Circle of Eight question. - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Circle of Eight question.

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
zombiegleemax
Sep 24, 2005 20:53:13 Circle of Eight question........Do those guys have some sort of insignia or way of dressing to tell them apart from any old mages?

Thank you in advance.
#2
thanael
Sep 25, 2005 13:09:45 (AFAIK) nope.
#3
zombiegleemax
Sep 25, 2005 20:06:20 Thank you, the reason I ask is because some of my players are going to run across them.

I guess I'll have to make it up.
#4
ripvanwormer
Sep 25, 2005 20:38:05 I don't think they necessarily want people to be able to tell them apart from other mages. Each has their own way of dressing; as powerful wizards, they're not the type to be into uniforms. I mean, it's not like they all wear identical blue jumpsuits with the number 8 emblazoned on their chests like they just got irridated by cosmic rays and can't wait to tell Doctor Doom about it.

They're not really a team, just nine wizards with somewhat compatible but usually contradictory goals who haven't tried to kill one another lately only because they haven't yet realized what a jerkhole Mordenkainen is.

Me, I'm taking bets on who the next Rary is going to be. Either Jallarzi or Theodain, I think.
#5
scoti_garbidis
Sep 25, 2005 22:11:17 They may not wear uniforms that make them stick out but from what I understand from the City of Greyhawk Boxed set is that one member is very well known in the city and is a member of the Oligarchy. I can't remember which one but I also think his membership to the Circle of 8 is secret to all but the Circle itself and maybe a few other allies from the past.

Not sure where you are having them run into some Circle of Eight members but Greyhawk City is a great place for them and a few members actually live there, IIRC.
#6
thanael
Sep 26, 2005 4:28:47 That would be the late Otiluke iirc, who as Head of the Society of Magi had a seat on the Ruling Council. None of the current members has one though. (unless perhaps Jallarzi, but i think not...)

Read all about the Co8 here
#7
zombiegleemax
Sep 26, 2005 5:46:26 Jallarzi isn't a Directing Oligarch, but she does live in Greyhawk City, as does Otto IIRC.

And Mordenkainen isn't a jerkhole, he's just misunderstood (or is that megalomanical?). ;)

P.
#8
zombiegleemax
Sep 26, 2005 17:35:29 I'm of the old school. I like the original 8.

Thanks for the info everyone. Especially Thanael!
#9
lincoln_hills
Sep 28, 2005 15:07:15 I apply a principle of Less Is More on all "book character" appearances in the Greyhawk setting and I strongly commend a similar course to you, Molitor. If the Circle of Eight has business with (or work for) your party, choose a single member of the Eight to be their "face". To steal a comment from Neil Gaiman, "I try to use the (most powerful/important characters) as if I were filming a movie and they were all big, big stars: the less screen time they have, the better."

If all eight wizards pop up with a hey and a ho, your party won't think, "Wow! How cool!" They'll think, "Cheese!"

Whereas a single mage, if he's named (say) Bigby, will make them sit up and take notice. "I know that name," they'll think. Portray that one guy, make him vital and interesting. Later on, if necessary, introductions to the rest can be made.

Incidentally, if the Circle are meant to be adversarial, I'd start with the less likeable folks to represent them (Otiluke was great for this purpose, one reason I regret his death) - whereas if you want them to seem like powerful friends, I'd start them off with a meeting with Otto or Tenser - both convivial, kindly, and high-charisma.
#10
zombiegleemax
Sep 28, 2005 19:17:17
I apply a principle of Less Is More on all "book character" appearances in the Greyhawk setting and I strongly commend a similar course to you, Molitor. If the Circle of Eight has business with (or work for) your party, choose a single member of the Eight to be their "face". To steal a comment from Neil Gaiman, "I try to use the (most powerful/important characters) as if I were filming a movie and they were all big, big stars: the less screen time they have, the better."

If all eight wizards pop up with a hey and a ho, your party won't think, "Wow! How cool!" They'll think, "Cheese!"

Whereas a single mage, if he's named (say) Bigby, will make them sit up and take notice. "I know that name," they'll think. Portray that one guy, make him vital and interesting. Later on, if necessary, introductions to the rest can be made.

