Incursion: Dragonlance Style - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Incursion: Dragonlance Style

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
ferratus
Jul 03, 2003 17:00:15 Well, the latest issues of Dungeon, Dragon, and Polyhedron are all tied together with the "Incursion" storyline. They explain methods for introducing a Githyanki invasion into the Forgotten Realms or Dragonlance, but just for fun, let's consider what would happen if the Githyanki invaded Krynn.

Now, we already know that Takhisis moved the world to another part of the universe, so we do have a rationale for why the Githyanki would show up now, rather than sooner. There is the psionics issue, but frankly since Githyanki are invaders from the stars, there is no reason why their powers shouldn't be something that is completely alien to Krynnish folk as well. The Githyanki do have one thing that seems pretty dragonlancy though, which is that they ride red dragons. With Takhisis gone, crafting a magical item to compel the mightiest of the evil wyrms to serve the Lich Queen doesn't seem far fetched.

So basically there were three stages to the Githyanki invasion. The first was infiltration (setting up Githyanki hatcheries, sending assassins and spies), the second was establishing a base of power (through a puppet regime or the conquest of a minor kingdom) and then gating in hordes of Githyanki warriors.

Now, if you were the Lich Queen, where would plan your attack? Where would you establish your gates, and what power centers would have to fall in order to shatter organized resistance? What would the response of the gods be? How would the war play itself out?
#2
zombiegleemax
Jul 03, 2003 18:12:57 A good first target might be the paladin-like Solamnics. As such, opening the first gate in either Lemish or Throt would likely work best, with the second and third gates at Solanthus and Sanction (or else leave Sanction alone until the incursion affects the Nerakan siege).

I've been thinking the same thing of late. We have a few years unti the War of Souls in our 5th Age campaign and we've already introduced a githzerai NPC and planar travelling.

I'd recommend coming up with a magical item to override the psionic block, perhaps installed on the astral ships. I don't know if Takhisis might even see the Incursion as an interesting experiment to see what these evil creatures are capable of -- she could always allow the psionics in, planning to just bring the block up when the githyanki have killed off the Solamnics, elves, and dwarves, cutting off their connection to the Lich-Queen and demanding their subserviance, lest they end up like the Yaggol (if she takes credit for devolving the dreaded Mind Flayers too, the gith may even ally with her out of respect!)

If you don't mind taking a few liberites with the timeline (it would be an important war added in), the Githyanki Incursion would be a cool DL addition. The whole thing has a nice dangerous DL feel and it would fit into the 5th Age -- I'd even love to see the gnomes try to get their hands on the gth ships for study! :D
#3
zombiegleemax
Jul 04, 2003 14:29:23 *puts on his non-official hat*

Okay, one thing that I think would really make Incursion interesting if you did it with Krynn would be to involve the Shadowpeople.

Perhaps aeons ago, the Shadowpeople were slaves of the Githyanki, escaping to another world (i.e., Krynn). There, they lost much of their own psionic powers, except when they were able to use a gestalt to form the Overmind. Figuring that they were safe from the psionic githyanki, who would not have such a method to maintain their own psionic powers, the Shadowpeople hid themselves beneath Sanction.

Then Takhisis stole the world.

The Githyanki noticed, for the world was torn through the Ethereal Sea, sending shockwaves through the other transient planes (hence why the uberdragons noticed it).

When the Githyanki begin their first incursions, the Shadowpeople sense their presence, and for the first time since their arrival, they leave their caverns en masse to deal with the threat to their adopted world.

Christopher
#4
zombiegleemax
Jul 04, 2003 16:11:49 That idea would also give the githyanki a reason to invade Krynn in particular...
#5
zombiegleemax
Jul 06, 2003 12:38:34 Well, the Githyanki alliance with red dragons is due to Gith's pact with the Dragonqueen, Tiamat and her consort, Ephelemon, the Red.

Gith and Vlaakith I basically descend into Tiamat's realm on Avernus, the first layer of Baator, and deal with the Chromatic Dragon to get support. Tiamat thinks about it. Meanwhile, Vlaakith returns to the Astral plane, and leaves Gith, perhaps to negotiate further. Later on, Ephelemon, an infernal great red wyrm who is Tiamat's consort visits Vlaakith, and gives her the Staff of Ephelemon, which basically is a sign of the treaty, and gives Vlaakith (and her successors) power over red dragons. And Gith--well, nobody knows what happens to her, but she never returns. She's prophesied to return after the Githyanki's darkest hour, though...

