New campaign based on devil/demons/celestials

[Markn]

Hello all,

I am beginning the design of a new campaign and I would like to makes extensive use of Tyrants of the Nine Hells, Hordes of the Abyss, Book of Vile Darkness and Book of Exalted Deeds.

Obviously it will focus on devils, demons and celestials. The premise I am thinking of basing it on is the Pact Primeval (those who have read Tyrants of the Nine Hells should be familiar with this) which is essentially the agreed upon pact between Asmodeus and the gods of law in ages past. Three copies exist, one in Nessus (the ninth plane of hell), Celestia and Mechanus (planes of law and good). Tied to this is the fact that both the Tyrants of Nine Hells and the Hordes of the Abyss allude to the possibility of the Blood War reaching a climax with one side or the other finally achieving victory. Further reading of the Pact Primeval goes on to say that if this was stolen then the forces of chaos would achieve a major victory over the forces of law. To me this seems like a perfect artifact to base the endpoint of a campaign around. The natural goal of the PC's at the endpoint would be for the PC's to maintain the status quo while any other result will have major consequences for the multiverse. Essentially, at some point during the campaign the demons steal the artifact(s) thus facilitating a climax of victory going to one side or the other within the blood war (which most likely would be for chaos however, Tyrants of the Nine Hells goes on to explain that Asmodeus is currently making plans after the devils win the Blood War so maybe he is allowing this to happen in the first place and he manipulates the events to cause his side to win - hope your still with me ).

Now my question is this. Which demon lord would most likely attempt something of this nature and who would be powerful enough to challenge Asmodeus himself? So far I am leaning towards Graz'zt as he is a personal favorite of mine but I am somewhat concerned that he will come across as devilish in nature as he is more about guile, trickery and deception much like the archdevils. My goal is to be sure to represent the three natures of chaotic evil, lawful evil and lawful good in a clear, precise manner. Additionally, the fact that Graz'zt controls 3 interesting layers for the PC's to adventure in is also appealing.

As I am in the brainstorming stage of this campaign any suggestions one may have regarding the direction of the campaign, or just simple plot points would be greatful.

Finally, as I have had an affinity to the devils/demons ever since 1st Edition I am hoping to make this a knockout campaign that is both fun to play in and fun to DM and I will not run this until I have the campaign fleshed out.

I am looking forward to your ideas and suggestions.

 

[Shemeska]

Considering that Graz'zt wants the Blood War to end in the first place, and he feels that Evil should be less concerned about its own internal squabbles than in looking outwards (and metaphysically upwards so to speak)... Graz'zt might be someone to look at.

But you also might want to avoid some of the Tanar'ri abyssal lords, because most of them, perhaps all of them are too young to remember the creation of the Pact Primeval (or whatever events actually truly happened in the past that the Baatezu have wrapped their mythology around). To that end, go for one of the Obyrith lords such as like Pale Night (the mother of Graz'zt), Dwiergus, Obox-Ob, Dagon, etc.

But this ending of the Blood War would certainly be something that would go against the future planes of the Yugoloths, and their attention would be gained in a heartbeat. It might make for some odd bedfellows if the 'loths are in league with the PCs for mutual benefit, and the Rilmani would certainly wish to keep the Blood War status quo, to say nothing of the Archons and Guardinals (though the Eladrin might be staying out of the whole thing because a victory of Tanar'ri over Baatezu is a victor of Chaos over Law...).

I could also see the creator/deity of the Demodands, Apomps the Triple Aspected, himself an exiled Baernaloth be working alongside what Abyssal Lord you use, helping to facilitate the entire thing purely out of spite against the 'loths. Ending the Blood War on something other than their terms would be disaster for them and Apomps' original kindred, and Apomps would burn the planes to ash for no reason other than spiting his brother-sisters for their slight against him that was already ancient when Asmodeus was still a child. Good revenge is worth the wait perhaps.

 

[Markn]

Some good thoughts there Shemeska.

I think I will include the 'loths but only in bits and pieces. As I want to maintain the main focus to be lawful evil, chaotic evil and lawful good I think it may dilute the story somewhat to have so many factions involved. Having said that, it doesn't hurt to include them somewhat to help lend a bigger feel for the story.

I like the idea of the obyriths instead of a tanar'ri. In fact I had a similar idea but was somewhat concerned that I couldn't find an interesting enough obyrith. I will look at Pale Night though. Are there any other references I can check besides Tyrants of the Nine Hells for her?

 

[Shemeska]

I I will look at Pale Night though. Are there any other references I can check besides Tyrants of the Nine Hells for her?

FC:I for Pale Night, plus some mention of her in Baphomet's Demonomicon article in Dragon magazine, and her original writeup in Faces of Evil: The Fiends.

And if you're willing to go for non-canonical material, I speculate upon her origins (and that of the Tanar'ri in general) in this story of mine She's a very minor portion of the story, and never named openly when she does appear, but I thought it worth a mention. (Of note however, this was written before FC:I so I still present the Heart of Darkness creation mythos before its FC:I revision, though apparently the story, or excerpts from it, influenced the Pale Night entry in FC:I).

 

[diaglo]

here's something from WotC to look over: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndacc/0786941960

it is okay. not very good for most people who have played before. but it could be mined for some already made encounters in the latest edition.