| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 20 Jun 2006 : 19:06:54
This a a house I had designed for a campaign that never came to be now it seems we will now be using it. The players will all be members of this House.
House Myett: 53rd House of Menzoberranzan
Background:House Myett was formed just over 1200 years ago by the youngest daughter of the youngest sister of Yvonell Baerne. Tri'lell Baerne formed this house after realizing she would never rise very high in the house hierarchy with her countless cousins ahead of her. She asked permission from Matron Baerne to leave the family and form her own. Matron Baerne seeing the potential in Tri'lell and the wisdomof having a vassal house subservient to the First House's needs wholeheartedly agreed.
Taking a small contingent of house forces she soon carved a niche for her house as Underdark trekinng merchants. They served House Baerne well under the dynamic Matron Tri'lell. Until disaster struck when Tri'lell and her eldest daughter were killed by a duergar raid. While they were on the way to Ched Nasad to oversee a critical trade negotiation between House Baerne and House Nasadra.
After this disaster a bloody feud for power ensued between the rest of the house nobles. The feud lasted for 3 years crippling the house and shattering the solid foundation that Tri'lell had built.Eventually Jaleath 3rd daughter of Tri'lell took over the family and somewhat stabilized the house's freefall. But it never recovered it's former status.
Despite it's connection to mighty House Baerne it has suffered setback after set back due to incompetence of an uninspired line of Matrons after Jaleath. In fact the only reason the house has survived this long is due to the patronage of Baerne which has used the house as a pawn against other minor houses tied to it's rivals. That was until recently.......
In the last 75 years the house has made a remarkable turn around in the inspired hands of Matron Aluntree Myett.
Background for the current Matron Mother Aluntree Myett
Wizard 10/ Arcane Devotee of Lolth 5/ Cleric of Lolth 2
Aluntree was the 4th daughter of Vasraee the matron mother before her. Aluntree at a young age was found to be wanting in her talent as a cleric. But she did have a sharp mind and a charm not found with the rest of her kin. It was decided she would be the house's chief negotiater. Although young she proved to be inspired choice for the role and helped somewhat reverse the fortunes of her house.
Aluntree used the freedom of her role in the house to begin to study Arcane magic on the sly. Using her position she began to accumulate bits of magic lore from around the Underdark. But she was betrayed to her Mother by a house male who had taught her a few cantrips. Vasrae warned her errant daughter that arcane magic was not beffitting a noble female and was ordered to stop the study of The Art. She was soon forced to attend Arach-Tinilith. There she struggled through years of toil in the clerical school with little results. After her graduation she resumed her role as House Negotiater.
Things went well for her for a decade or so. Until on a trade expedition to far flung drow city of Undrek'Thoz beneath the surface nation of Thay her small band was "ambushed" by a band duergar raiders. The whole caravan was wiped out to drow or so her house was led to believe. Aluntree had used her numerous contacts to hire a band of duergar mercanaries to destroy the caravan so she could use the raid to fake her own death. She then used what funds she had left to have the duergar band destroyed as well.
With her newfound freedom shemade her way to Undrek'Thoz and signed on with a mercenary band there. The company was under contract with a Red Wizard of some power named Azhir Kren. Using her wiles and charm she quickly wormed her way into the Thayvian's cold heart and became his apprentice and lover. She spent 5 years under his tutelage and employ until he was struck down by another Red Wizard over a dispute on who had really authored a certain spell.
After his death she made her way back to the the Underdark and again hooked up again with another mercenary band. Over the next 50 years she worked for numerous bands that contained wizards she wished to study under. Using her beauty and skill she would quickly gain acceptance. Once she learned what she wanted she would move onto the next one.
That was until she found the mercenary band known as the Dark Blade which operated out of the Drow city of Sshamath. Through skill, guile, and the occasional knife in the back she quickly rose the ranks of the band eventually taking over leadership. The band mainly worked for the various Magic Schools that ruled the city procurring minor magic items and spell components. She soon used her wiles to attatch herself to Guldor Zuviir Master of Mages of that city. She studied under him for 30 years quickly gaining power under his expert tutelage.
She began to build up the band into more than the handful of drow mercenaries she started with. In her travels he shad lost most of her drow raciscm.(she knew drow were better than the undercreatures but she also knew how useful they could be) Using her contacts she had built up through her years of travelling the Underdark . She built the band up into a smalll army of various races including a small diplaced tribe of orogs. She then formed an elite circle around her to take on specialized jobs.
Guldor contracted her to take her circle to various planes and retrieve items of rare arcane power. Over a period of ten years they proved rather adept at their planescaping missions until disater struck. On an Astral jaunt to a mind flayer enclave where she was negotiating the recorvey of an ancient drow artifact. Which had fallen into the hands of an illithid merchant. After nearly a week of hard bargaining the sale was nearly complete. On her way to the mechant's abode with her companions in tow. The enclave was suddenly rocked by explosions. Looking to the sky she saw red dragons ridden by the mindflayers most hated enemies githyanki. The city was quickly thrown into a state of chaos as the two forces of the ancient enemies locked in mortal combat.
Aluntree tried to use her magic to escape but the portal she created has ceased to function. As the Githyanki had used their magic to cut off all escape for their enemies. Sh had no other choice but to try to fight her way out of the city. Her own small force was picked off one by one as they moved across the enclave. Soon it was down to her and a male warrior which she sacrificed to get herself out of the city.
She limped her way across the astral looking for a way home. As she had used most of her magic and lost her spellbooks in the mad dash from the doomed city. Shortly after her escape from the city she found alone githyanki male floating near death. An explosion from the city had sent the githyanki hurtling through the Astral. She was about to kill the male when a thought occured to her. Maybe he could lead her to a portal that would return her to Toril. Using her minor clerical powers abilities to begin to nurse him back to health.