You can easily adapt this to Dragonlance, since Tiamat's the inspiration behind Takhisis anyway. And Takhisis already has a fiery consort in the person of Sargonnas.

So, Gith and Vlaakith I go to Abthalom, Takhisis' realm in the Abyss, to negotiate a pact. Sargonnas gives Vlaakith the Staff of Sargonnass, which gives control over Red Dragons.

Gith eventually becomes a handmaid of Takhisis, and eventually dies and is entombed upon Krynn. The current Vlaakith (the lich-queen) hears of this. And signs of Gith's return begin appearing. But Vlaakith doesn't want Gith returning soon, because that would end her bid for godhood. But the pact with Takhisis prevents the Githyanki from entering Krynn.

Of course we all know what happened in the War of Souls. That course events breaks the pact with Takhisis, and the Githyanki flood into Krynn. Vlaakith tells them it's the last step before Gith's return. In truth, she wants to prevent her return by comandeering and possibly destroying her tomb. Maybe she also wants to find a way to feed on Takhisis' relinquished power and godhood.

It's interesting to see how this would pan out. Would Sargonnas and his minotaurs be cooperative?

I'd use it as an excuse to kill off the last Dragon overlords and stuff like that.
#6
brimstone
Jul 07, 2003 8:59:00
Originally posted by Stormprince
When the Githyanki begin their first incursions, the Shadowpeople sense their presence, and for the first time since their arrival, they leave their caverns en masse to deal with the threat to their adopted world.

And the fact that the Shadowpeople have disappeared from Sanction during the 5th Age can help one fit this in as well.

NOT that I'm advocating Psionics in any way, shape, or form in Krynn...

;)
#7
sweetmeats
Jul 12, 2003 7:07:08 Which issue of Dragon was this Invasion stuff in?

Thanx.
#8
talinthas
Jul 12, 2003 11:01:11 Dragon 309 and Dungeon 100.
#9
iltharanos
Sep 02, 2003 2:25:11
Originally posted by ferratus
Well, the latest issues of Dungeon, Dragon, and Polyhedron are all tied together with the "Incursion" storyline. They explain methods for introducing a Githyanki invasion into the Forgotten Realms or Dragonlance, but just for fun, let's consider what would happen if the Githyanki invaded Krynn.

Now, we already know that Takhisis moved the world to another part of the universe, so we do have a rationale for why the Githyanki would show up now, rather than sooner. There is the psionics issue, but frankly since Githyanki are invaders from the stars, there is no reason why their powers shouldn't be something that is completely alien to Krynnish folk as well. The Githyanki do have one thing that seems pretty dragonlancy though, which is that they ride red dragons. With Takhisis gone, crafting a magical item to compel the mightiest of the evil wyrms to serve the Lich Queen doesn't seem far fetched.

So basically there were three stages to the Githyanki invasion. The first was infiltration (setting up Githyanki hatcheries, sending assassins and spies), the second was establishing a base of power (through a puppet regime or the conquest of a minor kingdom) and then gating in hordes of Githyanki warriors.

Now, if you were the Lich Queen, where would plan your attack? Where would you establish your gates, and what power centers would have to fall in order to shatter organized resistance? What would the response of the gods be? How would the war play itself out?

If we're talking 6 months post-War of Souls ...

I'd strike the isle of Northern Ergoth first. It's the only major nation/reiogn on Ansalon that has actually prospered in the past 40 years. It's the new center for learning in the land, what with Palanthas suffering under Dark Knight rule. Once the Githyanki secure Northern Ergoth, they can then send out two seperate forces. The smaller force can secure Sancrist from the Solamnics there, while the larger force can assault Palanthas and gain a very defensible position on the mainland. Once the smaller force secures Sancrist it can easily take over the Solamnic lands in Southern Ergoth. The mainland force can then overrun the Dark Knights and Solamnics in old Solamnia.

All this time, of course, the Githyanki would likely use their red dragon pact to sign an alliance (or at least non-aggression pact) with Pyrothraxus (yes he's insane, but it's worth a try) as well as Fenalysten. In fact, old Fenalysten can perhaps be convinced to harass the Dark Knights in Neraka, preventing any kind of reinforcement action in Palanthas.

