DM Strahd's Ghost Stories

[DM Strahd]

~DM Strahd's Ghost Stories~

Below are some basic guidelines, hardline rules, and goals for when I run roleplay events, following the model of my esteemed DM colleagues (and in particular Darkshard, but don't say it aloud: Nightwalkers scare me...). Most of it is common sense and recognizable in other DMs' threads, but I still believe it's worth annoying YOU with it, o dear player!

MISSION:

As a DM, my main aim is to support and facilitate player-driven plots, stories and initiatives. I do not want you to merely be actors in “my” story, nor do I seek to be the director in yours. I want to help breathe life into your world, and give value and meaning to your stories. In the specific, my main focus (at least for now) will be the Underdark, since it currently lacks DM presence in Euro times.
I sincerely hope you will enjoy my events, and I am looking forward to terrorizing all of you...yes, even you Paladins, immune to fear...(NOTE: DMs can remove your feats...and WILL do so, out to pure spite, egotism and whatnot)

GUIDELINES AND RULES

• Death: I find that nothing is more immersion-breaking than people being cut down, raised, and then immediately running off and being combat-capable once more. Therefore, if you die in one of my events, one of two things will happen:

1) Most of the time, I will rule that you are unconscious, badly wounded, near death or some other condition of not-quite-dead. In this case, you may be brought back after a small amount of RP from your companions. I will generally still require them to burn a Raise Dead/Resurrection resource of some kind – be it spell, scroll or wand – though in some cases I may forego this if there is good “paramedic” RP and successful Heal rolls against my DC. Consequences of death are unforeseeable (meaning: I will handle it how I see fit. Which means...do not die...and if you do, tremble...).

2) In special circumstances (and I will usually warn you ahead of time), I will rule that you are, in fact, dead. Deceased. Snuffed it. In this case, not only do I require burning a normal Raise Dead/Resurrection resource, I also require full RP of the attempted spell with diamonds and holy water. After this, I will apply a temporary debuff that will last the duration of the event. If the material requirements cannot be met by your companions, then you must remain dead until either you can be raised at a Temple or the event ends.

Do not, under any circumstances, raise someone until any combat has ended and I have ruled on their condition. Suffice to say, that if you do, I will not be happy...

• Do not rest: Unless I give explicit permission. For longer events, I will allow resting opportunities if there is a believable RP avenue for them. Recovering your strength may not necessarily require actual rest.

• Be limitless: The game mechanics by no means define the real limits of what you can and cannot do. Throw a chair, kick dust in someone’s eye, leap out a window, push that shelf up against the door to block it. Anything you come up with could go. Creative RP goes a long way toward tempering the difficulty of my events, and towards getting the best out of our playing time in terms of fun.

• Do not run: Without an RP reason for doing so. I need time to respond to your RP and prepare/make adjustments to the path ahead of/behind you. However, if the RP dictates it – and especially when combat starts – then by all means, run.

• Be patient: With me, and with your fellow players. Things will go wrong, always. There will be glitches and technical issues. RL will intervene. Do your best to roll with these punches. And add my share of mistakes to boot...

• Forum: Use it for best results. I read all of it. Write-up IC accounts or rumours of your events. Continuing RP on the forum will result in extra rewards from me, and possibly plot continuance with more events in the same arc. I really, really appreciate creative efforts in this sense, and they help me doing my part better, and tailor events more suited to your wishes.

• Provide feedback: This is the only way I can really learn and improve as a DM. Let me know what I am doing right, and what I am doing wrong. Say also something nice even if it isn't true, because I am powerful. I am a god. And I WILL find you (yes, even if you hide location...).

CHARACTER HOOKS AND PLOT REQUESTS:

Yes, I take them. As stated above, I read the forum fairly completely, but the best way to submit specific character or plot requests is to PM me to be sure it comes to my attention. I will reply with a ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘maybe’ or ‘I’ll ask Void/Darkshard’. Please include time-zone and standard play hours in any request or idea submitted.

