OOC Discussion for A Kingdom of Ashes (The Battle of the Alder's Forest, and Beyond)

As for what we'll be doing in the future...

Justice votes as such:
(1.) A trip to One Oak followed by a trip to the Jade Forest Acad. and the Stone Oracle (switch them around, whatever... just want to visit those two places).

... or ...

(2.) The Isle of Mourning

Sylvanus is all well and good but Justice simply has no connection there and, as such, little desire. I recognize the fact that this same standard will apply for all of you with the Jade Forest, though... so, it'll be a tough decision for all of us.

Out of character, I want to go to the Isle of Mourning-- kick some butt, get some experience, and throw a wild party.

But, my ideas could be greatly changed by simple persuasion or the indeterminable outcome of the battle.
 

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More comments from the DM

Just as I did for Kat's post, I want to give you all an idea of what each destination/direction would entail in general terms. This might change if it actually happens, but I think it's fair to give you an idea of what you'd do on a first blush thing.

Queen_Dopplepopolis said:
(1.) A trip to One Oak followed by a trip to the Jade Forest Acad. and the Stone Oracle (switch them around, whatever... just want to visit those two places).
As with most of the adventure ideas from this point, you're going to have to deal with pursuit--not only from the draconids, but also from the King's open servants. You'll have the resources of the serpentblood and the Kingdom arrayed against you...and after this battle, the king will want to have...words...with the survivors.

Also, there are really three destinations here, rather than only two, and the order that you'd pursue them might change how things work. But, if you went to One Oak---->Jade Forest Academy---->Stone Oracle, the general adventure type would entail sneaking (or battling) past enemy lines, deep into enemy territory (One Oak is pretty close to Thanesport, where apparently the surviving members of the King's Army have gathered). Lots of role (as opposed to roll) playing in One Oak, and perhaps a festival for the return of One Oak's favorite half-son. However, there is a potential for a bit more action here if its discovered that the infamous circle of the phoenix has gathered in a tiny village in the south of Maelwysrin...not the kind of attention that a small village wants, to be certain. The academy would provide another very interesting role playing opportunity, and perhaps shed some light on Justice's past...but also may be dangerous. Though not any more beholden to the king than any other school, the academy is no stranger to the ties that bind. Expect some court intrigue, assassins, betrayal, and perhaps some new allies if you continue here. If, from here, you can make it to the nearby mountains, up to the old temple grounds, and deep into the bowels of the Prophet's Mountain, you too may speak to the Stone Oracle, and learn what Fate has in store for you. But, be warned. The Oracle is legendary for being fickle, and you may not be the only ones wishing for a glimpse at tomorrow....

Queen_Dopplepopolis said:
Sylvanus is all well and good but Justice simply has no connection there and, as such, little desire. I recognize the fact that this same standard will apply for all of you with the Jade Forest, though... so, it'll be a tough decision for all of us.

Out of character, I want to go to the Isle of Mourning-- kick some butt, get some experience, and throw a wild party.

But, my ideas could be greatly changed by simple persuasion or the indeterminable outcome of the battle.
Should you choose the isle of mourning, expect dangerous treks through strange wilderness, harried by creatures unlike any you've ever seen. This is a land twisted by millenia of evil, inhabited by things that might once have been servants of the Light. There will be traps, ancient ruins, and perhaps a forgotten tomb or two. And, of course, the confrontation with the ancient, horrifying evil that makes men (and women) monsters, and monsters disturbingly like men (and women). Expect pursuit even here, as the enemy also desires the secrets of the island, and the treasures it holds...

Remember, these are just guesses at the moment, subject to change at my whim or whimsy...
 

maybe not history, but closer then disney

Okay, so just to add another possibility in here- going to Greenwood. It is just a few miles away, and depending on where this army goes that was once home for L'Aurel. Pretty low on the actually occuring list, but like I said after the battle depending on the evil army and any number of other things she would be think' about it.

Queen_Dopplepopolis said:
(1.) A trip to One Oak followed by a trip to the Jade Forest Acad. and the Stone Oracle (switch them around, whatever... just want to visit those two places).
For the Jade Forest Academy and stone oracle.... may need some more of a convincing argument here for the group to go. Though getting another wishy-washy speech may be interesting.

Queen_Dopplepopolis said:
(2.) The Isle of Mourning

Sylvanus is all well and good but Justice simply has no connection there and, as such, little desire. I recognize the fact that this same standard will apply for all of you with the Jade Forest, though... so, it'll be a tough decision for all of us.
Um.... not like sylvanus has any connection for L'Aurel either, but as conversation continues I see more of a group pull here:: two main PC connections, a large group of high elves we may be able to convert to our cause, other possible recruits, and a possible blade up there, does kinda tip the scales for group adventure.

Queen_Dopplepopolis said:
(Out of character, I want to go to the Isle of Mourning-- kick some butt, get some experience, and throw a wild party. But, my ideas could be greatly changed by simple persuasion or the indeterminable outcome of the battle.
Yep, I think we are all holding our right to change depending on what happens... but Kennon wanted all possibilities and I think so far we are giving him a nice wide look at possibilities :) As for Isle of Mourning, hey if we live in battle why not- beat the odds once try again :) and hey kickin' butt is always fun no argument there :)
 
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Laurel said:
Okay, so just to add another possibility in here- going to Greenwood. It is just a few miles away, and depending on where this army goes that was once home for L'Aurel. Pretty low on the actually occuring list, but like I said after the battle depending on the evil army and any number of other things she would be think' about it.
A trip to Greenwood would be very similar to a trip to One Oak, except instead of focusing on Kaereth, it would focus on L'Aurel. Expect pursuit, with a heavier emphasis on draconids than King's men, since draconids seem to be in higher supply on Prydein at the moment.

