Under A Darksun: PART I SEGMENTS 1-124
- Thread starter megamania
- Start date
heh, still feel sorry for keela
megamania
Hero
check the "Crimson Monolith" in the updated Darksun Boxed set. During certain moon phases Tarar'ri step out, check out the area then return.
But besides that...this is MY version as I stated in past OOC comments. I let certain things slide to fit my world view and to make it a more "user freindly" campaign world. There is metal on Athas but when it's 140 degrees do you want to wear it? Have it reflecting sunlight in the desert?
Besides that, I would think the fiendish would want to be here more since there are no conventional gods here to slow them down or stop them. No paladins means more fun
If I include anything else that dosn't fit (and I promise I will) I'll try to do an OCC note on it.
Currently I know where Mania is headed until roughly 20th level (now 1/2 way through 5th) and there will be MANY non-official inclusions seen.
Without giving up much, expect Avangions, Dragon-kings, Pyreen and other power players to become involved along with a ....ah that would be telling.
Thankyou for reading. Keep up the comments. I like to hear from everyone, whether it is accalades, critiques or questions.
But besides that...this is MY version as I stated in past OOC comments. I let certain things slide to fit my world view and to make it a more "user freindly" campaign world. There is metal on Athas but when it's 140 degrees do you want to wear it? Have it reflecting sunlight in the desert?
Besides that, I would think the fiendish would want to be here more since there are no conventional gods here to slow them down or stop them. No paladins means more fun
If I include anything else that dosn't fit (and I promise I will) I'll try to do an OCC note on it.
Currently I know where Mania is headed until roughly 20th level (now 1/2 way through 5th) and there will be MANY non-official inclusions seen.
Without giving up much, expect Avangions, Dragon-kings, Pyreen and other power players to become involved along with a ....ah that would be telling.
Thankyou for reading. Keep up the comments. I like to hear from everyone, whether it is accalades, critiques or questions.
megamania
Hero
UNDER A DARKSUN
SEGMENT 057
“Crossing the Line”
Mania staggers out of the tavern. The club dragging and thudding alone on the ground behind him. It was all he could do to walk. Being kinetically controlled by someone was not his definition of fun, even if it was for fun.
He was growing tired of being used and manipulated. And always by women. Was he that easy?
He took a deep breath and grits his teeth. He staggered back to the Greene building and retrieved his own magical club. He looked for anything that could help him otherwise but only found a few arrows and a bow. He had little experience with one but had seen Dutch practice with one. It was more than point and shot but that’s all he felt he was up for today.
He went back out onto the streets. It was fairly quiet. Maybe too quiet. In time he found a group of jumpy Templars. Rookies based on their ages. They were huddled over the body of an elder templar. She was mortally injured. Mania looked briefly. He only saw one wound…a sword slash. Someone saw an opportunity of advancement and took it he thought to himself. The girls gave him a look that reminded him they had the power here…not him. He wisely moved onward.
The creatures had killed only a few people. Most were killed by being trampled or by “friendly” fire. It appeared the templars killed as many people as the bloated blobs of infernal flesh. It was sickly to think about. Something had to be done. He was becoming more convinced that he HAD to do something. If only because he could and no one would…except for the Veiled Alliance. The V A. “Vicious Attackers” as he once heard Keela refer to them as. Mania saw it the other way around.
The carnage seemed worse towards the nobles’ section of the city. Moving there he saw more bodies, humanoid and infernal. Then he saw something and reacted to it by instinct only.
Two thugs were holding a thin older man while a templar slapped and scratched him. So caught up in the fun they didn’t see the club until it was to late. The club hit one man in the back of the head launching him forward. Mania’s swing ended as he struck the other thug squarely sending him into the alley. The old man dropped to the ground in a heap. The templar cried for help. She was maybe all of 14 years old. She drew a knife anyway. Mania hits her hard across the hand holding the templar medallion. He did not want to be the subject of any templar magic just now. The girl dropped the knife and held her broken hand. She was stunned that someone would not only defy her of her fun also strike her. She turned and ran. Mania saw no need to strike a fleeing girl in the back. Besides, the old man needed help.