The githyanki warrior Klayya Grustyva last remembered hacking at the head of hated mindflayer when a blast of searingof light and heat had blasted him clear of the city. When he next awoke he found himself floating on the astral too wounded to even move. He resigned himself to his fate expecting to be dead in a few days. He drifted in and out of consiousness for a time until he was awoken to see of all things a drow female staring at him. He expected to die right there but then something totally unexpected happened she healed some of his wounds. They then struck a deal she would keep him alive if he would lead her home.
Klayya of course meant to slay the female as soon he was well enough to wield his silver sword. He told her the only portal to Faerun he knew of was months away.
Over the next few months something of a bond began much to the suprise of them both. First it was just out of a need of each other for survival. Then it turned to repect as the battled their way across the astral to the portal. Upon finally reaching the portal Aluntree surprised him by offering a place at her side. To his own surprise he accepted
Upon their return to Sshmath she quickly rebuilt her elite circle from within the group and intalled Klayya as her second in command. Soon their relationship blossomed and the two became lovers eventually she bore him a halfbreed son named Quilar. She kept the band together for another 20 years before but she felt something was missing. She missed Menzoberranzan. She left the band in the capable hands of her lieutenants. With her lover and half-breed son in tow she made her return to the city of her birth.
Upon her return after a short while she revealed her survival to her family.With a false tale of harrowing escape from duergar imposed slavery in the Underspires. She was quickly let back into the family due to the stupidity of her mother. Who only remembered her as a useful tool. Much to her regret later she did not realize how truly powerful her wayward daughted had become.
Within a few short years she rose to the rank of First Daughter. A year later she killed the incompetent Matron Vasrae and took her rightful place at the head of the household. She was staggered to see how much her house had fallen in her absence under the guidance of her mother. Rumor had it that Baerne herself was going to destroy the incompetent house herself.
Aluntree quickly remade the house in her own image. Opening the house to young drow commoners of good potential promising training and protection. She also brought her mercenary bandmates to join her house using the non-drow as her house's military including her orog shocktoops.
Currently the house has made the transition from a merchant house to a mercenary house. Aluntree has turned the House Myett into House Baerne's fixerand also to those other patrons who can afford them . Now fully back in favor with the First House. Aluntree has her sights set on improving her family's station within the city and may the houses above them beware!
I will post a few more details of the house later ( house forces, her halfbreed son, and a minor npc within the house)
So what do you all think of it? any comments? Also I am looking for some help in making some npc's for the house so if anyone wants to post one that would be great!
Thanks In advance
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| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 12 Jul 2007 : 18:03:05
UPDATE
After easily taking out House Vandree (thanks mainly to the party's infiltration and asassination of the House Nobles) House Myett is quickly given the rank of 12th House by the council. This is mostly due to the backing of Triel as House Myett is a vassal of Baerne.
After a few more sessions that were mostly solo missions furthering the goals of each pc. I surprised the pc's with this campaign rocking event. House Barrison Del Armgo attacks the House six months after Myett's victory over the Vandree in which the Matron decided to move their residence to the sprawling barely damaged Vandree compound. They use the pretence of the House having worshipers of Vhaerun in the Clan hierarchy (which is a lie although Selvetarm is currently a house favorite among the clan's males).
The real reasons for the attack are 3 fold
1. Matron Mez Barris Del Armgo has long coveted the Vandree compound as Barrsion Del Armgo's has grown too small for her forces. Seeing some other House take what she wanted spurs her into action.
2. The high ranking of a House so beholden to Baerne is unthinkable. So Mez Barris decides to take them down while indirectly injuring her enemy Triel.
3. The final and most personal was Mez Barris finding out Tazrak Myett had recently turned her favorite and most promising grandson (the spitting image of her former House Weapon Master and son of Uthgental) to the heretical worship of Selvetarm as deity in his own right.
The pc's seeing that Del Armgo is too strong for the House battle their way out the ex-Vandree compound and make their way to a portal created by Mourdar (the party mage) to escape to the surface. The portal leads to the land of Thay where Mourdar had established a bolthole in case of just such an emergency
At this point the players are kinda pissed at me for destroying most of what they worked for. I explained to them that some of them may have reached too far with their ambition (mostly I meant the player of Tazarak on making too many bold moves too quickly with the budding movement of Selvetarm's faith in Menzoberranzan).
With the demoralized party limped their way across the surface eventually ending up in Skullport where desparate for cash they took a job from a mage (secretly Laeral Silverhand) who wanted an underground ruin near the Serpent Hill's plundered and a magical crown returned to the mage for safekeeping. The pc's used to such missions as they worked for Gromph and various archmage's of the drow city Sshmaath took to the work readily.
What they weren't expecting was a yuan-ti infested lair led by an Overhood of The Coiled Cabal where there were many slaves being experimented on to form new versions of tainted ones and ann broodguards. After a horrific battle with the Overhood and his minions the party suceeded in not only recovering the crown,but also the freeing of all the slaves and leading them to safety and destroying the lab and most of the spell notes associated with the experiments (except one book that the party mage decided to keep for himself. Besides the recovery of the crown the party did the rest of the deeds was done more for the perverse enjoyment of pissing off the Overhood rather than giving a care of the well being of the slaves. They managed to kill most of the Yuan-ti but the Overhood survived.
After returning to Skullport and receiving their payment plus a hefty bonus for unexpected danger they faced. The mage offers them a safe haven in Waterdeep or Skullport and a chance to be put on a hefty retainer as the mage's personal retrieval team. Seeing as they have need time to plan their next move anyways they accept the offer.
