get back to the Gygax days...

Cheers!

 

[GwydapLlew]

I have to agree with Grodog (imagine that). IME, whenever a gaming company sets out to bring a hoary, hallowed tale to life, it generally falls short of my expectations. That's one of the reasons I'm such a fanboy for Paizo - it doesn't happen as frequently with them.

I've got an idea in my head tying in the Age of Worms and Maure Castle with the Doomgrinder. They all just happen to be near each other, and they are just freakin' awesome.

 

[Cyronax]

I am a huge fan of Greyhawk, both new and old material, and I unfortunately have little praise for the so-called GH-98. The Return of the Eight was a rather rail roaded affair. If I were you, I'd try to find the Slavers (a redux/return to the 1st Edition A Series) and the Scarlet Brotherhood. Both products came out around the same time as the adventures previously mentioned, and they give a great amount of source material and have numerous plot hooks that could drive numerous campaigns. I'd also look for the free download of Ivid the Undying on WotC's site. Its a huge, detailed look at what was left of the Great Kingdom, post GH Wars.

All of the books I mention are easily adaptable to 3E, and if you haven't already I'd check out any and all things related to Living Greyhawk

My two cents,

C.I.D.

 

[Dykstrav]

I'm considering using the Doomgrinder as the entrance into Rappan Athuk, replacing the mausoleum described in that product. After hearing about the official treatment of the site, I don't think my players will be missing out on much.

 

[teitan]

I invoke ye, grey of beard, to reveal unto me a pearl of thy older games knowledge...

So I was going through the From the Ashes boxed set today to put together a Greyhawk campaign (yeah, I know, it was the first Greyhawk source material I was able to actually buy for myself many a year ago). I fondly remember some older games I played in involving Diamond Lake, Hardby, the Echo Caverns, the Mistmarsh, and the Star Cairns. I then stumbled upon the Doomgrinder.

What is the Doomgrinder exactly, beyond what's in From the Ashes? Describing an ominous windmill made of black stone somehow seems a bit silly. What can you tell me about it?

Dude, From the Ashes was awesome. My Favourite Greyhawk period. I loved the Dark Fantasy feel. Wish I could find it cheap.

 

[Davelozzi]

What is the Doomgrinder exactly, beyond what's in From the Ashes??

Additional details from the Doomgrinder adventure follow in spoiler tags:

Spoiler

Some folks mentioned that it is an engine of war. To elaborate, essentially it's a gigantic tank-like vehicle buried in the ground with only the top (windmill-like) portion above ground. Once the derro get it going, it becomes clear that it is pre-programmed on a collision course with the city of Greyhawk and if not stopped will take out huge chunks of the city. It's possible that I have some details wrong, but at any rate, that's how I remember it.