As Mania hefted him up a pouch fell out of his robes. He picked it absent-mindedly and placed it onto his own belt and left for a secure place. Mania felt Greene would disapprove of bringing him to the compound. Instead Mania brought him to the tavern. There was still no one inside. The bodies of the creatures were dissolving in a putrid heap. Mania didn’t know if that was the natural thing or a reaction to the heat. He didn’t care either.
The old man’s head rolled badly as he was placed into a chair. Mania looked for water for the man to drink but only found Kank nectar. It would have to do for now. He got most of it on the man’s shirt and robe instead of in his mouth. The man coughed and gagged…”smooth” the man, said weakly with a weak smile. He heard voices outside. The voices were female and had authority and arrogance in them. Templars were outside. He moved the man to behind the bar. Staying still and quiet and placing a hand over the man’s mouth he pantomimed to be quiet. The man nodded slowly.
The two templars looked inside but did not enter. They moved on. Whether they were searching for the old man or himself he was unsure. Then he heard it. A low angry growl. He knew what it was before he saw it. It was the thing he struck hard earlier. It was taking refuge here to heal also. It was hiding within the clay and glass bottles overhead.
It began to push bottles off of the high shelf onto Mania and the man. The old man rolled onto his side and covered his head. Mania tried to shield him and swing at the same time. He missed the dretch barely but took away its ammunition. It jumped down and tried to claw at him. It missed then received a strong 2-handed magically enhanced greatclub uppercut. The creature was set through the air and struck the wall. It’s legs hung out of the hole in the mortar while a thick dark smoke cloud escaped from it.
Mania turned back to the old man and found him missing. “Oh great”
SEGMENT 057
“Crossing the Line”
Mania staggers out of the tavern. The club dragging and thudding alone on the ground behind him. It was all he could do to walk. Being kinetically controlled by someone was not his definition of fun, even if it was for fun.
He was growing tired of being used and manipulated. And always by women. Was he that easy?
He took a deep breath and grits his teeth. He staggered back to the Greene building and retrieved his own magical club. He looked for anything that could help him otherwise but only found a few arrows and a bow. He had little experience with one but had seen Dutch practice with one. It was more than point and shot but that’s all he felt he was up for today.
He went back out onto the streets. It was fairly quiet. Maybe too quiet. In time he found a group of jumpy Templars. Rookies based on their ages. They were huddled over the body of an elder templar. She was mortally injured. Mania looked briefly. He only saw one wound…a sword slash. Someone saw an opportunity of advancement and took it he thought to himself. The girls gave him a look that reminded him they had the power here…not him. He wisely moved onward.
The creatures had killed only a few people. Most were killed by being trampled or by “friendly” fire. It appeared the templars killed as many people as the bloated blobs of infernal flesh. It was sickly to think about. Something had to be done. He was becoming more convinced that he HAD to do something. If only because he could and no one would…except for the Veiled Alliance. The V A. “Vicious Attackers” as he once heard Keela refer to them as. Mania saw it the other way around.
The carnage seemed worse towards the nobles’ section of the city. Moving there he saw more bodies, humanoid and infernal. Then he saw something and reacted to it by instinct only.
Two thugs were holding a thin older man while a templar slapped and scratched him. So caught up in the fun they didn’t see the club until it was to late. The club hit one man in the back of the head launching him forward. Mania’s swing ended as he struck the other thug squarely sending him into the alley. The old man dropped to the ground in a heap. The templar cried for help. She was maybe all of 14 years old. She drew a knife anyway. Mania hits her hard across the hand holding the templar medallion. He did not want to be the subject of any templar magic just now. The girl dropped the knife and held her broken hand. She was stunned that someone would not only defy her of her fun also strike her. She turned and ran. Mania saw no need to strike a fleeing girl in the back. Besides, the old man needed help.
