As a backgrounder, my campaign takes place in 591 CY, and all of the player characters have backgrounds that illustrate how their lives were drastically affected by the Greyhawk Wars. This one particular character is a Paladin of Heironeous. The PC is looking to become an Anointed Knight PrC (BoED) which we renamed 'Anointed Knight of Heironeous.' We made the alchemical ointment aspect of this PrC a symbolic representation of the Meersalm ointment with which Heironeous is empowered. Additionally. Clerics and Paladins of Heironeous have an affinity for crafting alchemical substances.
One of his personal goals is to restore Almor and become it's king (or whatever). He holds high regards for Almor's history and legacy, and is a very respectable, honorable, merciful and chivalrous knight. He strives to live up to the honor of his father, a well-known and well-respected knight who died of a broken heart when Chathold was destroyed. Just before Chathold's destruction, the PC's father took his family to reside safely in the Domain of Greyhawk while he pleaded with the free city for additional support against Ivid's forces. His request was denied and shortly thereafter, Chathold was decimated.
Today, the PC wields his father's sword, his older brother is a high priest of Heironeous, and his younger brother is sort of a not-completely-black sheep (we're thinking of making him a cynical ranger or scout base class who exiled himself from his family and thinks that the PC's ambitions of restoring Almor are futile).
Now, I've read the section in Ivid the Undying that covers the Almorian Lands, and I've read the Mysterious Places article on Chathold on the Living Greyhawk Web site. I was thinking of having him go on a mission to recover artifacts from Chathold including Osson's Banner. I know that the Storm Giantess Hierannea has prophesized Chathold's fall into Relmor Bay and that Goldbolt would become a coastal city. Before Chathold collapses into the bay, the party will venture into Chathold to recover artifacts and iconic items that are of great importance to Almor's History (it has been noted that Almor was never looted and that many treasures still wait in the haunted city). I am also tempted to have Heirannea join them. (I like to make my adventures very dramatic and full of high adventure, and I think there could be some symbolic synergy between the symbol of Hieroneous and Hierannea's drawing of a lightening bolt and hurling it towards Chathold.)
This quest will be an 18th-level adventure. I have plenty of time to formulate this adventure as the party is only 4th-level and is just starting The Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil, which will be followed by the recent Abyss/Istivin City of Shadows series (Dungeon Magazines #117-#119) and the Harrowing (Dungeon Magazine #84).
I've a large collection of monsters and templated creatures to throw at the party when they venture into Chathold including content from the Book of Vile Darkness, Living Greyhawk Journals, and Libris Mortis.
What political aspects should I be aware of in regards to handling this endeavor? Are there any significant individuals that would most likely give him political resistance? Are there any other issues that I should take into consideration?
I'm also open to any ideas of encounters, situations, plots, etc.
What political aspects should I be aware of in regards to handling this endeavor? Are there any significant individuals that would most likely give him political resistance?
Sounds like an exciting adventure concept, with epic potential, Amaril.
I would only mention Nyrond and Ahlissa. Remember, Roger Moore wrote in Greyhawk: The Adventure Begins that Lynwerd annexed most of Almor. There might be some "political" issues to contend with from Lynwerd and the landholders loyal to him in Almor. Of course, there might not be many of them, but I imagine they'd make a noise.
Political issues might also surface from Ahlissa. I know little about Ahlissa and Xavener. But take a look at them as neighbors, whom will certainly have an agenda regarding a potentialy independent Almor.
Also, don't forget any former, frustrated Great Kingdom soldiers and military commanders humiliated by Osson's Raid. To make things interesting, consider throwing in a former Aerdy commander unsatisfied with the Day of Dust, and still bend on avenging himself on (former) Almor. It may be something such an angry person cannot abide.
Those are my few thoughts. I am a better lurker on the boards, than an advice-giver. Hopefully, our Grey Sages will offer more lucid comments. Just let us know how it goes.
Anyone? Anyone?As an aside, I just applied as an RPGA GM. Aparently there were some adventures for Nyrond based upon returning to Appolled and searching for artifacts. I'm pretty excited about this and I hope they are still available.
What of Duke Szeffrin? Is he still around? Does he still seek vengeane in some form or another?
Good question, Amaril. I don't know about the fate of Duke Szeffrin. All we know is what is detailed in Ivid the Undying. He gets a small reference in Greyhawk: The Adventure Begins, but only in passing - confirming that he disappeared from Almor in 586.
So, I imagine it's left to our imaginations when considering what to do with Szeffrin. Keep in mind, he is an animus, and likely a formidable foe with a lot of resources and lackeys. Assuming, he is still "alive." He could have just been obliterated by the forces distorting reality around Rauxes.