Next up the Coiled Cabal will start to be a thorn in the pc's side as they unknowingly have upset a major plan of the organization. Also the bard Malageth will be offered a teaching position at New Olamn College in is guise of the half moon elf bard Talgath Moonmote. |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 10 Apr 2007 : 04:46:09
House Myett is much stronger than their low rank indidcates. Aluntree has hidden her strength for a long time keeping her forces spread across the Underdark. If any of the Higher Houses knew of her strength early on she knew they would destroy her house before they became a threat.
The forces served as mercenaries so that her troops could learn experience in the field and earn coin for the House.
As for the power of Aluntree unlike most nobles that were stuck in Menzoberranzan for most of their lives toiling for their House Aluntree has a long and sucessful adventuring past. (for more details read the first post in the thread)
She has recently been slowly moving most of her troops back to Menzoberranzan in preperation for her attack on House Vandree.
I have used the old Menzoberranzan Box Set to approximate House Vandree's strength in troops and the levels of their nobles. Of course I adjusted it a bit for my timeline and 3.5 edition rules and all. The Pc's role will be the same as it was in the two other House Wars they have been in. That role is as a surgical strike team eliminating any high ranking nobles and powerful leaders in the opposing house. Therefore crippling the Vandree's ability to mount much of a defence. |
| Zanan |
Posted - 09 Apr 2007 : 21:40:09
Just out of interest ... that attack on House Vandree and all, have you statted this House similarly to the 54th? I mean, the leaderess is quite powerful (compared to official folk) and I wonder whether you take the time and stat and create a good number of NPCs to throw at the PCs? |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 08 Apr 2007 : 06:30:28
Update: Each player's goals and individual sucesses.
Tazrak Myett Male Drow cleric Selvetarm 11 /Drow Judicator 3
Goals: Establish himself within the House as a noble and spread the worship of his deity within the city.
Accomplishments: Has established himself as the leader of the band. Has earned noble status and earned the House Surname. Has gained a rather large following among the Weapon Masters of many minor houses. And through them the common soldiers of these houses to the worship of his Patron Selvetarm
Nilkah Aleudran Male Drow Fighter 5/Rogue 3/Kyorlin Velve 6
Goals: Establish himself as the premier killer in Menzoberranzan. Establish himself as a leader of an assasin guild.
Accomplishments: He has a little ways to go in being considered the best asassin in the city. He has however founded a small but sucessful band of fellow killers recently bolstered by the services of the half Kelvezu/half-drow Jalak as his chief lieutenant
Morel Mindshatter Female Duergar Psion (Telepath)6/Ranger 1/Illithid Slayer 7
Goals:Become leader of her own branch of House Myett's mercenary troops operating out of the Underspires. Kill as many illithids as possible
Accomplishments: She has already been offered command of her own troops but has put that goal on hold until she has fulfilled the blood oath she has made with Tazrak. Killing mindflayers however has been a favorite pastime as of late. As the group has been contracted through House Myett to destroy a small enclave of mindflayers hiding in Waterdeep.
Mourdar Myett Male Drow Fighter 2/Wizard (evoker) 7/Mage Killer 5
Goals:Become the premier Wizard of his House, earn his mother's respect,become a Master of Sorcere, and of course become the Arch-Mage of Menzoberranzan.
Accomplishments: He has become the House Wizard (although his mother's mastery of magic still outstrip's his own). His mother once thought him a hotheaded fool but under Tazrak's guidance hes tamed his temper and become a very competent battlemage. Specializing in killing other mages. He has recently been offered a position in Sorcere but has had to decline as his mother has told him the time yet not right for it.
Malageth Zaurahel Drow Male Bard 12/ Death Singer 2(homebrewed Prc)
Goals: Travel the Underdark learning new music,songs and poetry from the various races of the world. Establish an acamedy and library so these tresures will not be lost when he dies.
Accomplishments: With his share of the spoils from the groups missions he has in a way fufilled his goals. He has secretly been funneling his funds to the New Olamn College located in Waterdeep. He's has also gifted them with many manuscripts of music and poetry from around the Underdark. He plans to retire there as a teacher (in disguise of course) once he retires from adventuring.
Saath Totherka Githyanki Male Psychic Warrior 8/Elocator 6
Goals: Break the hold the Lich Queen has over his people. Establish an enclave of like minded githyanki.
Accomplishments: So far he has not made many inroads on either of his goals. Although he realizes he must act quickly as he has become fairly powerful and has begun to attract the Lich Queen's notice.
Note: I will soon offer this character the chance to free some githyanki slaves from a mindflayer colony. What he does from there is up to him.
Arval Orog Male Ranger 14
Goals: Serve as his chieftain's right hand. Lead House Myett's forces to victory after victory.
Accomplishments: He has ran up quickly through the ranks of the Ebon Hand (his tribe) establishing himself as an able warleader. If he chose to do so he could challenge for leadership of the tribe. But he considers the chieftain to be a hero and like a father to him.
In a few weeks as the current mission winds down I will be throwing a wrench in their plans. I will have the House Matron Mother Aluntree Myett inform them that the time for secrecy has passed and they will begin planning an attack on House Vandree. Therefore ending their status as a secretly powerful but minor House to a rank in which they deserve.
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| Bladedancer |
Posted - 04 Nov 2006 : 18:22:14
h |
| Kalin Agrivar |
Posted - 08 Sep 2006 : 20:43:06
quote:
Originally posted by Bladedancer
Ewww kinda gross but I guess why they call them abberations eh? Well that is a great suggestion and I think I will use it.
Many Thanks
no problem :) glad to help...
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| Bladedancer |
Posted - 08 Sep 2006 : 20:37:05
Ewww kinda gross but I guess why they call them abberations eh? Well that is a great suggestion and I think I will use it.
