Wilderness Mapping Expedition For Lord Alexius Korrigan - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Wilderness Mapping Expedition For Lord Alexius Korrigan

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
iramus
Oct 30, 2007 15:12:04 One of the adventure ideas in Gaz 1 (Grand Duchy Of Karameikos) is a wilderness mapping expedition for basic level characters, sponsored by Lord Korrigan.

For such low level characters a wilderness campaign could turn out pretty deadly. With this in mind, how big an area do you think Lord Korrigan would expect to be explored and mapped by the characters?

I was thinking the commission could be to map an area that could be covered in a day or two's travel from a central point. So for example, if I used Castellan Keep as a central point the characters would be expected to map a 20 mile radius area from the keep.

Do people think that would be a reasonable task for low level characters?

Also, has anybody used this adventure hook before? If so any ideas would be welcome.
#2
twin_campaigns
Oct 31, 2007 3:14:49 Sure, mapping expedition can be a reasonable task for lower-level characters, and the DM doesn't even have to resort to the old the-world-gets-tougher-as-the-PCs-do trick. The point is that these scouts are warned against engaging dangerous enemies, and the challenge is to get information and get out. Granted, in OD&D such missions are not that interesting, as the rule system is so combat-centered. But as always, RPG stories should reflect the system and vice versa. So it depends on the system you use. (Or one can always houserule OD&D heavily.)

One interesting plot hook would be to tie the mapping expedition together with the colonisation of the Riverfork area, another scenario in GAZ 1. Interesting possibilities: proximity of Black Eagle, Blight Swamp, Five Shires border, the nearby mountains...

Another possibility is the virtually uninhabited area between Luln, Sulescu and Marilenev. The one marked "bugbears" in all the old maps. Go in, scout the numbers and the plans of the local bugbear clans.
#3
agathokles
Oct 31, 2007 10:15:03
For such low level characters a wilderness campaign could turn out pretty deadly. With this in mind, how big an area do you think Lord Korrigan would expect to be explored and mapped by the characters?

Consider that, if the PC may expect to find enemies more powerful or in greater numbers in the wildernesses, they also have more chances of avoiding the enemies than they would in a dungeon.

As Twin Campaign says, the OD&D system is a bit too combat focused for this type of adventure. OTOH, with a good use of the skill system, wilderness adventures can offer more options for low level Thieves and Magic Users.

I was thinking the commission could be to map an area that could be covered in a day or two's travel from a central point. So for example, if I used Castellan Keep as a central point the characters would be expected to map a 20 mile radius area from the keep.

Do people think that would be a reasonable task for low level characters?

One would think in 30 years the people of the Keep would be able to scout at least a 20 miles radius ;)
Apart from this issue, it's a good option.

Also, the areas proposed by Twin Campaign make excellent alternatives.

Also, has anybody used this adventure hook before? If so any ideas would be welcome.

I'm pretty sure I used it -- but it was ages ago ;)
#4
culture20
Nov 02, 2007 16:59:47 If you want to make it dangerous... You could have the party trace the steps of bands of humanoids so that Lord Korrigan can know how to attack them better. Or maybe a new dragon is in the area, but know one knows where it lairs... In either case, Lord Korrigan should let the party know that their job is for information only, and that he'll send the big guns in to mop up when they report back. Most players will want to take on the dangers on their own, so send some higher level NPCs with them who act stupidly irresponsible (and get themselves killed as a result). That might hopefully give your players pause.
#5
iramus
Jan 01, 2008 19:41:38 I've decided that the mission will be to map a region to the west of Verge.

A Guide to the Region West Of Verge (Northern Karameikos)

MAP HERE

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii314/Leighgionaire/WestOfVerge.jpg

Scale of Map - Each large hex is 8 miles across and each small hex = 1 mile.

Verge

General Overview
Verge is a small village located on the road between Rifllian & Threshold. Originally a sleepy farming community, Verge has more than doubled in size since the arrival of Duke Stefan. Sir Retameron Antonic & his wife, Halia, rule the village and surrounding countryside from their walled stone mansion on the edge of the village. Sir Retameron is of mixed parentage and is a great proponent of an integrated Karameikos without distinction of Traladaran or Thyatian. Verge, in fact, is a remarkably diverse community for its size, home to around 200 permanent residents, consisting of just over a dozen large families and individuals. They fish in and farm the lands around the Foamfire River, and they are responsible for handling the lumber coming in from the western valley. The only other stone building of note in the village is the small Church of Karameikos headed by Bishop Calvin Andropolos, although there is a small unattended stone chapel that caters for the needs of the majority of the community who are followers of the Church Of Traladara.