As Mania hefted him up a pouch fell out of his robes. He picked it absent-mindedly and placed it onto his own belt and left for a secure place. Mania felt Greene would disapprove of bringing him to the compound. Instead Mania brought him to the tavern. There was still no one inside. The bodies of the creatures were dissolving in a putrid heap. Mania didn’t know if that was the natural thing or a reaction to the heat. He didn’t care either.
The old man’s head rolled badly as he was placed into a chair. Mania looked for water for the man to drink but only found Kank nectar. It would have to do for now. He got most of it on the man’s shirt and robe instead of in his mouth. The man coughed and gagged…”smooth” the man, said weakly with a weak smile. He heard voices outside. The voices were female and had authority and arrogance in them. Templars were outside. He moved the man to behind the bar. Staying still and quiet and placing a hand over the man’s mouth he pantomimed to be quiet. The man nodded slowly.
The two templars looked inside but did not enter. They moved on. Whether they were searching for the old man or himself he was unsure. Then he heard it. A low angry growl. He knew what it was before he saw it. It was the thing he struck hard earlier. It was taking refuge here to heal also. It was hiding within the clay and glass bottles overhead.
It began to push bottles off of the high shelf onto Mania and the man. The old man rolled onto his side and covered his head. Mania tried to shield him and swing at the same time. He missed the dretch barely but took away its ammunition. It jumped down and tried to claw at him. It missed then received a strong 2-handed magically enhanced greatclub uppercut. The creature was set through the air and struck the wall. It’s legs hung out of the hole in the mortar while a thick dark smoke cloud escaped from it.
Mania turned back to the old man and found him missing. “Oh great”
aye she's evil which is good(heh) but the one(?) time she exposed herself she just had it thrown back at her, which only pushed her further down the path of evil
of course most templar are doomed to becoming evil if they aren't from the start anyway
think there's what? one exception in the brazen gambit/rise and fall of a dragon king
access to Athas has to my knowledge always been a bit mixed up, personally I always felt it should probally be a demiplane with the nearby elemental planes likewise hedged off from the bigger planes(which could explain why the nearby elemental lords are so interested in athas, they want to go home) with getting into or out of athas almost on par with that of ravenloft
of course most templar are doomed to becoming evil if they aren't from the start anyway
think there's what? one exception in the brazen gambit/rise and fall of a dragon king
access to Athas has to my knowledge always been a bit mixed up, personally I always felt it should probally be a demiplane with the nearby elemental planes likewise hedged off from the bigger planes(which could explain why the nearby elemental lords are so interested in athas, they want to go home) with getting into or out of athas almost on par with that of ravenloft
megamania
Hero
UNDER A DARKSUN
SEGMENT 058
“Catacombs”
Dhojakt was impatient and would wait no longer. He was in a secret door beneath the noble house. This secret room in turn lead into underground catacombs. These catacombs meandered under the city and several layers deep. Some were caverns, or sewers. Some where 1000+ year old buildings that were built over. Others were specifically built to get around undetected. The portal to the Abyss was down there several layers down. He would wait no longer to close it.
About five minutes after he goes down into the catacombs fifteen templars with 35 ½ giants and a few dozen warriors arrive. They know not where to go and feel quite threatened to enter anyway. They decide to guard the noble house instead. The warriors and ½ Giants cover the basement. The templars (some now thieving) cover the house.
Dhojakt’s keen sense of smell easily lead him to through the rooms and passageways. He was getting a headache from the stronger cloud residue left behind by the smaller creatures. He thought they were Imps but was uncertain. (OCC- Planeslore rolled total of 7) Either way, they did not belong here in his father’s city. He ran along the ceiling allowing his powerful small claws to grip the cracks in the stone. The smell was strong and he did not like it. He became more convinced that he hated being underground and would someday die underground (OOC- See Amber Enchantress).