Many Thanks |
| Kalin Agrivar |
Posted - 06 Sep 2006 : 14:28:44
quote:
Originally posted by Bladedancer
Aye Kalin I have the Menzoberranzan box set (it is what inspired this campaign). What the heck is Tscochari? Also what book are they detailed in? The idea of Mantol Derith is intriguing I think I will have to develop that one out. Thanks for the ideas Kalin.
If anyone else has any suggestions I am happy to hear them.
Mantol Derith basically allows trade between the drow, duergar, svirneblin, the Surface races and possibly any other Underdark race (except beholders I think)
The Tscochari are a new aberration race introduced in the Lords of Madness: the Aberrations book...they look like a cross between a lamprey and a tape worm and are as intelligent as the illithids and beholders and become wizards, sorcerers and clerics...they can "bond/merge" together to form much larger tscochari but their main power is that they are parasites and physically invade and take over humanoid bodies...  
I think they would be both a good ally for your drow house (taking over other powerful drow) or a foe for the house (as the tscochari invade your house)
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| Bladedancer |
Posted - 06 Sep 2006 : 14:03:05
Aye Kalin I have the Menzoberranzan box set (it is what inspired this campaign). What the heck is Tscochari? Also what book are they detailed in? The idea of Mantol Derith is intriguing I think I will have to develop that one out. Thanks for the ideas Kalin.
If anyone else has any suggestions I am happy to hear them. |
| Kalin Agrivar |
Posted - 05 Sep 2006 : 19:09:29
quote:
Originally posted by Bladedancer
Update if anyone cares :)
After this last couple of months the party has advanced swiftly in levels ranging from 10-11th. This was mostly due to the fact that most of my friends were off from college and were looking to play as much as possible. Fortunetly the montaur was killed rather quickly (it was hard coming up with plothooks for that one) and was replaced by a drow priestess of Lolth by the name of Micanra Alenduis.
The house has eliminated 2 rival minor houses aligned with House Baenre's enemies. Matron Aluntree still hasn't showed the House's full strength for she knows House Myett will be decimated by larger houses that would band together to strike against them.
The party has been an instruemental key to these raids as a surgical strike team taking out the house nobles of these clans with little support from the House forces. They have also worked Gromph Baenre in acquiring rare spell components and a few artifacts recovered from some ancient Vyshaan ruins on the surface.
Unfortunetly I am on my last adventure idea for these guys. So soon I will another one. So if anyone has any plothooks I would appreciate it alot.
maybe a dumb question but do you have the 2E Menzoberranzan box set?
you can do something with that market place (Mantel Derith sp?)...I have alwys though of it as the "casablanca" of the North's underdark...
another idea is actually discovering a new race/culture...even a wicked one, that your drow house could use as an ally to get ahead...
Imagine agents from House Myett going into the Lower Underdark and encountering a Tsochari colony...they could become allies, foes or be possessed and then the rest of the House must cleanse them |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 05 Sep 2006 : 18:56:15
Update if anyone cares :)
After this last couple of months the party has advanced swiftly in levels ranging from 10-11th. This was mostly due to the fact that most of my friends were off from college and were looking to play as much as possible. Fortunetly the montaur was killed rather quickly (it was hard coming up with plothooks for that one) and was replaced by a drow priest of Selvetarm .
The house has eliminated 2 rival minor houses aligned with House Baenre's enemies. Matron Aluntree still hasn't showed the House's full strength for she knows House Myett will be decimated by larger houses that would band together to strike against them.
The party has been an instruemental key to these raids as a surgical strike team taking out the house nobles of these clans with little support from the House forces. They have also worked Gromph Baenre in acquiring rare spell components and a few artifacts recovered from some ancient Vyshaan ruins on the surface.
Unfortunetly I am on my last adventure idea for these guys. So soon I will another one. So if anyone has any plothooks I would appreciate it alot. |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 21 Jul 2006 : 21:11:19
Here is player's party.
Name:Morerl Mindshatter Race:Duergar Sex:Male Class:Psion Level:5th
From Underspires this enterprising young duergar is a devotee of Deep Duerra. Her family has been serving a branch of Aluntree Myett's mercenary company for 2 generations. She relocated to Menzoberranzan upon hearing of greater oppurtunities in directly serving Aluntree.
Name: Arval Race:Orog Sex:Male Class:Ranger Level:5th
A member of the Ebon Fist Orog tribe that has served Aluntree for 200 years. A young warrior trained in the arts of the savage wilderness that is the Underdark. He hero worships the tribe leader Thok Spinebreaker and hopes to one day follow in his great leader's footsteps.
Name: Nilkah Aleudren Race:Drow Sex:Male Class:Fighter/Thief Level 2/3
Nilkah was plucked from the slums of Menzoberranzan by a noble from House Myett. After seeing the boy pickpocket a few of the other nobles of the house while carousing in the slums. Knowing talent when he saw it he received permission to enroll the youngster in Melee-Magethere. Nilkah soon proved himself talented enough to begin training as a Kyorlin Velve (Drow asassin prestige class by Thomas C. Costas's Prestige in the Realms)
Name: Mourndar Myett Race:Drow Sex:Male Class: Wizard (Evoker) Level:5
Mourndar is the youngest son of Aluntree Myett. He inherited his mothers gift in the Art but little else. He is a brooding and impatient youngster prone to violent outbursts. His mother seeing his talent set him up in this group of other up and comers in the house hoping to give the boy a chance to "grow up" and prove himself worthy of his lineage. If not she can always sacrifice him
Name: Malageth Zaurahel Race:Drow Sex:Male Class:Bard Level:5
A second generation mercenary in service of Aluntree Myett his parents has served Aluntree from the very beginning his mother a skilled asassin and his father a competent battle mage. (I am encourging this player to come up with more details on this character before we begin play)
Name: Kof Athak Race: Minotaur(from Krynn) Class:Cleric Of Sargonnas(his spells are granted by Bane although he doesn't realize this) Level:5th
Still going through his history with the player.