Incidentally, if the Circle are meant to be adversarial, I'd start with the less likeable folks to represent them (Otiluke was great for this purpose, one reason I regret his death) - whereas if you want them to seem like powerful friends, I'd start them off with a meeting with Otto or Tenser - both convivial, kindly, and high-charisma.

Thanks for your take on how you would handle it, but I got it covered.
I've been DMing for 24 years so I've learned a couple things in that time.
The 'story' is the most important component to all my games, followed closely by 'fun'.

Really one of my players will have the chance to become a circle of eight member and that's why I posted the original question.
#11
lincoln_hills
Oct 14, 2005 14:01:22 I applaud your campaign philosophy. But perhaps my well-meant advice can benefit somebody out there. Pay attention ya young Turks! I ain't just talkin' to hear myself!

As for C8 membership for a PC... it might be more entertaining (for yourself and your players) if your PC has so many personality clashes with the (rather strong-willed and egotistical) members of the Eight that he instead goes off to create his own exclusive-secretive-order-of-meddlers. That way he can finger his nose at the Old Boys and yell, "And the best part about it is... you can't join!" (If you're a fan of South Park you can add, "Especially Stan and Kyle.")
#12
archmage
Oct 20, 2005 23:03:34
Read all about the Co8 here

Their stats are a bit incorrect, aren't they?
Jallarzi Sallavarian got only a 1 point bump to her intelligence despite being 15th-level?
But Theodain Eriason and Warnes Starcoat got all of the ability increases their due for their level (as if those two needed it; their ability scores are all so high, they're super-heroes).
I think over the next week, I'll sit down and stat the 8 out as they should be, with equipment and magic appropriate for a PC of their level (more goodies for them to play with).
#13
thanael
Oct 21, 2005 15:32:21 Be sure to take a look at Duicathans conversions/updates of the Co8 (and other GH NPCs) here:
http://www.greyhawkonline.com/duicarthan/npcz.html

