DM Heartless' Events

[mar3usmc]

Below are some basic guidelines, hardline rules, and goals for when I run roleplay events. Some of the other DMs have already established some very good practices and some of below is just copy and paste from their pages with credit due at the end.

MISSION

MISSION: My mission, as a DM, is very simple: I seek to bring the world of Baldur's Gate: The Sword Coast Chronicles to life for as many players as I am able. To this end, I will be running small "flavor" encounters -- interspersing Forgotten Realms lore and history into the encounter as I am able -- just as often as I will be running large events.

Do not be surprised if you run into a small group of bandits seeking shelter from the rain in a cave on one of your adventures; or a traveling ranger out in the woods; or a drunken brawl in one of the inns or taverns. I feel that these small encounters will do as much to bring the world alive for the players as will my larger, more player-centric "events."

And that, ultimately, is my goal as a DM: To create a more reactive and more real environment for you, the player.

SIMPLE GUIDELINES AND RULES FOR DM HEARTLESS' ROLEPLAY EVENTS

THE THREE GREATEST SINS

If you commit any of the following in my events you will get a very stern warning if you are first timer with me, and XP loss, even if it delevels you, if you have been with me before.

NO RESTING!!!!

If you would like to rest because of extended RP and buffs ran out you may request a rest, which I will trigger on you. Never press your rest button in my events. Doing so will incur you an XP penalty.

NO RESURECTION/RAISE SPELLS WITHOUT PROPER ROLEPLAY!!!

In any encounters, PvP or PvM, you are not to raise or resurrect any member in your party. All raises and resurrections in my events must be done at a temple OR if you have diamonds of any type worth 5000 gold total, 10,000 gold of diamonds total with holy water, or 25,000 of diamonds total with holy water for raise dead, resurrection, true resurrection (30 spellcraft min req. to RP) respectively, which will then be extensively Role Played out. Otherwise those that die in the event will stay dead throughout the event. You are always free to bow out at anytime and leave the event after death and go back to doing whatever. However, you will receive no XP or items from the event, and will incur the XP loss from death.

Diamond Values for NWN2 in gold

• Diamond: 1000
• Canary Diamond: 3000
• Blue Diamond: 5000* (I am rounding)

NO STEALTH LIFTING BODIES!!!

This happens all too often. You may not stealth lift body by any means, which includes regular stealth mode, invisibility and variants, etherealness and variants. I will force NPCs in the area to attack you if you make any attempt to do this while I am present, event or not. One exception, if you grab the body, and THEN go invisible or ethereal I will accept ONE body, stealth doesn't count.

SOME IMPORTANT GUIDELINES

• Role Play your stats and skills: If you have 8 Str, don't expect to be lifting any boulders, and if you have 8 Int I expect your language skills to be mediocre at best. If you don't have 1 point in lore, don't think your PC knows anything about things like the outer planes, and if you don't have 1 point in spell craft I don't care WHAT the mechanics tell you in your log, you can't identify spells. etc.. etc..
• Combat: There may be times in my roleplay events where combat can't be avoided, and death may have greater consequences besided a simple XP penalty. If that is such a case I will be sure to let you know well before hand and allow you an out from such consequences. However, with little risk there is no reward in my events.
  
• Dice Rolls: When I say roll, you roll then and there. You don't get to buff up, rest (see above) and buff, heal, remove penalties, etc... You roll in your current condition when I say roll. Also, DON'T ROLL unless you are asked to do so. I will ignore such rolls and know that seeing it irritates me. If you want to roll something, please ask first so I can decide on an appropriate dc check or counter roll.
• Don't feel restricted by the limitations of game mechanics: If you want to throw a chair at someone throw a chair. Jump out a window, go for it. I will do my best to emulate mechanically the actions you take. Don't ever think you can't do something because the code won't let you. Don't worry, we DMs can work magic even if it all has to be typed out without any visualization.
• DO NOT RUN!: unless there's a role play reason to do so. I need some time to prepare things in a dynamic event. For instance when i unleash 20 dragons at the same time on a group of helpless people you can of course run away, noone will think bad of you , Ri762
• PnP SPELLS: Under certain circumstances i will allow them in my events, though you have to be prepared to pay in some way for them. Also keep in mind that those spells are not to be used outside of my events without consent by the involved players. And even in my events i may ask other participants if they are ok with it. This is still NWN2 and not PnP., Ri762 Also, if you are say a sorcerer you may use an item or scroll to try to replicate a PnP spell at my discretion.
  