Name: Saath Totherka Race:Githyanki Sex:Male Class:Psychic Warrior Level 5th
Saath is a relative of the githyanki Klayya who served as Aluntree's lover and partner in leading the mercenary group before she settles in Menzoberranzan. The young gith sick of the tyrrany of the Lich Queen that so dominates his people fled to Toril to join with his kinsman for a chance at another life. He seeks to one day form his own company of like minded githyanki to overthrow the lich queen. He is content now to sit at the learning tree of the devious Matron of House Myett.
That is what we have so far although I might have another player joining as well.
Cheers |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 17 Jul 2006 : 17:09:57
Next is the premier cleric of House Myett
Quavae Myett First Sister of House Myett 9th level Cleric of Lolth
Quavae is the last daughter born to the former matron of House Myett and Aluntree's youngest sister. Upon Aluntree's return to her House after her self inposed exile the young Quavae quickly realized that Aluntree was the real power in the house. Who would soon take over as matron. The young priestess realized Aluntree would see her a rival for the coveted position. Knowing that she had neither the raw power or the support of others to oppose her sister's rise to prominence. She did the next best thing ally with and assist her sibling's ascent.
To show her commitment to Aluntree she committed tha asassination of her eldest sister and First Daughter of the house. In which during a ritual to the Spider Queen with a well placed blow to back of the skull with her mace. With this test of loyalty she assured her survival (for awhile).
Quavae has kept herself alive throughout her older sister's reign by keeping herself useful to Aluntree. Quavae has been instrumental into bringing young commoners with potential into the house. With her keen judge of talent and a nose for trouble she has excelled in her role as chief recruiter for the clan.
Quavae has also risen to the top of the clan's clerical hierarchy serving as the family's high priestess. As Aluntree's daughters are still to young and weak to challenge her supremacy in this role.
Campaign Notes: Quavae is the one that brought all the young drow not of noble birth into the family (basically all the drow pc's fall into this category). So the pc's will at first get most of their missions from her. She will try to instill some loyalty from them to her in exchange for plucking them from the streets of Menzoberranzan. She is a master manipulator and an ultimate survivor. She has seen how Aluntree has fostered loyalty with almost the whole house and (with much distaste) seeks to emeulate her.
I would like to expand her background a bit if anyone has any sugestions they would be welcome.
Next will be the player's party breakdown and small snippets of background for them. |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 06 Jul 2006 : 18:09:02
Name: Lidae Sex:Female Race:Kobold (Deep Dragon) Align:LE Class: Wizard 12
The kobold known as Lidae is in reality the deep dragon known as Lidaelethus. Over 300 years ago Lidae was cursed into the shape of a female kobold by a mated pair of saphire dragons. In retalition for repeated attacks on the gem dragon's lair. The curse not only stripped her of her stately form it also took away her formidiable magical might.
Forced to wander the Underdark in this ridiculous form she struggled to survive. Eventually by sheer force of will she gained control of a small tribe of kobolds. Through the next few years she manipulated the tribe into becoming nomads and brigands. She turned the tribe into a lethal fighting forcwe with lighting quick smash and grab tactics on Underdark caravans. She let the kobolds keep most of the gold and gems only keeping the magical items gained as her portion of the loot. Every year she moved them closer and closer to the drow city of Sshmath. Hoping the wizards of that city would be able to break her curse in exchange for the magical items she had acquired.
Unfortunetly for the dragon turned kobold all efforts were for naught. While there she decided if no wizard could cure her she would have to do it herself. Although she had lost her natural draconic magic she determined she still had a talent for it. With the minor magic items she had left she traded them to minor mages of the city for training. Eventually gaining enough power to become an independent operator and hire herself and the tribe out as mercenaries.
A few years into her role as a mercenary captain she found herself in competion for a paticular magic item with a drow mercenary band. The groups quickly came to blows. Although the mighty kobolds put up a valiant fight they were quickly defeated. Expecting complete destruction the few remaining kobolds were surprised when the leader of the drow band asked to parley with the leader of the kobolds.
The leader of the drow band (a mage by the name of Aluntree) was impressed by the fighting prowess of the small monsters. She offered them a place within the ranks of her own band. Facing certain death by the drow they quickly agreed to the offer. Upon sizing up what she had acquired in the form of the kobolds she found a surprisingly powerful mage as their leader.
Over the next 100 years the two mages formed an unlikely bond of respect and friendship (as close to frienship a drow and former deepdragon can get). The drow took the former dragon under her wing and taught her more magic than Lidae had known in her previous form.
With the wisdom of the deep dragon backing Aluntree's power and guile they quickly became one of the premier mercenary forces in the Underdark. When Aluntree decided to return home and begin the takeover of her former house the kobold happily went along. Lidae was Aluntree's secret weapon in eliminating her foes within the house. For who would expect a kobold to be so mighty a wizard?
Current info: No one within House Myett (besides Aluntree) currently knows Lidae's true form is a dragon. She puts on the face of being a favored slave of the house. In reality she is Aluntree's closest advisor. She has made a bloodpact with Aluntree in that in return for continued loyalty Aluntree with spare no expense in breaking the curse. Secretly unbeknownst to Lidae Aluntree has had means to break the curse for the last 2 decades. She is currently trying to alter the letter of the bargain to include contined service to the house after she is cured. I will give the pc's a chance to stumble upon the secret of the kobold/dragon in later levels I will also give them a chance to find out about their Matron's duplicity and how to break the curse. A deep dragon as an ally could help boost a drow's person al agenda astranomically.