He now picked up new scents. Elves. What were the elves doing here? He was no where near the Shadow Square or Hill District area. There should be no elves here. He caste silence onto himself. He was confident he would not need to use further spells against the elves.
He found them. Three elves, recently killed and dressed in black. “Shadows” he thought. The elven raider / assassins were using the catacombs also. Perhaps it was them that released the creatures. (Segment 34?) He moved to the floor again, as the roof of the catacomb became earthen again. Fungus hung down from the ceiling and on the walls. He could feel their vibrations as he moved close to them. These kinds of mushrooms created a loud shrieking sound to scare off possible predators. His silence spell countered their screams of alarm. Suddenly the mushrooms stopped and wilted. They blackened and fell apart before Drojakt’s eyes. Someone was defiling here other than himself!
He felt the detection spell course over his body. He knew not what kind but was certain someone was just around the corner searching for something or someone. He moved up quickly feeling he could get the surprise attack and his silence spell would prevent any further casting of spells here. His dozens of legs pushed him around the corner into a group of robe wearing elves. One concentrating and pointing to him. It took several moments and a bit of blood but the Shadow-King’s son killed off the Shadows. He had no wish to have these elves running loose under the city.
He looted the bodies finding a few fruits and potions of healing and Strength enhancements on them. The gold felt good. These elves were not here hunting for the vermin. They were here looting during the riots. He then decided he went too easy on them.
A little further down he found a clumsily hidden door. Looking about he found a secret room. Within this was a ledger with names. He also found the magical marking suggesting an alarm had gone off. His silence spell was working so very well indeed. Looking once more at the ledger, he spotted a few known Veiled Alliance members. If he could smile- he would ear to ear now.
He found scrolls here also. This was paying off well for him. Perhaps he was being hasty deciding to not like the catacombs. However, he had a mission and needed to get back on track.
About thirty minutes later he found what he was looking for. A very small portal had been opened. It was sheltered and warded but the wards were broken. He pulled out the required items and let down his silence spell. “Freedom” Dhojakt didn’t even get a chance to turn before being struck.
It was the smaller of the creatures.. a quasit he thought. One problem however, it was armed and psionic! The battle was furious and evenly met on both parties. This is why they did not see the winged woman squeeze through the portal. She bite her lip in pain as a wing bone was broken by the effort. The Succubus had successfully entered Athas and quickly disappeared into the catacombs.
A few moments later Dhojakt returned, holding the creature’s staff. Several deep smoking wounds were visible in his chitious shell. The templars would pay for being late. He said the words of closure and mixed the two items he carried together and threw them into the portal. An audible “Huh?” came from the other side then a flash and the portal closed. The immediate threat was over. The Shadow-Prince had saved the day again.
SEGMENT 058
“Catacombs”
Dhojakt was impatient and would wait no longer. He was in a secret door beneath the noble house. This secret room in turn lead into underground catacombs. These catacombs meandered under the city and several layers deep. Some were caverns, or sewers. Some where 1000+ year old buildings that were built over. Others were specifically built to get around undetected. The portal to the Abyss was down there several layers down. He would wait no longer to close it.
About five minutes after he goes down into the catacombs fifteen templars with 35 ½ giants and a few dozen warriors arrive. They know not where to go and feel quite threatened to enter anyway. They decide to guard the noble house instead. The warriors and ½ Giants cover the basement. The templars (some now thieving) cover the house.
Dhojakt’s keen sense of smell easily lead him to through the rooms and passageways. He was getting a headache from the stronger cloud residue left behind by the smaller creatures. He thought they were Imps but was uncertain. (OCC- Planeslore rolled total of 7) Either way, they did not belong here in his father’s city. He ran along the ceiling allowing his powerful small claws to grip the cracks in the stone. The smell was strong and he did not like it. He became more convinced that he hated being underground and would someday die underground (OOC- See Amber Enchantress).