Accommodations
Verge's lone inn, The Boar's Head, is a comfortable hostel run by a Thyatian named Sebastian Tullus. It is a full service establishment, offering hearty meals and strong drink but does not offer anything extravagant. The rooms are somewhat utilitarian yet well maintained. Private rooms are 1r and the common room is 1c. The inn tends to be full during the winter months as the road between Verge & Threshold is often impassable due to snow.

Special Interest
In the last ten years, Verge has become an important regional community, boasting most of the services that one might find in a much larger town. The village also has a friendly & tolerant atmosphere that is somewhat unique for a smaller community in Karameikos. Travelling adventurers can often endear themselves to the local population, especially Sir Retameron & Halia, by sharing exploits of their travels. Be warned, however, the locals have heard many a tale and are adept at distinguishing fact from fiction. There is also a small distillery in the village that produces the spirit drink known as ‘Shire Fire’, a potent alcohol content and fiery aftertaste making it a big hit with the locals. The proprietors of this business are the Broadbelts, a Hin family.

Jadova

This close-knit community, population 140, is almost exclusively Traladaran, and tends to be distrustful of outsiders.
Varnica
This close-knit community, population 120, is exclusively Traladaran and very distrustful of outsiders since a spate of brutal killings in the village over the last few years, almost certainly the work of lycanthropes. The only inn is the ‘One Eyed Cat’, run by the humourless Traladaran brute Gheorge Popov.

Braltov

Braltov is a small mining community of around 100, the vast majority of its inhabitants being male. Any attractive females entering the village will undoubtedly become the focus of at least one persistent admirer. The only inn is ‘The Miners Arms’ whose accommodation consists of one very large common room which is in regular use. The inn also serves as the general store, the innkeeper/proprietor Bobby Yankov supplying mining equipment for
the community.

Durgash

To be decided.

Homesteads

There are many homesteads in the region, the major ones number fifteen (with a population of 20+) and they are signified by the letters A to O on the map.

Places of Interest

1) The Caverns of Quesqueton. (Module B1)
2) The Hill of Runes.
3) Abode of Grutnak, outcast Goblin Warlock.
4) The lair of the “Bloody Fang” tribe of Goblins.
5) Ruins of an ancient Traladaran village, now home to a hermit/Wearbear.
6) Hidden cavern under a waterfall, a lost Traladaran treasure trove awaits!
7) Standing Stones, a druidic holy site.
8) Source of mysterious ‘blood river’ that occurs every Mid Summer.
9) Lost Temple Of Leptar.
10) Ancient Hukataan Copper Mine.
11) Goblin scouting party encampment.
12) Ancient Burial Mound.
#6
iramus
Jan 01, 2008 19:43:03 Location 10 - Ancient Hukaatan Copper Mine.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii314/Leighgionaire/AncientHukaatanCopperMine.jpg
#7
agathokles
Jan 02, 2008 8:35:23
Location 10 - Ancient Hukaatan Copper Mine.

Nice writeup and maps. Care to give us more details on the area?

G.
#8
iramus
Jan 03, 2008 17:47:07
Nice writeup and maps. Care to give us more details on the area?

G.

To be honest that's all I've come up with so far! I'm in the process of stocking the abandoned mine with critters (mainly Kobalds as my P.C's are 1st level - we play Basic D&D Cyclopedia rules).

For the lair of the 'Bloody Fang' I'm using a section of this excellent 80's module -

http://www.tomeoftreasures.com/tot_nontsr/northern_sages.htm

For the Lost Temple Of Leptar I'm using a slightly modified (or "Mystarianised"!) version of this module -

http://www.dragonsfoot.org/files/pdf/GL1_The_Nameless_Dungeon.pdf

I've got a vague idea to link the ruined village, the lost treasure trove and the 'Bloody River'.

As for the 'Hill Of Runes' I'm open to suggestions. Apart from a mental image of huge runic carvings in the surface of the hill I'm pretty stumped.