If there are any comments I would be welcome to hear them.
Up next will be the premier cleric of Lolth of House Myett. |
| Jorkens |
Posted - 01 Jul 2006 : 20:58:18
Of the top of my head:
Well, most of the other drow would maybe view such a characters as more of a jester, a pet flunky that entertains Aluntree. the Kobolt must be smart and devious to survive at these circumstances. which plans do she have herself and how did she enter the inner circle. she could be a loyal companion or just waiting for the right possibility. a magical item that fools mind reading might be useful if the Kobolt is not loyal. In an interesting twist the Kobolt could be the real source of many of the characters troubles without them knowing. Or maybe a secret ally if they get into trouble with Alauntree |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 01 Jul 2006 : 16:59:00
Ok the first member of Aluntree's inner circle will be the only non-drow a kobold wizard/thief type. I haven't been able to come with any good thoughts for her besides that. Anyone have any thoughts? |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 29 Jun 2006 : 17:12:31
Here is the breakdown of the House Forces that are based in Menzoberranzan. Most of the Sable Fist (the orog tribe) is either on retainer somewhere in the Underdark (currently Sshmath) while most of the non-combatants (old,young and most of the breeding age females) are in a safe-hold near Menzoberranzan. If pressed Aluntree can recall the rest of her mercenary forces with the portal magic she learned in youth serving the wizards of Sshmath. While this force seems large for a minor House they are usually rented by House Baenre and other powerful noble houses to make war on other upstart houses without having to commit their own resources. Plus Aluntree is cheaper than Bregan D'Aerthe :).
Drow Soldiers
30 Elite Lizard Rider Calvary
50 Elite Foot
25 Elite Archers
Humanoid Soldiers
50 Orog Elite Heavy Infantry
50 Bugbear Heavy Foot
25 Hobgoblin Archers
Slave Soldiers (Cannon fodder)
75 Kobold Infantry
60 Goblin Infantry
I will also be listing the House Nobles in a breakdown similiar to the Menzoberranzan Box Set and Aluntree's Inner Circle. If anyone has any interesting NPC thoughts for the house nobles I would welcome the input. |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 11:53:55
Here is the current Orog Champion that leads the tribe known as The Sable Fist that is in service to House Myett.
Name:Thok "Firehand" Spinebreaker Race:Orog Sex:Male Alignment Lawful Evil Patron Deity:Illneval Height:6'0" Weight 250 lbs Hair:Black Class: Marshal 7/Fighter5/Legendary Leader 5
Description:Although short for his race he is massively built with a build like a strong dwarf. He has manny battle scars which he proudly displays. The largest one runs from his left brow to the base of his neck was from a duergar axe.
History: Born into the Ebon Hand clan of orogs (a tribe that has been loyal to the drow wizard Aluntree Myett for over 200 years) he was quickly taught the use of weapons and warfare. He excelled at an early age in both endeavors. When he came of age Thok served in many engagements as a member of the clan fighting. He quickly established himself as a viscious and inventive warrior.
He earned his surname Spinebreaker while leading a squad of orogs who were rented out to a Luskan caravan bound for Icewind Dale. The caravan was attacked by a band of orcs that were led by a Frost Giant warrior. The orogs were outnumbered 5 to one. But were swiftly evening the odds with superior training and weapons against their lesser kin. That was until the frost giant leader of the band took a more active role in the conflict. The giant began scattering the orog ranks with swings from his mighty spiked war club. Soon all that stood in his way was a short but massively built orog who wielded a maul. The frost giant laughed at Thok and said "Surrender and join us or die" The orog responded with a mighty swing of his maul to the giant's shin shattering the bone. The giant sank to one knee as his leg could not support his massive weight. Enraged the frost giant clumsily tried to pulp the insolent orc-kin with his war club. Thok nimbly dodged the rage fueled strikes. Quickly countering with his hammer as the oppurtunities presented themselves leaving the giant bruised and battered. As the giant began to tire his swings growing slower and with much less lethal force behind them. Thok worked his way around the behemoth to swiftly end the bout with a vicious two handed swing of his maul to the base of giants spine. All in attendance of the battle stopped fighting upon hearing the sound of the giant's back breaking and the sight of the giant falling face first into the snow dead. The few remaining orcs fled seeing their leader defeated. This was just the first of many stunning victories Thok would author.
Thok was soon promoted after his victory over the Frost giant and led many succesful missions for Aluntree Myett including the slaying of deep dragon, a foray into the Phaerimm held underdark beneath the Auroch desert, and the smashing of a horde of mindflayer-led grimlocks that were raiding House Myett led caravans.
During the War of The Spider Queen when the duergar army of Gracklystugh and tanarukka forces of Kanyrr Vhok invaded Menzoberrnzan the tribe was soon utilized against them. Intrigued by the challenge of fighting against the savage tanarukka horde Thok volunteered to lead the orog vanguard against them. His chief granted his request (secretly hoping the young upstart would fall in the coming battle). Much to his chief's chagrin the forces led by Thok gained victory after victory against the their fiendish cousins. During one of these skirmishes is when he earned the knickname "Firehand". In this battle (as was the norm) he led his troops from the forefront of the battlefield. Inspiring his troops with his great skill and courage he defeated any and all challengers. Seeing his soldiers being decimated by the Thok led orogs he dispatched his tannaruka champion Soulcrusher to destroy the orog. Armed only with a flaming battle-gauntlet Soulcrusher cut a swath of destruction across the battle field killing orogs with ease.