Per my mission, I want your stories to be the focus. Depth of character motivation and development, and the thought and effort put into these, are what capture my interest.

[DM Strahd]

~Splinter Cell~

Characters Involved:
Some 16/18, including:
Alienor
Velve
Sussuri Oreb'lei
Mort Danicen
Krasin Vulpinx
Fade
Vala
Zilv'eari
Sorry for those I am not directly mentioning, I love you all

Synopsis:
Rhae'adrix, once-noble and now Umber Hulks hunter, ran into inner Varalla's with torn, bloodstained clothes and terror in his eyes. He quickly reported to the guards, Hatch and Vaszyne that Undead attacked him south of the Tar Pits, NW of the River, his usual hunting ground. Circle members lead by Alienor and their allies (among which figured also a Zhent agent) quickly reacted to the threat, and while the Charnag sent guards to fortify the close proximity corridors right atop the Spire, they set out to meet the enemy. Velve, Sussuri and Mort went ahead to gather valuable information. Unfortunately, they lingered too much after a first skirmish with some plague zombies, and they were ambushed by powerful Blood Drinkers. Despite the wounds, Velve managed to punch a hole through the enemies, and to carry his bleeding allies back to safety. At this point, the group marched out in full force, and several battles ensued. Cutting down walking dead after walking dead, pouring out of the ground, the walls, and forming from the very shadows in the corridors, the heroes finally faced the driving force behind the undead host: an immensely powerful Revenant, and his retinue of elite vampires. With a concerted effort, they finally managed to banish the monster back into the darkness that generated it, as the last remnants of his army crumbled into dust. From the Revenant's own words, it appears this was a group splintered from the main attack force at Mist Lake...The way they traveled so far, unchecked, behind enemy lines, is yet unclear.

letter 6

An Attack...

An actual attack this cycle...

After some candlemarks of practising and perfecting my sword-technique I returned to Varalla's.

While taking care of my wargear and exchanging some words with locals a wounded jaluk appeared from the tunnels screaming for help.



He seemed exausted, but in relatively good health. He had seen no battle for sure...
After taking care of the few scratches he had (what he believed to be "serious wounds") he told us many undead were heading our direction.

He ran... the coward. A smart coward...but still...a coward.

He could not tell us how many..nor an estimate strength of the horde that was approaching.
Some things you better check out for yourself.

We had to send scouts ahead to answer these questions. Seek out the threat...for all we know it could have been a simple matter, like the Lich that was spotted a few cycles back in the Crypt.

3 scouts left under command of Velve. It took long before any news came.
In the mean time a first line of defense was put up in Varalla's. Guards rushed out to take their position.
Be prepared...Never take any chances...one of my first lessons as I remember Adin.

Velve returned heavily wounded, the other two barely breathing. Slaves took care of them while Velve informed us of the threath.
Hordes of undead...this was not a casual attack and it was clear they were heading for Sshamath.

After we made sure a decent line of defense was set-up and the guards stood at their positions,
we headed out with a party to face the enemy head on.

They were sighted where the Umber Hulks reside... they did not cross the bridge...yet.

A foul smell was carried on the little gust coming ahead of the tunnels. Moans and cracking noises could be heard faintly ahead...
I knew for sure...these were the undead...slowly advancing towards our position.

I tightened the grip of my sword, putting my left foot forward...then, all happened extremely fast. The foul smell penetrated my nose, battle sounds could be heard all around.
How was it possible! they seemed ahead still...and all of a sudden they had us surrounded! I fought 5 filthy undead at once...parring with my sword, casting spells for me and my allies. All were engaged in combat. We were able to slay the first wave of undead with no casualties...

The scouts were interpreting the tracks of where they had come from. It seemed hordes crawled from the tunnelfloors and out of the walls even but the main track led onward...
After taking care of the wounded we pressed on. Killing the groups of undead still coming for our skin and blood .

A larger wave came for us... This time they were more powerful. We must have entered the main party. What were they doing here...why did they come?
We held off as well as we could. An icy voice was carried in the wind... I felt cold inside. As if I already started to die from the inside. When I watched around I could see it had the same effect on my comrades.