Same goes with the ancient burial mound, any ideas are more than welcome!
#9
iramus
Jan 03, 2008 18:02:54 The vague idea I had linking three sites was this -

The village was the home of a local Traladaran King and his clan which was under constant siege during the 'Beastmen Wars'. The King and some vilagefolk managed to escape but were hotly pursued by the enemy. The King managed to hide the wealth of the clan in a secret cave system under a nearby waterfall. The invading humanoids finally cornered the Traladaran refugees in the valley to the north. After an epic battle, in which dozens of beastmen were put to the sword, the King and his people were finally slain at the source of the 'Blood River'.

Every Mid Summer the river runs red with the blood of the ancient dead. This is a sign from the Immortal Halav, who wishes that the body of the dead king be discovered and given the burial that befits a true hero who died defending his Traladaran people.

EDIT - This could tie in with the Ancient Burial mound.
#10
agathokles
Jan 04, 2008 8:59:55
As for the 'Hill Of Runes' I'm open to suggestions. Apart from a mental image of huge runic carvings in the surface of the hill I'm pretty stumped.

You could link this to the Giants. There are three types of Giants in Karameikos: Frost, Stone and Hill Giants. However, in the past there may have been more -- say, in the Taymor age or even further back in time.
The runic carvings may be what remains of an ancient Giantish temple, likely among the oldest structures surviving in Karameikos.

Some potential adventure hooks using the giants idea:
- The spirit of a stone giant shaman resides within the hill, which actually is a mound; the spirit may be angered by the presence of mortals in/near his lair, or may be a restless spirit with an unfinished task to complete.
- The runic inscription is part of a celebrative monument to an ancient Frost Giant jarl. It describes the Jarl's accomplishments, including his fabulous treasure. Unfortunately, it is written in an ancient (and forgotten) giantish tongue (thus requiring some deciphering) and references geographic features that exist no more, or at least have changed name and appearance. However, if the PCs consult the right sages, they can find the location of the ancient treasure.
- The runic hill was carved by a powerful Storm Giant during his path to Immortality. It is now a strong magic point (good or bad, or maybe changing according to some pattern).
- The runic inscription is a seal. Something really big was sealed away by the giants. It may be a monster (possibly a big nasty one), an undeground building (a giantish necropolis, maybe), or an evil Taymor ruin (e.g., a temple of Thanatos), or maybe a magical gate or even the entrance of a passage to the Hollow World. Most likely, some magic was used to prevent people from accidentally opening the seal (thus the PCs will need to gain some level and do some research before they can face whatever is inside the seal).
- The runic hill is the mound of an ancient Cloud Giant prince, who died in the war against the Fire Giants. The mound contains the giant prince's bones and his armor and weaponry, but is well protected by (giant sized!) traps, and maybe a magical guardian.
#11
iramus
Jan 04, 2008 18:55:19
You could link this to the Giants. There are three types of Giants in Karameikos: Frost, Stone and Hill Giants. However, in the past there may have been more -- say, in the Taymor age or even further back in time.
The runic carvings may be what remains of an ancient Giantish temple, likely among the oldest structures surviving in Karameikos.

Some potential adventure hooks using the giants idea:
- The spirit of a stone giant shaman resides within the hill, which actually is a mound; the spirit may be angered by the presence of mortals in/near his lair, or may be a restless spirit with an unfinished task to complete.
- The runic inscription is part of a celebrative monument to an ancient Frost Giant jarl. It describes the Jarl's accomplishments, including his fabulous treasure. Unfortunately, it is written in an ancient (and forgotten) giantish tongue (thus requiring some deciphering) and references geographic features that exist no more, or at least have changed name and appearance. However, if the PCs consult the right sages, they can find the location of the ancient treasure.
- The runic hill was carved by a powerful Storm Giant during his path to Immortality. It is now a strong magic point (good or bad, or maybe changing according to some pattern).
- The runic inscription is a seal. Something really big was sealed away by the giants. It may be a monster (possibly a big nasty one), an undeground building (a giantish necropolis, maybe), or an evil Taymor ruin (e.g., a temple of Thanatos), or maybe a magical gate or even the entrance of a passage to the Hollow World. Most likely, some magic was used to prevent people from accidentally opening the seal (thus the PCs will need to gain some level and do some research before they can face whatever is inside the seal).
- The runic hill is the mound of an ancient Cloud Giant prince, who died in the war against the Fire Giants. The mound contains the giant prince's bones and his armor and weaponry, but is well protected by (giant sized!) traps, and maybe a magical guardian.