Thok seeing his left flank crumbling turned his attention to the cause . What he saw chilled him to the bone. A tanarukka more fiend then orc standing close to 8 foot tall with the wings of a vrock sprouting from his back. Thok then felt a strange emotion within himself fear. Shaking himself to get the will sapping emotion out of his mind he unslung his maul from his back. He fought his way across the battlefield to the tannaruka champion.
His maul stained from the blood of many demon-orcs came into guard position as he approached Soulcrusher. The demon champion upon seeing the target his master had sent him to eliminate howled with glee and bloodlust and charged. The battle seemed to stop. As many eyes were drawn into the symphony of blood and carnage the two champions inflicted upon each other. After what seemed liked hours Thok badly burned from the tannaruka's battle gauntlet seemed to have finally met his match. He sank to his knees dropping his maul seemingly too wounded and exhausted to continue the battle. Soulcrusher screamed in ecstacy as he charged to finish his helpless foe. "Playing possum" as the surfacers called it Thok drew the shortsword he kept for close quarters fighting. Letting the tannaruka's own momentum do his work for him he set the sword to accept the brutes charge. Realizing his mistake too late Soulcrusher impaled himself on the orog's sword. With his last breath he cursed the clever orog and died. With his opponent dead Thok staggered over to the demon's corpse. He then (although it seared away half the flesh on his hand) he tore the battle gauntlet free from the body's fist and raised it to the sky and bellowed out war cry. His people repeated it with furvor and inspired once again by their leaders exploits soundly defeated the tanarukka legion. Thok cllapsed soon after his battle with Vhok's Champion and was taken back to the orog priest's for healing. Soon after this battle with the grace Lolth back with the drow of Menzoberranzan the tanarukka and duergar forces were pushed out of the city.
Soon after the war was over impressed by his battle prowess and leadership in the field Aluntree made him Warleader(commander of all non-drow members of her forces). With the clout gained from this position he quickly took over the leadership reins of his clan as well.
Signature Weapons
Inferno +2 Flaming Defending Battle Gauntlet
With his left hand crippled he has put his trophy from the tannaruka champion Soulcrusher to good useing it as his new favored weapon. This wepon also grants the user a fire resistance of 10.
"Backcrusher" +2 Thundering Viscious Maul of Impact
This maul was given to Thok by his father upon gaining his majority. He dubbed it "Backcrusher" after he used it to shatter the spine of a frost giant. He has added enchantments over the years to increase it's power as he has progressed in personal power. |
| Thmpr |
Posted - 23 Jun 2006 : 22:33:11
good stuff keep it coming |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 23 Jun 2006 : 18:12:49
Here is House Myett's First Boy and Weaponmaster
Quilar Myett male half-drow/half-githyanki 10th level psychic warrior/2nd level rogue
Background: Quilar was at first a great dissapointment to his mother who has tested him early on for any aptitude in The Art. For which he had no talent whatsoever but she recongnized he had anotheer type of power brewing within him psionics. This gift he had inherited from his father. Itwas quickly decided that he would be given over to his father to be trained in the githyanki warrior tradition along with some tutoring with his minor gifts in psionics. He also showed some talent for blending into his surroundings. So some the mercenary companies rogues taught him a few tricks. While his mother tutored him in the ways of the drow.
The youth matured quickly and absorbed his father's lessons quickly. At the age of fourteen he was allowed to accompany in the field. By the time he was 18 he was leading small groups of their mercenary band on missions showing a grasp of tactics that rivaled his father.
After awhile his mother informed him of her intention to move the family back to her birthplace of Menzoberranzan. She warned him of the difficulties he would face as a half-breed. He merely grinned.
Upon joining the family the young half-breed was scorned and ridiculed by the rest of the clan. He stoically took the abuse and bided his time. He quickly gained the favorof his inept grandmother by slaying the weapon master of a rival merchant house in an attack of one of their caravans. After that his confidence grew any male in the house that tried to slight him after that was swiftly dealt with (meaning they were either maimed or killed).
In the meantime his father Klayya was rapidly losing his edge as a warrior due to his age. He knew the younger drow blades of the house would soon seek to assasinate the githyanki outsider. SO Klayya gave his Silver Sword to his son and left Menzoberranzan and return home to go on one last raid against his people's hated enemies the mindflayers. He never returned.
In the last 75 years Qular has risen through the ranks of the House almost as fast as his mother. He has seen much drow blood on his hands as his mothers main tool for the whims of House Baenre as her main assasin. As he has honed his skills he has risen to the post of Weaponmaster of his clan. A position he ruthlessly defends with his psionic powers and his father's Silver Sword.
|
| scererar |
Posted - 23 Jun 2006 : 18:11:40
quote:
Originally posted by Bladedancer
Wow 75 views only one comment? I knew I wasn;t the best writer but I didn't think I was that bad.
I would say they same as my fellow scribes and sages my friend. Good work.
|
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 23 Jun 2006 : 17:31:00
quote:
Originally posted by Jorkens
I think you have done a great work here, but I have not commented for the simple reason that what I have seen until now I have liked and I am really just waiting to see more of this House.
I shall echo these sentiments. |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 23 Jun 2006 : 16:55:28
quote:
Originally posted by Kentinal
You can look at it this way as well. There is no advice offered because so far was presented sounds very good.
I am wondering how many members do you plan to have in this House?