That voice... its words... It implied quite clearly that this group of undead was a splintergroup of the strike force that hit Mist Lake...the voice wanted us to know...
Where they acting on orders of the Alhoon? Where they just out for revenge...do undead even feel the need of revenge?
Questions I did not have time to answer at that moment. I had to fight Adin...fight or die...

The voice became louder and colder... A creature emerged from the shadows...cloaked in shadow itself: a ghost, a reaver...a revenant. The aura of power he emanated marked him as their leader. I saw Alienor and some others noticed him too. We had to take him down...with him down, the rest would scatter and run leaderless.

the Revenant



We fought hard. I saw the revenant slay some five nameless sargtlins at once. We jumped on him...had to...we had to take him down.
It seems we were able to harm him...to damage him, somehow. I wonder if you can actually wound an undead...

He fought hard...kept on speaking with his cold voice. Then when I realized we gained the upperhand... he vanished. Vanished into thin air leaving nothing but the sounds of the wounded and the dying...

We were speechless... what was the meaning of this. Why did they attack. This surely was not enough of a meance to Sshamath itself. Maybe it was not their target...or is, who can say?
Was it perhaps a test of strength? a trial of how well we are organised? Questions, leaving us with only speculations, no single certain answer...


One thing was clear Adin...this will not be the end of it...

Rewards/Penalties:XP rewards for all

[DM Strahd]

~The Ancient Caretaker~

Characters Involved:
Lilith Oreb'lei
Mort Danicien
Zilv'eari
Chalithra
Glelaclya
Crudak
Elcalisan

Synopsis:
A duergar relic hunter named Rogal Bloodbeard was spotted in the Gloura's Wings, arguing loudly with two guards and consuming incredible amounts of ale (which is not really that uncommon for him...). Onlookers could distinctly hear he was trying to convince the guards he had an encounter with a Drow Lich in the Crypt located West of Varallas, while he was "exploring" the area (his own way...). The impression was the Undead was quite disappointed with the interruption of his rest. The guards did not believe the dark dwarf's account, but a few of the adventurers present had already heard the same story a few cycles before (a couple had even actually met the creature), so they decided to take a look into it. Exploring the mausoleum they indeed found out the Ancient Lich and his Acolytes were very real, but more allies than a threat. The powerful creature explained how the approach of the Alhoon had disturbed his rest, and gave several important clues on the importance of finding the Witch Kar'Myr and Lai'roch the betrayer, on Deathlord Tagmadus (the powerful Imaskari War Wizard in command of the Alhoon's Undead Army), on the Alhoon itself and his closest allies.
Remains to be seen if the adventures will decide to make use of what they learned, and how...

letter 9


The Lich…

the one I encountered some cycles back in the Crypt has been spotted again.
Some duergar stumbled into the Gloura’s Wings claiming he saw him.
Telling someone disturbed his rest. The guards took it for a drunkard's tale.
But I knew better…

I decided to return and, this time, really find out what it wanted.
It could have been an agent of the Alhoon…or something else…
It was worth looking into…

He could have killed me last time I met him.
Yes, he attacked us, but it wasn’t at full strength. Not by far. More a warning, than anything else...

I joined a small group as we left towards the crypt.
Once there we heard an icy voice carried by a light gust from within the halls.
I recognized it, it was the same voice ... I had heard it before, during my last visit.
However, there was no threat implied in the words spoken ... that ancient, dead voice carried no danger.

And there he was again… The drow Archlich…
standing surrounded by its undead servants.
A blue-purple glow radiated from his face and eyes.
If one knows fear, this is what one would feel standing before this Lich, Adin.
I could feel the arcane power crackling around him.
And that, coming from me…says it all. You know I am not easy to impress...



Something I would never have imagined happened there…
He offered us help for the war against the Alhoon.
He gave names, names whose owners were to search for and question.
I will not write those in here.
Just in case this letter falls into the wrong hands.