Some excellent ideas there Agathokles!

Much appreciated.

J
#12
iramus
Jan 31, 2008 18:48:27 Rumours and Legends - T = True, P = Part True, F = False.

1) F - There have been several sightings of a huge green dragon in the forests to the West over the past few months.
2) T - There is a river to the West and for some reason it’s water mysteriously runs blood red every Midsummer’s Day.
3) T - There are some circular standing stones near a river within the forest. This is a Druidic Holy Site.
4) F - Some of the Thyatian homesteaders to the north are in fact werewolves!
5) P - Some circular standing stones in the forest are the site for human sacrifices by an evil cult.
6) P- Several homesteads to the south have been harassed by orcs in recent months.
7) F – Be warned, the Druids of the forest kill any intruders into their sacred areas.
8) T – There is an ancient copper mine a few miles to the West of Verge.
9) P –Huge runic marking are carved into a large hill on the edge of the Cruth Mountain range. The area radiates strange magic that turns any trespassers to stone!
10) F - Vampires inhabit a ruined tower hidden in the forest.
11) T - A sinister organisation called The Iron Ring is operating in the region.
12) T - A large mound south of Jadova is in fact an ancient burial site.
13) T - Goblins have been sighted several times in recent months by the villagers of Durgash
14) T - A hermit lives amongst the ruins of an ancient village within the forest.
15) F - Some people say that Sir Retameron Antonic is in fact a werewolf; of course I don’t believe such nonsense!
16) T – A band of adventurers, one of whom was the son of Lord Dracov, stayed in Verge on several occasions in recent months.
17) T - The lair of the ‘Bloody Fang’ goblins can be found near a ruined tower somewhere within the forested hills to the West.
18) F – An evil witch roams the area looking for elves to kill.
19) P – A pack of werewolf lives in the ruins of an ancient village within the forest.
20) P – There is an ancient Traladaran treasure trove hidden within the depths of a lake that can be found within the forested hills to the West.
#13
agathokles
Feb 01, 2008 5:30:28 Nice addition.
Keep us updated!