• Use of old gear: This is a touchy subject, but this is the compromise I have come up with that I think is fair. If you are by yourself, or with a few others, in an event where all combat is directed at NPCs feel free to use the gear. I will adjust the NPCs accordingly. If you are in an event where you will be fighting other PCs, you are not to use any old gear not available any longer unless it is a custom plot item from another DM. Many of you may not like this, but I feel some of this old gear gives incredible advantages in combat against other PCs. For example, gear that imparts +8 to a particular stat when used, or the stealth short swords that give +6 to Hide and Move Silently that people duel wield. You may protest if you like but this is my personal DM policy, and you do not have to participate in my events. This is hard to police, although I do check inventories often and make mental notes. So I ask that you please show good form and do as I ask.
• Have Fun!: If you are not having fun in my event, but sure to let me know right away. It just may not be your type of event.

SIMPLE GUIDELINES AND RULES FOR DM HEARTLESS' HACK&SLASH EVENTS

All of the above still applies, but the goal of these events is not to develop any story-arc. It is simply to break the monotony of your, or your groups, grinding and provide you with a bit more of a challenge. I never set out to kill anyone/everyone. I always leave an out for players. RUNNING AWAY IS AN OPTION!!!, you may even get XP.

I do not write these events up unless they have some sort of significant RP and last for a few hours. Also, if I see large groups of people appearing out of no where trying to get in on the action, especially if they are beyond the CR of what I had intended, I will tend to just disappear. At that point I can't spawn anything that will be fun for all in the party. It is very hard to throw combat events for Parties that are 6+ with a large range of levels, if not impossible. Lag limits the number of spawns as well mind you.

Hopefully your group will develop some of your own RP from these little events. Perhaps, if you provide enough inspiration they can even turn into a Story-arc. Last, I do hope you have fun, even if you lose XP from death.

REQUESTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT FROM DM HEARTLESS

PRINT SCREEN

Print Screens are your friends ladies and gentlemen. I can not take your word for anything. If you lose an item, I need a print screen; Someone causing you problems, I need a print screen. I hope you get the point. I really do wish to help you, but there is only so much I can do without evidence.

QUESTIONS

If you are reading this the following most likely doesn't apply to you, but I feel the need to write it anyhow. If you have any sort of general question, first, ask yourself "Can I google this and find the answer on my own quickly" if that answer is YES then do not ask me. If you have a general question that requires a more detailed answer, come onto the forums and post your question. Do not ask me these questions in game. For those who actually read the forums this keeps them from asking the same questions forcing us to repeat ourselves. This is a waste of our time. Instead we could be developing a story-arc, or trying to kill errr create a challenge for you. If you have a YES or NO question that is probably the best type you can ask a DM. It takes us little time to read and answer that type of question.

In Conclusion, please think before you ask a question, and try to be resourceful on your own. We really do appreciate it.

REQUEST FOR REBUILDS

Please see our policies on this. In General, if you want a rebuild with different classes and abilities you need to PM the DM Group so we can discuss it. Unless the Head DM approves you will not get such a rebuild and it is rarely granted. So please don't bother me in game about this.

REQUESTS FOR XP,ITEMS, AND GOLD

These requests are not handled by me but my new pet shadow creature and his shadow army. If you request this from me ingame I will introduce you to them and they will handle it from there. I hear they loves to hand out cookies.