A trip to Greenwood involves running deep into territory that the king still controls, but all overland (potentially a benefit, with the seas crawling with Draconids).

But there are other places of interest on Prydein, as well. Although the Island of the Mighty holds Greenwood, let us not forget the capitol, Caer Albion, lies only a few hundred miles to the Northwest...

L'Aurel said:
For the Jade Forest Academy and stone oracle.... may need some more of a convincing argument here for the group to go. Though getting another wishy-washy speech may be interesting.

Um.... not like sylvanus has any connection for L'Aurel either, but as conversation continues I see more of a group pull here:: two main PC connections, a large group of high elves we may be able to convert to our cause, other possible recruits, and a possible blade up there, does kinda tip the scales for group adventure.
Do remember that the place you go next doesn't have to be the last place you visit. You could construct a plan that combines several of these ideas, taking you from place to place, ending in a place of you choosing (rather than mine).

Sylvannus does have connections for PCs, but so does everywhere else. :D
 

Other ideas, not yet proposed...

What in the Heck is really going on here?
There's still a lot you don't know about the draconid invasion, and a substantial mystery as to why the King has chosen to help these creatures. What does he have to gain? Even truly evil people are rarely so callous to demand destruction of this magnitude for desruction's sake. What do the spirit blades have to do with all of this? Why is the sky blue? Do you know the muffin man?

This focus could take you anywhere from the ancient libraries of the sundered city of Caer Melyn, or to the mountain stronghold known only as Citadel Refuge, home to a strange order of Monks who claim that they were the first disciples of the Light. It could take you to the portals that brought the draconids here, or to the court of the King, himself--whatever darkness has gathered in the falcon kingdom has gathered around him.

This would be a real mystery, hunting clues to the far corners of the globe, plumbing the secret depths of the King's mad plan, and perhaps dispatching those who would protect him...

This is slightly different than some of the other ideas presented. Although I have mentioned parts of this before, they have largely ignored the central mystery. Rather than grabbing a blade because you know they want one, this adventure would ask *why* they want it before trying to do so. A good start for this one would be getting all of the prophecies/communes all in one place, and comparing information.

Hold the Line!
Liz and Jeremiah have both mentioned this one in person, but neither have posted it here.

This idea has you continuing to build Jaine's Phoenix Kingdom. More great armies clashing on the battlefields of Prydein and the ringed continent. Rather than having you work independently as the Queen gathers her forces, you become (literally) the generals of the Army of the Phoenix, acting as recruiters, and guiding your fledgling kingdom into eventual confrontation with Tain Hawkson on the battlefield.

This keeps you relatively tied down, save for short trips to recruit nobles (and the like) to your cause, until you actually begin marching your army against the King's draconids and loyalists.

Of course, this idea is probably only feasible if you win this battle.
 

The_Universe said:
A trip to Greenwood would be very similar to a trip to One Oak, except instead of focusing on Kaereth, it would focus on L'Aurel. Expect pursuit, with a heavier emphasis on draconids than King's men, since draconids seem to be in higher supply on Prydein at the moment.

A trip to Greenwood involves running deep into territory that the king still controls, but all overland (potentially a benefit, with the seas crawling with Draconids).

But there are other places of interest on Prydein, as well. Although the Island of the Mighty holds Greenwood, let us not forget the capitol, Caer Albion, lies only a few hundred miles to the Northwest...
Though it is on the same island, as I said unless the army is conintuing onward and she feels we could do something or we are going within a few miles of it for some reason, L'Aurel is not for Greenwood. And One Oak would be a cool focus on Kareth, but it does offer other things as well. So for my listings One Oak is above the Greenwood option. :D


The_Universe said:
Do remember that the place you go next doesn't have to be the last place you visit. You could construct a plan that combines several of these ideas, taking you from place to place, ending in a place of you choosing (rather than mine).
Sylvannus does have connections for PCs, but so does everywhere else. :D
No denying the many possibilities, never did. And not making a decision on anything, but our next step should do more then just advance one character.... the arguments for Sylvanus still have the most potential for PC role development and for roll battles as a group. I am not ruling anything, or at least not trying to, but I am trying to line up the options.

Edit: just saw your last post... reading... reading.... seeing what people say...
 
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Yep. All good points. :D

Also, when I write things like,
"Do remember that the place you go next doesn't have to be the last place you visit. You could construct a plan that combines several of these ideas, taking you from place to place, ending in a place of you choosing (rather than mine). Sylvannus does have connections for PCs, but so does everywhere else"
it's almost always just a general comment to the group. I think in some of the comments made people are expecting the next place you go to be the last *big* destination. I suppose it might be, but it certainly doesn't have to be. I just wanted to make sure that you guys all knew that I'm hoping to swing at least a couple more exotic locales as we go...
 
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Justice understands that everyone has different goals as to where they want to go-- and, her personal ambitions and desires will be set aside when what is best for the group surfaces-- hopefully, after the battle, things will be clearer and the decision will be easier to make...

That's probably not true... but, here's to wishful thinking!

However, for the sake of roll playing and the killing of monsters everywhere, Liz still wants to go to the Isle. *murderous grin*
 


Oh!

Also... maybe we want to go after the king. Pull a Jason Bourne in the coming attraction: The Bourne Supremacy and bring the fight to their front door...

We kill his stupid butt and see who is laughing, then! HA!
 

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