GP

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 iramus Oct 30, 2007 15:12:04	One of the adventure ideas in Gaz 1 (Grand Duchy Of Karameikos) is a wilderness mapping expedition for basic level characters, sponsored by Lord Korrigan. For such low level characters a wilderness campaign could turn out pretty deadly. With this in mind, how big an area do you think Lord Korrigan would expect to be explored and mapped by the characters? I was thinking the commission could be to map an area that could be covered in a day or two's travel from a central point. So for example, if I used Castellan Keep as a central point the characters would be expected to map a 20 mile radius area from the keep. Do people think that would be a reasonable task for low level characters? Also, has anybody used this adventure hook before? If so any ideas would be welcome.
#2 twin_campaigns Oct 31, 2007 3:14:49	Sure, mapping expedition can be a reasonable task for lower-level characters, and the DM doesn't even have to resort to the old the-world-gets-tougher-as-the-PCs-do trick. The point is that these scouts are warned against engaging dangerous enemies, and the challenge is to get information and get out. Granted, in OD&D such missions are not that interesting, as the rule system is so combat-centered. But as always, RPG stories should reflect the system and vice versa. So it depends on the system you use. (Or one can always houserule OD&D heavily.) One interesting plot hook would be to tie the mapping expedition together with the colonisation of the Riverfork area, another scenario in GAZ 1. Interesting possibilities: proximity of Black Eagle, Blight Swamp, Five Shires border, the nearby mountains... Another possibility is the virtually uninhabited area between Luln, Sulescu and Marilenev. The one marked "bugbears" in all the old maps. Go in, scout the numbers and the plans of the local bugbear clans.
#3 agathokles Oct 31, 2007 10:15:03	For such low level characters a wilderness campaign could turn out pretty deadly. With this in mind, how big an area do you think Lord Korrigan would expect to be explored and mapped by the characters? Consider that, if the PC may expect to find enemies more powerful or in greater numbers in the wildernesses, they also have more chances of avoiding the enemies than they would in a dungeon. As Twin Campaign says, the OD&D system is a bit too combat focused for this type of adventure. OTOH, with a good use of the skill system, wilderness adventures can offer more options for low level Thieves and Magic Users. I was thinking the commission could be to map an area that could be covered in a day or two's travel from a central point. So for example, if I used Castellan Keep as a central point the characters would be expected to map a 20 mile radius area from the keep. Do people think that would be a reasonable task for low level characters? One would think in 30 years the people of the Keep would be able to scout at least a 20 miles radius ;) Apart from this issue, it's a good option. Also, the areas proposed by Twin Campaign make excellent alternatives. Also, has anybody used this adventure hook before? If so any ideas would be welcome. I'm pretty sure I used it -- but it was ages ago ;)
#4 culture20 Nov 02, 2007 16:59:47	If you want to make it dangerous... You could have the party trace the steps of bands of humanoids so that Lord Korrigan can know how to attack them better. Or maybe a new dragon is in the area, but know one knows where it lairs... In either case, Lord Korrigan should let the party know that their job is for information only, and that he'll send the big guns in to mop up when they report back. Most players will want to take on the dangers on their own, so send some higher level NPCs with them who act stupidly irresponsible (and get themselves killed as a result). That might hopefully give your players pause.
#5 iramus Jan 01, 2008 19:41:38	I've decided that the mission will be to map a region to the west of Verge. A Guide to the Region West Of Verge (Northern Karameikos) MAP HERE http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii314/Leighgionaire/WestOfVerge.jpg Scale of Map - Each large hex is 8 miles across and each small hex = 1 mile. Verge General Overview Verge is a small village located on the road between Rifllian & Threshold. Originally a sleepy farming community, Verge has more than doubled in size since the arrival of Duke Stefan. Sir Retameron Antonic & his wife, Halia, rule the village and surrounding countryside from their walled stone mansion on the edge of the village. Sir Retameron is of mixed parentage and is a great proponent of an integrated Karameikos without distinction of Traladaran or Thyatian. Verge, in fact, is a remarkably diverse community for its size, home to around 200 permanent residents, consisting of just over a dozen large families and individuals. They fish in and farm the lands around the Foamfire River, and they are responsible for handling the lumber coming in from the western valley. The only other stone building of note in the village is the small Church of Karameikos headed by Bishop Calvin Andropolos, although there is a small unattended stone chapel that caters for the needs of the majority of the community who are followers of the Church Of Traladara. Accommodations Verge's lone inn, The Boar's Head, is a comfortable hostel run by a Thyatian named Sebastian Tullus. It is a full service establishment, offering hearty meals and strong drink but does not offer anything extravagant. The rooms are somewhat utilitarian yet well maintained. Private rooms are 1r and the common room