Well met
Aye, sadly in the world we live, it tends all too often to be a case of "no news is good news" and only criticism tends to be aired. 'tis always nice for readers to give positive feedback though on a scribes work, even if just to say how enjoyable it was  |
| Asgetrion |
Posted - 23 Jun 2006 : 15:56:43
Otherwise great work, but I must point out that Baerne is correctly spelled 'Baenre' |
| Jorkens |
Posted - 23 Jun 2006 : 15:43:48
I think you have done a great work here, but I have not commented for the simple reason that what I have seen until now I have liked and I am really just waiting to see more of this House. |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 23 Jun 2006 : 15:21:41
Thanks for the encourgement. What do you mean by members Kentinal? Do you mean nobles or overall membership in the House itself including commoners and slave forces? I am going to post the house forces in my next post (if I can find my god forsaken notes :)) If anyone has an idea for some of the house nobles I would be glad to add them. |
| Kentinal |
Posted - 23 Jun 2006 : 15:06:25
You can look at it this way as well. There is no advice offered because so far was presented sounds very good.
I am wondering how many members do you plan to have in this House? |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 23 Jun 2006 : 14:43:24
quote:
Originally posted by Bladedancer
Wow 75 views only one comment? I knew I wasn;t the best writer but I didn't think I was that bad.
Well met
Worry not, Bladedancer. I'm sure it's been very well received. 'tis good work, and i'd certainly like to see more from thy quill |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 23 Jun 2006 : 14:33:37
Wow 75 views only one comment? I knew I wasn;t the best writer but I didn't think I was that bad. |
| Bladedancer |
Posted - 22 Jun 2006 : 12:38:36
Here is a mid level npc of the house which the pc's will either be in competion with or allies with.
Name:Solfryn Alanth Race:Drow Sex:Male
Class:Paladin Of Slaughter(from UA) of Selvetarm 6/Drow Judicator 1 Align:CE
Height 5'10" Weight 195lb. Hair:Copper Eyes:Red
Description: Solfryn is extremely large for a drow standing close to 6 feet tall and approaching 200 pounds. Some say human must taint his bloodlines (a fact that he vehemetly denies). He proudly wheres his coppery locks long and wild.
Personality: He lets others think he is a stupid bute fit for nothing but combat. But underneath his crude fascade he is a true drow calculating and cold ready to take advanatge at he first sign of weakness.
History: Solfryn was born to a merchant house in the city of Eryndlyn. His house devoutly worshipped the dark god Vhaerun. They thrived under the thieving god's patronage becoming very rich and powerful.
Until the day the Time of Troubles came. When the avatar of Selvetarm came rampaging through the city destroying all in his path. Solfryn's house was one of the many heretic targets the Spider Demon sundered that day.
The young Solfryn was one of the few survivors of the shattered House Alanth. He wandered the streets of the city for a few years carving a niche for himself as a bouncer and all around street tough in the slums of that city. A cult of Selvetarm that worshipped the deity as a power in his own right (instead of just an extention of Lolth's will) was active in the area where Solfryn resided. After observing the brutal and strong youth for a time they approached him and offered him place in their ranks. He eagerly accepted. For he remembered the awe he felt in the fury unleashed. Upon seeing the avatar of this dark god wreak havoc across the city including the up close and personal destruction of his own house!
He was trained to be a living extention of the Demon Spider's will becoming a a dark warrior blessed with divine power. A few later the blasphemous cult was chased out of the city proper.
The cult began wandering the Underdark trying to carve out a niche for themselves wherever they could. Most of the group eventually settled in Undermountain. But the leader of Solfryn's small group wanted to spread the faith. So they traveled the Underdark picking disenfranchised young males in the many drow enclaves they visited. Eventually building a stong force of 200.
During the War of the Spider Queen they were on their way to Menzoberranzan. On their approach to the city they encountered an advance unit of the Gracklstugh army that was making it's way to invade Menzoberranzan. The Selvetarmites slaughtered the duergar unit with the young Solfryn playing a pivotol role in the route. Leading the way with unusual tactics for a follower of Selvetarm (ca quick decisive victory with few losses) and blighting foe with his god given powers.
After the victory Solfryn quickly realized by the makeup and equipment of the duergar force that it was just an advance unit of a large army. His overconfident superiors payed no mind to their young lieutenant and odered the ranks to make camp. To get the young scareling out of camp he was ordered to take a small force to the city and get much needed supplies. A few days later a large force of Tanarukka stumbled upon the camp and slaughterd the cult to a drow.
After securing provisions for his group Solfryn and an inn for his companions to spend the next few days in. A few days later while settling himself in for the night he began his dark devotions to his god. During his prayers he was granted a vision. In his vision it was revealed to him the slaughter of his cohorts. Stunned by the divine revelationhe left his companions at the inn saying he had errand to run. He wandered the streets of Eastmyr to clear his head and decide his next move. While traveling the streets he heard whispers of dark dwarves and half-demons invading the city. Upon hearing thishe quickly made his way back to the inn. Telling his fellows of his vision and the rumors and whispers around the city.He told them of the decision he had come to on what he intended to do next. He planned to join up with any mercenary group that would take him. So he coulbring Mighty Selvetarm's wrath to the duergar and tannaruka infidels that had destroyed his fellows. The rest of his fellows wholwheartedly agreed.
They joined up with a mercenary group that was a sponsored by House Myett. Solfryn quickly distinguished himself as a capable leader and viscious opponent to all that stood in his way. Many tannaruka and duergar fell to his blade in the battles to come.
After the siege was over and most of his small contingent dead the young drow was at a loss at what to do with himself. Selvetarm smiled on him when a representative from House Myett (who was also one his commanders in the mercenary company) offered him a place within her house. The young warrior leapt at the chance to join the up and coming house. Solfryn was assigned to caravan duty for a few years to prove his worth and loyalty to the house. After rapidly rising through the ranks of the common soldiers he is now being trained with other up and coming youngsters in the house to form the core of special forces type group. Which is patterned off Matron Mother Aluntree's inner circle that worked so well for her when she led her mercenary band.
I'll post the Matron Mother's First Boy the Half-Drow/Half Githyanki Qullar Myett if there is any interest. |