After Sancrist, the Ergoths and Solamnia are secure ... why the only major threat (other than Dragon Overlords) would be the minotaurs. What's so scary about a bunch of cow-folk, anyway? ;)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 ferratus Jul 03, 2003 17:00:15	Well, the latest issues of Dungeon, Dragon, and Polyhedron are all tied together with the "Incursion" storyline. They explain methods for introducing a Githyanki invasion into the Forgotten Realms or Dragonlance, but just for fun, let's consider what would happen if the Githyanki invaded Krynn. Now, we already know that Takhisis moved the world to another part of the universe, so we do have a rationale for why the Githyanki would show up now, rather than sooner. There is the psionics issue, but frankly since Githyanki are invaders from the stars, there is no reason why their powers shouldn't be something that is completely alien to Krynnish folk as well. The Githyanki do have one thing that seems pretty dragonlancy though, which is that they ride red dragons. With Takhisis gone, crafting a magical item to compel the mightiest of the evil wyrms to serve the Lich Queen doesn't seem far fetched. So basically there were three stages to the Githyanki invasion. The first was infiltration (setting up Githyanki hatcheries, sending assassins and spies), the second was establishing a base of power (through a puppet regime or the conquest of a minor kingdom) and then gating in hordes of Githyanki warriors. Now, if you were the Lich Queen, where would plan your attack? Where would you establish your gates, and what power centers would have to fall in order to shatter organized resistance? What would the response of the gods be? How would the war play itself out?
#2 zombiegleemax Jul 03, 2003 18:12:57	A good first target might be the paladin-like Solamnics. As such, opening the first gate in either Lemish or Throt would likely work best, with the second and third gates at Solanthus and Sanction (or else leave Sanction alone until the incursion affects the Nerakan siege). I've been thinking the same thing of late. We have a few years unti the War of Souls in our 5th Age campaign and we've already introduced a githzerai NPC and planar travelling. I'd recommend coming up with a magical item to override the psionic block, perhaps installed on the astral ships. I don't know if Takhisis might even see the Incursion as an interesting experiment to see what these evil creatures are capable of -- she could always allow the psionics in, planning to just bring the block up when the githyanki have killed off the Solamnics, elves, and dwarves, cutting off their connection to the Lich-Queen and demanding their subserviance, lest they end up like the Yaggol (if she takes credit for devolving the dreaded Mind Flayers too, the gith may even ally with her out of respect!) If you don't mind taking a few liberites with the timeline (it would be an important war added in), the Githyanki Incursion would be a cool DL addition. The whole thing has a nice dangerous DL feel and it would fit into the 5th Age -- I'd even love to see the gnomes try to get their hands on the gth ships for study! :D
#3 zombiegleemax Jul 04, 2003 14:29:23	puts on his non-official hat Okay, one thing that I think would really make Incursion interesting if you did it with Krynn would be to involve the Shadowpeople. Perhaps aeons ago, the Shadowpeople were slaves of the Githyanki, escaping to another world (i.e., Krynn). There, they lost much of their own psionic powers, except when they were able to use a gestalt to form the Overmind. Figuring that they were safe from the psionic githyanki, who would not have such a method to maintain their own psionic powers, the Shadowpeople hid themselves beneath Sanction. Then Takhisis stole the world. The Githyanki noticed, for the world was torn through the Ethereal Sea, sending shockwaves through the other transient planes (hence why the uberdragons noticed it). When the Githyanki begin their first incursions, the Shadowpeople sense their presence, and for the first time since their arrival, they leave their caverns en masse to deal with the threat to their adopted world. Christopher
#4 zombiegleemax Jul 04, 2003 16:11:49	That idea would also give the githyanki a reason to invade Krynn in particular...