is 1c. The inn tends to be full during the winter months as the road between Verge & Threshold is often impassable due to snow. Special Interest In the last ten years, Verge has become an important regional community, boasting most of the services that one might find in a much larger town. The village also has a friendly & tolerant atmosphere that is somewhat unique for a smaller community in Karameikos. Travelling adventurers can often endear themselves to the local population, especially Sir Retameron & Halia, by sharing exploits of their travels. Be warned, however, the locals have heard many a tale and are adept at distinguishing fact from fiction. There is also a small distillery in the village that produces the spirit drink known as ‘Shire Fire’, a potent alcohol content and fiery aftertaste making it a big hit with the locals. The proprietors of this business are the Broadbelts, a Hin family. Jadova This close-knit community, population 140, is almost exclusively Traladaran, and tends to be distrustful of outsiders. Varnica This close-knit community, population 120, is exclusively Traladaran and very distrustful of outsiders since a spate of brutal killings in the village over the last few years, almost certainly the work of lycanthropes. The only inn is the ‘One Eyed Cat’, run by the humourless Traladaran brute Gheorge Popov. Braltov Braltov is a small mining community of around 100, the vast majority of its inhabitants being male. Any attractive females entering the village will undoubtedly become the focus of at least one persistent admirer. The only inn is ‘The Miners Arms’ whose accommodation consists of one very large common room which is in regular use. The inn also serves as the general store, the innkeeper/proprietor Bobby Yankov supplying mining equipment for the community. Durgash To be decided. Homesteads There are many homesteads in the region, the major ones number fifteen (with a population of 20+) and they are signified by the letters A to O on the map. Places of Interest 1) The Caverns of Quesqueton. (Module B1) 2) The Hill of Runes. 3) Abode of Grutnak, outcast Goblin Warlock. 4) The lair of the “Bloody Fang” tribe of Goblins. 5) Ruins of an ancient Traladaran village, now home to a hermit/Wearbear. 6) Hidden cavern under a waterfall, a lost Traladaran treasure trove awaits! 7) Standing Stones, a druidic holy site. 8) Source of mysterious ‘blood river’ that occurs every Mid Summer. 9) Lost Temple Of Leptar. 10) Ancient Hukataan Copper Mine. 11) Goblin scouting party encampment. 12) Ancient Burial Mound.
#6 iramus Jan 01, 2008 19:43:03	Location 10 - Ancient Hukaatan Copper Mine. http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii314/Leighgionaire/AncientHukaatanCopperMine.jpg
#7 agathokles Jan 02, 2008 8:35:23	Location 10 - Ancient Hukaatan Copper Mine. Nice writeup and maps. Care to give us more details on the area? G.
#8 iramus Jan 03, 2008 17:47:07	Nice writeup and maps. Care to give us more details on the area? G. To be honest that's all I've come up with so far! I'm in the process of stocking the abandoned mine with critters (mainly Kobalds as my P.C's are 1st level - we play Basic D&D Cyclopedia rules). For the lair of the 'Bloody Fang' I'm using a section of this excellent 80's module - http://www.tomeoftreasures.com/tot_nontsr/northern_sages.htm For the Lost Temple Of Leptar I'm using a slightly modified (or "Mystarianised"!) version of this module - http://www.dragonsfoot.org/files/pdf/GL1_The_Nameless_Dungeon.pdf I've got a vague idea to link the ruined village, the lost treasure trove and the 'Bloody River'. As for the 'Hill Of Runes' I'm open to suggestions. Apart from a mental image of huge runic carvings in the surface of the hill I'm pretty stumped. Same goes with the ancient burial mound, any ideas are more than welcome!
#9 iramus Jan 03, 2008 18:02:54	The vague idea I had linking three sites was this - The village was the home of a local Traladaran King and his clan which was under constant siege during the 'Beastmen Wars'. The King and some vilagefolk managed to escape but were hotly pursued by the enemy. The King managed to hide the wealth of the clan in a secret cave system under a nearby waterfall. The invading humanoids finally cornered the Traladaran refugees in the valley to the north. After an epic battle, in which dozens of beastmen were put to the sword, the King and his people were finally slain at the source of the 'Blood River'. Every Mid Summer the river runs red with the blood of the ancient dead. This is a sign from the Immortal Halav, who wishes that the body of the dead king be discovered and given the burial that befits a true hero who died defending his Traladaran people. EDIT - This could tie in with the Ancient Burial mound.
#10 agathokles Jan 04, 2008 8:59:55	As for the 'Hill Of Runes' I'm open to suggestions. Apart from a mental image of huge runic carvings in the surface of the hill I'm pretty stumped. You could link this to the Giants. There are three types of Giants in Karameikos: Frost, Stone and Hill Giants. However, in the past there may have been more -- say, in the Taymor age or even further back in time. The runic carvings may be what remains of an ancient Giantish temple, likely among the oldest structures surviving in Karameikos. Some potential adventure hooks using the giants idea: - The spirit of a stone giant shaman resides within the hill, which actually is a mound; the spirit may be angered by the presence of mortals in/near his lair, or may be a restless spirit with an unfinished task to complete. - The runic inscription is part of a celebrative monument to an