They're ok most of the time but the items are a bit uninspired imho. A good base though...
#14
zombiegleemax
Oct 25, 2005 19:37:13 Wow, I thought this thread was being ignored. Thanks for the feedback guys.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 zombiegleemax Sep 24, 2005 20:53:13	Circle of Eight question........Do those guys have some sort of insignia or way of dressing to tell them apart from any old mages? Thank you in advance.
#2 thanael Sep 25, 2005 13:09:45	(AFAIK) nope.
#3 zombiegleemax Sep 25, 2005 20:06:20	Thank you, the reason I ask is because some of my players are going to run across them. I guess I'll have to make it up.
#4 ripvanwormer Sep 25, 2005 20:38:05	I don't think they necessarily want people to be able to tell them apart from other mages. Each has their own way of dressing; as powerful wizards, they're not the type to be into uniforms. I mean, it's not like they all wear identical blue jumpsuits with the number 8 emblazoned on their chests like they just got irridated by cosmic rays and can't wait to tell Doctor Doom about it. They're not really a team, just nine wizards with somewhat compatible but usually contradictory goals who haven't tried to kill one another lately only because they haven't yet realized what a jerkhole Mordenkainen is. Me, I'm taking bets on who the next Rary is going to be. Either Jallarzi or Theodain, I think.
#5 scoti_garbidis Sep 25, 2005 22:11:17	They may not wear uniforms that make them stick out but from what I understand from the City of Greyhawk Boxed set is that one member is very well known in the city and is a member of the Oligarchy. I can't remember which one but I also think his membership to the Circle of 8 is secret to all but the Circle itself and maybe a few other allies from the past. Not sure where you are having them run into some Circle of Eight members but Greyhawk City is a great place for them and a few members actually live there, IIRC.
#6 thanael Sep 26, 2005 4:28:47	That would be the late Otiluke iirc, who as Head of the Society of Magi had a seat on the Ruling Council. None of the current members has one though. (unless perhaps Jallarzi, but i think not...) Read all about the Co8 here
#7 zombiegleemax Sep 26, 2005 5:46:26	Jallarzi isn't a Directing Oligarch, but she does live in Greyhawk City, as does Otto IIRC. And Mordenkainen isn't a jerkhole, he's just misunderstood (or is that megalomanical?). ;) P.
#8 zombiegleemax Sep 26, 2005 17:35:29	I'm of the old school. I like the original 8. Thanks for the info everyone. Especially Thanael!
#9 lincoln_hills Sep 28, 2005 15:07:15	I apply a principle of Less Is More on all "book character" appearances in the Greyhawk setting and I strongly commend a similar course to you, Molitor. If the Circle of Eight has business with (or work for) your party, choose a single member of the Eight to be their "face". To steal a comment from Neil Gaiman, "I try to use the (most powerful/important characters) as if I were filming a movie and they were all big, big stars: the less screen time they have, the better." If all eight wizards pop up with a hey and a ho, your party won't think, "Wow! How cool!" They'll think, "Cheese!" Whereas a single mage, if he's named (say) Bigby, will make them sit up and take notice. "I know that name," they'll think. Portray that one guy, make him vital and interesting. Later on, if necessary, introductions to the rest can be made. Incidentally, if the Circle are meant to be adversarial, I'd start with the less likeable folks to represent them (Otiluke was great for this purpose, one reason I regret his death) - whereas if you want them to seem like powerful friends, I'd start them off with a meeting with Otto or Tenser - both convivial, kindly, and high-charisma.
#10 zombiegleemax Sep 28, 2005 19:17:17	I apply a principle of Less Is More on all "book character" appearances in the Greyhawk setting and I strongly commend a similar course to you, Molitor. If the Circle of Eight has business with (or work for) your party, choose a single member of the Eight to be their "face". To steal a comment from Neil Gaiman, "I try to use the (most powerful/important characters) as if I were filming a movie and they were all big, big stars: the less screen time they have, the better." If all eight wizards pop up with a hey and a ho, your party won't think, "Wow! How cool!" They'll think, "Cheese!" Whereas a single mage, if he's named (say) Bigby, will make them sit up and take notice. "I know that name," they'll think. Portray that one guy, make him vital and interesting. Later on, if necessary, introductions to the rest can be made. Incidentally, if the Circle are meant to be adversarial, I'd start with the less likeable folks to represent them (Otiluke was great for this purpose, one reason I regret his death) - whereas if you want them to seem like powerful friends, I'd start them off with a meeting with Otto or Tenser - both convivial, kindly, and high-charisma. Thanks for your take on how you would handle it, but I got it covered. I've been DMing for 24 years so I've learned a couple things in that time. The 'story' is the most important component to all my games, followed closely by 'fun'. Really one of my players will have the chance to become a circle of eight member and that's why I posted the original question.
#11 lincoln_hills Oct 14, 2005 14:01:22	I applaud your campaign philosophy. But perhaps my well-meant advice can benefit somebody out there. Pay attention ya young Turks! I ain't just talkin' to hear myself! As for C8 membership for a PC... it might be more entertaining (for yourself and your players) if your PC has so many personality clashes with the (rather strong-willed and egotistical) members of the Eight that he instead goes off to create his own exclusive-secretive-order-of-meddlers. That way he can finger his nose at the Old Boys and yell, "And the best part about it is... you can't join!" (If you're a fan of South Park you can add, "Especially Stan and Kyle.")
#12 archmage Oct 20, 2005 23:03:34	Read all about the Co8 here Their stats are a bit incorrect, aren't they? Jallarzi Sallavarian got only a 1 point bump to her intelligence despite being 15th-level? But Theodain Eriason and Warnes Starcoat got all of the ability increases their due for their level (as if those two needed it; their ability scores are all so high, they're super-heroes). I think over the next week, I'll sit down and stat the 8 out as they should be, with equipment and magic appropriate for a PC of their level (more goodies for them to play with).
#13 thanael Oct 21, 2005 15:32:21	Be sure to take a look at Duicathans conversions/updates of the Co8 (and other GH NPCs) here: http://www.greyhawkonline.com/duicarthan/npcz.html They're ok most of the time but the items are a bit uninspired imho. A good base though...
#14 zombiegleemax Oct 25, 2005 19:37:13	Wow, I thought this thread was being ignored. Thanks for the feedback guys.