You can never be too careful.
Besides, I think that with you being dead and all… you probably know already…
you are sort of related to that Lich in a way now.
And yes… I am sure you are at least just as bad looking as him right now.

A pity...

What did I do... The drow Lich... it is how I saw him...exactly like that, I am sure of it.
Yet, I see a strong resemblance with you...

And me...why did I draw myself like that...
I only realise now that this was when we had our last conversation.

I turned away from you...

I did not want to hear your words...

Now, I will never hear them again...

I left you alone in the dark...because that is who I am....

I left you to die...

I did...or is my fading memory playing tricks on me?

Rewards/Penalties:XP rewards for all, information

[DM Strahd]

~Children of Chaos~

Characters Involved:
Lilith Oreb'lei
Kar'Myr
Valaklith


Synopsis:
A young shebali jalil timidly entered Gloura's Wings with a message for Yath'tallar Lilith and any leading member of the Yath she could find. The witnesses (apart from a runty duergar and a minotaur too drunk to notice) could hear her murmuring something about some sort of Envoy waiting for them at the Spider's Kiss. As they entered the building, everyone else was thrown out more or less politely, so the nature of the encounter or the identity of the mysterious emissary are yet unknown.


Rewards/Penalties:XP rewards, gold for lvl 30 characters, political consequences.

[DM Strahd]

~"Deal"~

Characters Involved:
Ilphryssin Arkentlar
Ardulafae Oreb'lei
Vala
Zilv'eari


Synopsis:
A small group of 7th Circle members, including a long standing member and the Chapter Master himself, silently headed towards the Darkwoods, the shadiest area in Sshamath. Deep within the maze-like petrified forest, a mist cloak around them, they met a mysterious jaluk, whose name and motives are yet unknown. The discussion went on for a while, and rumors say it has been disrupted by an assault on the Circle members. The enemies, however, were quickly dispatched by the powerful agents.


Rewards/Penalties:XP rewards, clues on a mystery or two, political consequences.

[DM Strahd]

~Children of Chaos, Part 2~

Characters Involved:
Lilith Sshamath
Kar'Myr Sshamath
Nhilvrae Sshamath


Synopsis:
Three high ranked members of the Yath (Yath'tallar, Ulath'tallar and the Living Vessel of Lolth herself) have spent a consistent amount of the cycle at the temple of Lolth, where clearly some sort of ceremony was going on. Once the ritual was concluded, they moved back to the Spider's Kiss and closed themselves into the most comfortable room to discuss the next steps to take. Guards were ordered to throw anyone not belonging to the temple out of the establishment until further notice.


Rewards/Penalties:XP rewards, gold for lvl 30 characters, RP benefits.

[DM Strahd]

~The Hunter of Shadows~

Characters Involved:
Valshar


Synopsis:
Valshar The Black, The Eye of the 7th Circle, was tasked with an investigation by Chapter Master Arkentlar on a rather sensitive matter. His findings and overall progress are kept completely secret for now.


Rewards/Penalties:information.

[DM Strahd]

~Tools of the Trade~

Characters Involved:
Mili Zirah
Hyga


Synopsis:
A shady individual was seen walking confidently towards the Gloura's Wings bar, and order an Ale. The mysterious jaluk took aside someone looking like Mili, the 7th Circle Supply Master, and the two apparently had a very pleasant conversation. No one was in earshot, so the subject of the exchange is unknown. After a pleased nod, the stranger bought some ale for his new "friend" and stepped out of the establishment, vanishing in the dark roads of Sshamath.


Rewards/Penalties:a very interesting conversation, xp, gold.

[DM Strahd]

~"Deal", Part 2~

Characters Involved:
Ilphryssin Arkentlar
Vierillian Dris
Vala
Zilv'eari
Wruzyl


Synopsis:
Archmage Arkentlar and a few well known Circle members have been seen heading out of Gloura's Wings towards Varalla's passage, after meeting with a shady individual that may or may not have been seen with them before (witnesses contradict themselves, as the jaluk was almost completely concealed under cloak and cowl all the time). Adventurers passing by report battle noises by the campfire in West of Varallas, and the few that dared venture there waded through a thick mist only to find themselves among corpses, blood and the signs of a furious battle all around.
Those very same Circle agents have been seen heading towards the School of Magic few hours after, and the entrance has been blocked for the duration of their meeting.