ancient Frost Giant jarl. It describes the Jarl's accomplishments, including his fabulous treasure. Unfortunately, it is written in an ancient (and forgotten) giantish tongue (thus requiring some deciphering) and references geographic features that exist no more, or at least have changed name and appearance. However, if the PCs consult the right sages, they can find the location of the ancient treasure. - The runic hill was carved by a powerful Storm Giant during his path to Immortality. It is now a strong magic point (good or bad, or maybe changing according to some pattern). - The runic inscription is a seal. Something really big was sealed away by the giants. It may be a monster (possibly a big nasty one), an undeground building (a giantish necropolis, maybe), or an evil Taymor ruin (e.g., a temple of Thanatos), or maybe a magical gate or even the entrance of a passage to the Hollow World. Most likely, some magic was used to prevent people from accidentally opening the seal (thus the PCs will need to gain some level and do some research before they can face whatever is inside the seal). - The runic hill is the mound of an ancient Cloud Giant prince, who died in the war against the Fire Giants. The mound contains the giant prince's bones and his armor and weaponry, but is well protected by (giant sized!) traps, and maybe a magical guardian.
#11 iramus Jan 04, 2008 18:55:19	You could link this to the Giants. There are three types of Giants in Karameikos: Frost, Stone and Hill Giants. However, in the past there may have been more -- say, in the Taymor age or even further back in time. The runic carvings may be what remains of an ancient Giantish temple, likely among the oldest structures surviving in Karameikos. Some potential adventure hooks using the giants idea: - The spirit of a stone giant shaman resides within the hill, which actually is a mound; the spirit may be angered by the presence of mortals in/near his lair, or may be a restless spirit with an unfinished task to complete. - The runic inscription is part of a celebrative monument to an ancient Frost Giant jarl. It describes the Jarl's accomplishments, including his fabulous treasure. Unfortunately, it is written in an ancient (and forgotten) giantish tongue (thus requiring some deciphering) and references geographic features that exist no more, or at least have changed name and appearance. However, if the PCs consult the right sages, they can find the location of the ancient treasure. - The runic hill was carved by a powerful Storm Giant during his path to Immortality. It is now a strong magic point (good or bad, or maybe changing according to some pattern). - The runic inscription is a seal. Something really big was sealed away by the giants. It may be a monster (possibly a big nasty one), an undeground building (a giantish necropolis, maybe), or an evil Taymor ruin (e.g., a temple of Thanatos), or maybe a magical gate or even the entrance of a passage to the Hollow World. Most likely, some magic was used to prevent people from accidentally opening the seal (thus the PCs will need to gain some level and do some research before they can face whatever is inside the seal). - The runic hill is the mound of an ancient Cloud Giant prince, who died in the war against the Fire Giants. The mound contains the giant prince's bones and his armor and weaponry, but is well protected by (giant sized!) traps, and maybe a magical guardian. Some excellent ideas there Agathokles! Much appreciated. J
#12 iramus Jan 31, 2008 18:48:27	Rumours and Legends - T = True, P = Part True, F = False. 1) F - There have been several sightings of a huge green dragon in the forests to the West over the past few months. 2) T - There is a river to the West and for some reason it’s water mysteriously runs blood red every Midsummer’s Day. 3) T - There are some circular standing stones near a river within the forest. This is a Druidic Holy Site. 4) F - Some of the Thyatian homesteaders to the north are in fact werewolves! 5) P - Some circular standing stones in the forest are the site for human sacrifices by an evil cult. 6) P- Several homesteads to the south have been harassed by orcs in recent months. 7) F – Be warned, the Druids of the forest kill any intruders into their sacred areas. 8) T – There is an ancient copper mine a few miles to the West of Verge. 9) P –Huge runic marking are carved into a large hill on the edge of the Cruth Mountain range. The area radiates strange magic that turns any trespassers to stone! 10) F - Vampires inhabit a ruined tower hidden in the forest. 11) T - A sinister organisation called The Iron Ring is operating in the region. 12) T - A large mound south of Jadova is in fact an ancient burial site. 13) T - Goblins have been sighted several times in recent months by the villagers of Durgash 14) T - A hermit lives amongst the ruins of an ancient village within the forest. 15) F - Some people say that Sir Retameron Antonic is in fact a werewolf; of course I don’t believe such nonsense! 16) T – A band of adventurers, one of whom was the son of Lord Dracov, stayed in Verge on several occasions in recent months. 17) T - The lair of the ‘Bloody Fang’ goblins can be found near a ruined tower somewhere within the forested hills to the West. 18) F – An evil witch roams the area looking for elves to kill. 19) P – A pack of werewolf lives in the ruins of an ancient village within the forest. 20) P – There is an ancient Traladaran treasure trove hidden within the depths of a lake that can be found within the forested hills to the West.
#13 agathokles Feb 01, 2008 5:30:28	Nice addition. Keep us updated! GP