#5 zombiegleemax Jul 06, 2003 12:38:34	Well, the Githyanki alliance with red dragons is due to Gith's pact with the Dragonqueen, Tiamat and her consort, Ephelemon, the Red. Gith and Vlaakith I basically descend into Tiamat's realm on Avernus, the first layer of Baator, and deal with the Chromatic Dragon to get support. Tiamat thinks about it. Meanwhile, Vlaakith returns to the Astral plane, and leaves Gith, perhaps to negotiate further. Later on, Ephelemon, an infernal great red wyrm who is Tiamat's consort visits Vlaakith, and gives her the Staff of Ephelemon, which basically is a sign of the treaty, and gives Vlaakith (and her successors) power over red dragons. And Gith--well, nobody knows what happens to her, but she never returns. She's prophesied to return after the Githyanki's darkest hour, though... You can easily adapt this to Dragonlance, since Tiamat's the inspiration behind Takhisis anyway. And Takhisis already has a fiery consort in the person of Sargonnas. So, Gith and Vlaakith I go to Abthalom, Takhisis' realm in the Abyss, to negotiate a pact. Sargonnas gives Vlaakith the Staff of Sargonnass, which gives control over Red Dragons. Gith eventually becomes a handmaid of Takhisis, and eventually dies and is entombed upon Krynn. The current Vlaakith (the lich-queen) hears of this. And signs of Gith's return begin appearing. But Vlaakith doesn't want Gith returning soon, because that would end her bid for godhood. But the pact with Takhisis prevents the Githyanki from entering Krynn. Of course we all know what happened in the War of Souls. That course events breaks the pact with Takhisis, and the Githyanki flood into Krynn. Vlaakith tells them it's the last step before Gith's return. In truth, she wants to prevent her return by comandeering and possibly destroying her tomb. Maybe she also wants to find a way to feed on Takhisis' relinquished power and godhood. It's interesting to see how this would pan out. Would Sargonnas and his minotaurs be cooperative? I'd use it as an excuse to kill off the last Dragon overlords and stuff like that.
#6 brimstone Jul 07, 2003 8:59:00	Originally posted by Stormprince When the Githyanki begin their first incursions, the Shadowpeople sense their presence, and for the first time since their arrival, they leave their caverns en masse to deal with the threat to their adopted world. And the fact that the Shadowpeople have disappeared from Sanction during the 5th Age can help one fit this in as well. NOT that I'm advocating Psionics in any way, shape, or form in Krynn... ;)
#7 sweetmeats Jul 12, 2003 7:07:08	Which issue of Dragon was this Invasion stuff in? Thanx.
#8 talinthas Jul 12, 2003 11:01:11	Dragon 309 and Dungeon 100.
#9 iltharanos Sep 02, 2003 2:25:11	Originally posted by ferratus Well, the latest issues of Dungeon, Dragon, and Polyhedron are all tied together with the "Incursion" storyline. They explain methods for introducing a Githyanki invasion into the Forgotten Realms or Dragonlance, but just for fun, let's consider what would happen if the Githyanki invaded Krynn. Now, we already know that Takhisis moved the world to another part of the universe, so we do have a rationale for why the Githyanki would show up now, rather than sooner. There is the psionics issue, but frankly since Githyanki are invaders from the stars, there is no reason why their powers shouldn't be something that is completely alien to Krynnish folk as well. The Githyanki do have one thing that seems pretty dragonlancy though, which is that they ride red dragons. With Takhisis gone, crafting a magical item to compel the mightiest of the evil wyrms to serve the Lich Queen doesn't seem far fetched. So basically there were three stages to the Githyanki invasion. The first was infiltration (setting up Githyanki hatcheries, sending assassins and spies), the second was establishing a base of power (through a puppet regime or the conquest of a minor kingdom) and then gating in hordes of Githyanki warriors. Now, if you were the Lich Queen, where would plan your attack? Where would you establish your gates, and what power centers would have to fall in order to shatter organized resistance? What would the response of the gods be? How would the war play itself out? If we're talking 6 months post-War of Souls ... I'd strike the isle of Northern Ergoth first. It's the only major nation/reiogn on Ansalon that has actually prospered in the past 40 years. It's the new center for learning in the land, what with Palanthas suffering under Dark Knight rule. Once the Githyanki secure Northern Ergoth, they can then send out two seperate forces. The smaller force can secure Sancrist from the Solamnics there, while the larger force can assault Palanthas and gain a very defensible position on the mainland. Once the smaller force secures Sancrist it can easily take over the Solamnic lands in Southern Ergoth. The mainland force can then overrun the Dark Knights and Solamnics in old Solamnia. All this time, of course, the Githyanki would likely use their red dragon pact to sign an alliance (or at least non-aggression pact) with Pyrothraxus (yes he's insane, but it's worth a try) as well as Fenalysten. In fact, old Fenalysten can perhaps be convinced to harass the Dark Knights in Neraka, preventing any kind of reinforcement action in Palanthas. After Sancrist, the Ergoths and Solamnia are secure ... why the only major threat (other than Dragon Overlords) would be the minotaurs. What's so scary about a bunch of cow-folk, anyway? ;)