Rewards/Penalties:XP rewards, gold for the lvl 30 characters, more questions than answers.

[DM Strahd]

~Deception~

Characters Involved:
Valaklith Sshamath


Synopsis:
When Yath'abban Valaklith arrived at the Spider's Kiss, she was greeted by a guard rushing towards her with a deferential (proper) request of assistance: a Yath Sargtlin from the Temple had brought in a chained jalil and locked her in one of the cells. Apparently, she was one of the closest servants of malla Ulath'tallar Bel'iira, accused by her captor to consort with enemies of the Temple. Valaklith begain her investigation, finding out things were much more complicated than she expected...


Rewards/Penalties:XP reward, a trail.

[DM Strahd]

~Deception, Part 2~

Characters Involved:
Lilith Sshamath
Valaklith Sshamath
A...spectator
Trielyl Vandree


Synopsis:
Powerful members of the Yath had a meeting at their establishment, the Spider's Kiss. Whispers say it was a tense discussion, involving very important plans and matters, which obviously none knows. Some even say a mysterious armed Jaluk, accompanied by two Yath'Sargtlinen, entered the building and joined the discussion. Few even swear he left with his life and all his limbs...


Rewards/Penalties:XP reward, plans & progress.

[DM Strahd]

~"Preparations"~

Characters Involved:
Ilphryssin Arkentlar
Ardul'afae Oreblei
Vala
Zilv'eari
Gruk Gork


Synopsis:
Archmage Arkentlar and some of his most trusted officers were seen in the Gloura's Wings conversing with a very discreet individual...some could swear they have seen him before, but cannot quite place him. However things stand, the Circle force left the tavern and went deep into the caves outside Varalla's, setting up a defensive perimeter and turning away (even roughly, when Gruk was involved...) unwelcomed guests. Their reasons were unknown, as the very nature of their operations in the area...


Rewards/Penalties:XP rewards, gold for the lvl 30 characters, a plan...

[DM Strahd]

~Raid Defence~

Characters Involved:
Mealir Ostirel
Mendel
Laya Jyne
Elethineth Tel'Quessir



Synopsis:
The mage known as Jar'laste had a very interesting experience interacting with a group of renowned Doron Amar citizens. The outcome was unusual...What started in the High Moor, ended in the depths of the Wood of Sharp Teeth.


Rewards/Penalties:XP rewards, gold for the lvl 30 characters, a convincing victory

[DM Strahd]

~Family Reunion~

Characters Involved:
Chalithra Aleval
Sussuri Oreb'lei
Nawiel Jr'eine
Maya
Istran No'quil


Synopsis:
The priestess Chalithra and her companions receive an unassuming missive from her order: an invite to meet in one of the most secluded places of Sshamath, a reunion to plan the future of her fellow faithful in the area. Maya receives a letter as well, and being it very urgent, resolves to bring Istran with her for additional protection. What they found was beyond their worst fears...


Rewards/Penalties:XP rewards, a bad surprise, a hint for the future.

[DM Strahd]

~Funeral Pyre~

Characters Involved:
Nhilvrae Sshamath
Valaklith Sshamath
Trielyl Vandree
A...mysterious masked individual
Go Rok (later)


Synopsis:
The group guided by Yath'tallar Nhilvrae ventured through Varalla's passage, journeying to find something suitable to make suffer. About to venturing West of Varallas, they engaged in polite talk with the Charnag guards that highlighted how the cycle was being rather quiet, out there...Exploring and investigating closer, the members of the Yath found out the cause of such tranquillity. However, the reasons behind the vision they beheld at the entrance of the Umber Hulks caves are still to be determined. The clues have been gathered, how they will be employed remains to be seen...


Rewards/Penalties:XP rewards, a mystery to solve...