Topic author: MrHedgehog
Subject: Thay Campaign
Posted on: 06 Apr 2013 00:32:32
Message:

Possible spoilers if you haven't read the Haunted Lands Trilogy.

I have an idea for a higher level campaign involving overthrowing Szass Tam's rule of Thay (occuring after the events of the novel Undead). The realms I run are fairly different from fourth edition realms with different deities and a removal of many of the elements that irked me (Mulhorand still exists – but is split in two with worshipers of Set ruling the south). I would like input on these ideas, potential quests, etc. The campaign is using 4th edition rules.

My players are nearing the completion of a plot arch in which they returned Opus to the realms. They then adventured in the Moonsea and helped create a “Ravensong Confederacy” where the Moonsea city states allied to repel the Shadovar from destroying Zhentil Keep (I know it was supposed to already be destroyed)

I am focusing on them being in Mulmaster then being conscripted by a Zulkir of Transmutation who lives near Mulmaster (Safiya – stolen from NWN2. I have the Red Wizard traders have Zulkirs based around the realms that oppose Szass Tam's rule) to go to Thay to explore and advance her goal of overthrowing Szass Tam. I am fairly confident the players will go along with this if it is presented to them. Safiya is allied with the Rassendyll (Who is still alive due to magic) and discovered portals to Eltabbar within his castle. He has been transformed with Transmutation magic into a very young man and now in public claims to be his great-grandson descended from Dmitra Flass. The Tharchioness of Eltabbar (Sylora Salm from the 4e book) has conspired with them once she discovered his plan to unmake the world.

At first I just want them to explore Thay and investigate. They would then discover Szass Tam seems to be absent (off making dread rings near Neverwinter, etc.) and the realm has been devastated by his rule. A majority of the population died during the civil war, the birth rate has been low since the takeover of the undead, and Thayans who are able to try to flee the country (neighbouring nations now have large refugee populations) With a low population, no foreign trade, etc. the economy has been devastated. Thay has a Zulkir of each school who is a lich controlled by Szass Tam. With this information given to the Red Wizards they would plan how to overthrow his rule of the nation to cut off his ability to make dread rings.

Zulkirs (not Szass Tam's) they'll be aware of:
Abjuration: Lallara Mediocros imprisoned herself beneath the earth and servants released her in Amn. There she rules the Red Wizards of the region, leader of the Cowled Wizards and become a member of the Council of Six. I have an idea of her seeking to learn more about abjuration from Pfaffaire and he sends her to a puzzle realm (the PCs might go?). The process makes her understand Abjuration more completely and she becomes Chaotic Neutral instead of Chaotic Evil

Transmutation: Safiya. Taken directly from NWN2. She lives in Mulmaster and has already interacted with the PCs selling them items.

Conjuration: A dwarf from the Great Rift who deals in elemental creatures not demons or devils. Not evil.

Enchantment: A tiefling who dwells on the Aloar supporting the Canos family who now rule the kingdom of the Aloar. Evil.

Divination: Yaphyll's spirit was sent into the future and into the body of a Rashemi girl. Her memories slowly returned to her as she was trained as a Hathran. No longer evil but seeks to have the Durthans lead the invasion of Rashemen by having the leaders promise them Surthay. Yaphyll is now Lawful Neutral.

Evocation: A teenage girl from Thesk gained the memories of several Red Wizard Evokers and Shadowmasters during the spell plague. She is still alive because of spell scarring and is a sword mage. Chaotic Neutral.

I have ideas for the other Zulkirs but I don't think it will come up.



Possible quests within this:
a.) Reversing his control of his Zulkirs. Lallara Mediocros creates objects that if worn undo Szass Tam's control of his undead Zulkirs (who include Dmitra Flass, Lauzoril and Druxus Rhym) The PCs have to find ways to get these to them.
b.) Getting neighbouring nations prepared to attack Thay such as Thesk, North Mulhorand, The Aloar, and Rashemen. Promised territories such as Thesk regaining Nethentir and Nethjet, Mulhorand gaining Thazalhar, Aloar controlling Bezantur and Rashemen Surthay.
c.) Szass Tam returning from some distant place only after the invasion of Thay commences and the PCs battling him.

The PCs are:
a) A human druid
b) Elf Ranger
c) Deva Cleric
d) Githyanki Artificer
e) Warforged Fighter