He now picked up new scents. Elves. What were the elves doing here? He was no where near the Shadow Square or Hill District area. There should be no elves here. He caste silence onto himself. He was confident he would not need to use further spells against the elves.
He found them. Three elves, recently killed and dressed in black. “Shadows” he thought. The elven raider / assassins were using the catacombs also. Perhaps it was them that released the creatures. (Segment 34?) He moved to the floor again, as the roof of the catacomb became earthen again. Fungus hung down from the ceiling and on the walls. He could feel their vibrations as he moved close to them. These kinds of mushrooms created a loud shrieking sound to scare off possible predators. His silence spell countered their screams of alarm. Suddenly the mushrooms stopped and wilted. They blackened and fell apart before Drojakt’s eyes. Someone was defiling here other than himself!
He felt the detection spell course over his body. He knew not what kind but was certain someone was just around the corner searching for something or someone. He moved up quickly feeling he could get the surprise attack and his silence spell would prevent any further casting of spells here. His dozens of legs pushed him around the corner into a group of robe wearing elves. One concentrating and pointing to him. It took several moments and a bit of blood but the Shadow-King’s son killed off the Shadows. He had no wish to have these elves running loose under the city.
He looted the bodies finding a few fruits and potions of healing and Strength enhancements on them. The gold felt good. These elves were not here hunting for the vermin. They were here looting during the riots. He then decided he went too easy on them.
A little further down he found a clumsily hidden door. Looking about he found a secret room. Within this was a ledger with names. He also found the magical marking suggesting an alarm had gone off. His silence spell was working so very well indeed. Looking once more at the ledger, he spotted a few known Veiled Alliance members. If he could smile- he would ear to ear now.
He found scrolls here also. This was paying off well for him. Perhaps he was being hasty deciding to not like the catacombs. However, he had a mission and needed to get back on track.
About thirty minutes later he found what he was looking for. A very small portal had been opened. It was sheltered and warded but the wards were broken. He pulled out the required items and let down his silence spell. “Freedom” Dhojakt didn’t even get a chance to turn before being struck.
It was the smaller of the creatures.. a quasit he thought. One problem however, it was armed and psionic! The battle was furious and evenly met on both parties. This is why they did not see the winged woman squeeze through the portal. She bite her lip in pain as a wing bone was broken by the effort. The Succubus had successfully entered Athas and quickly disappeared into the catacombs.
A few moments later Dhojakt returned, holding the creature’s staff. Several deep smoking wounds were visible in his chitious shell. The templars would pay for being late. He said the words of closure and mixed the two items he carried together and threw them into the portal. An audible “Huh?” came from the other side then a flash and the portal closed. The immediate threat was over. The Shadow-Prince had saved the day again.
megamania
Hero
Roman said:Nice updates.
BTW: I thought Abyss is not part of the Dark Sun cosmology? Admittadly mi knowledge of Dark Sun is limited, but I did think that access to the Abyss from Dark Sun Prime Material was impossible?!?
If you have the updated Box Set of Darksun look up Crimson Monolith. I believe it states Tanar'ri appear here under the right conditions then return into the portal. This suggests limited access.
With no strong gods, what or who would stop them anyway? With no paladins and few clerics this place is a vacation spot for them.
Then there's my influence. Especially since TSR / WOTC have all but given up on Athas I feel I can tweak it however I want. Two things tweaked thus far. One is the accessibility to the planes. The other is metal. It exits but is hard to use. 140 degrees is not pleasant for wearing armor. Also, weapons and armor made from metal would flash and alert others of your presence in the desert.
By time Mania's adventures are over, Athas will be very different (assuming I don't get him killed first).
Keep replying folks. I welcome accolades, critiques, questions and even negative thoughts so long as you defend them.
This isn't just a story about Mania, my telling it or your reading it. We all live UNDER A DARKSUN.