[mar3usmc]

Heartless' Stories

The following are are basic details of the Active Story Arcs I will be running. If I ran an event you and/or the group you were a part of and it is not posted here then it is not a story-arc, and may be posted further below in the mini-events post with all the outcomes. Story Arcs that become completed are found in the completed story-arcs postings with a possible summary of all outcomes.

When a Chapter is listed with results, that means it is completed and it generally encompasses one full event over the course of a few or more hours. A Chapter without results and only a preface has yet to be completed, and those involved in the chapter should be actively working towards its completion on the forums or in game.

COLOR CODE

in development
Story-Arc Title: Undecided, font size = 125
Story-Arc Chapter: Same as Story Arc Title, Normal font size
Epilogue, links to lore, and other important information
Chapter Preface and story background information
Chapter Summary
Results, positive or negative
Technical and Mechanical information such as set dc for saves that need to be stated. Any information listed is in addition to or overrides any other information for my events in general.
Player Comments, in quotation, no color
Player Characters (PCs)
Non-Player Characters (NPCs)

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The Shadow Spider

Story about a particular someone. The details of this story arc can only be learned by the DM team as information pertaining to it is very sensitive. This story arc will take place primarily in the Underdark and the surrounding tunnels.

[Primary Protagonist: Irr'da Arab'tlar]
[Primary Antagonist: None]
[Other Involved Parties/Persons: The School of Necromancy, The School of Mages, The Church of Lolth, House Sshamath, House Mori'hyanda, The Shadow Mages of The Tower of the Masked Mage, and The Charnag Maelthra.

If you become involved with this story arc later, please do send me in a PM your PC's name.

Chapter 1: The Switch
Chapter 2: Old and New Friends

New NPCs:

May'da Arab'tlar (Female Drow, Shadow Dancer Wizard)
Dur'drin (Male Drow, Ranger 20 Duel Wield)
Xull'tyrr (Female Drow, Rogue 11/Assassin9)

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The Celestial Orphan
"Skip"

Introducing a new NPC:

First Name: Jessica
Last Name: Unknown
Nick Name: Skip
Birthday: 1339 The Feast of the Moon (6 years old)
Race: Assimar
Base Class: Sorcerer
Hair Color: Golden Blond
Eye Color: Emerald Green
Height: As she is 6, very short ((at adult hood she will be very tall))
Weight: Approximately 25 Pounds
Alignment: Neutral Good

Chapter 1: Innocence and Beauty

This story starts with this young child coming across Silver and Stargazer while begging for coin. She was malnourished and filthy. Silver and Stargazer decide to take her to the docks to see Jeremy to see about having her taken care of. Before they can make it there they meet Apex and Ekco. Silver and Stargazer pass the child onto the latter two with instruction on what to do with her. Silver also gives the little girl the nick name "Skip".

Ecko and Apex bring "Skip" to Baldur's Gate, have her washed, clothed, and fed at their own expense. Ecko or Apex (can't remember which) also give her a Jade stone. After a while they finally bring her to Jeremy whom Skip eventually leaves with, entrusted to his "care" and "teachings".


[Lead Protagonist: Unknown Organization, "Skip"]
[Other Persons/Parties involved: None Currently]

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Passionate Animus in Shadow Eternal

[Primary Protagonist: Two Unnamed Individuals]
[Other Parties/Persons Involved: One Unnamed Organization]

New NPCs

Sentient Weapons

Using the 3.5 SRD Intelligent Items as a basis adjusting the power level to the level of the server. Each pair of Short Swords are considered epic intelligent items. When together they have an ego of 25 combined, 12 if separated.

Way of Shar/Will of Shar = Uuharel of Philock (Epic Sorceress)

Epic Intelligent Items
Ego = 25
Gender: Female
Alignment: Neutral Evil

A survivor of the fall of Netheril, she was one of the refugees, as a child, to found Philock. She would later become a High Sorceress of high rank and power. She was also unmatched in her cruelty, even to those she loved. She was sent to oversee an outpost west of Philock in the Underdark, which would eventually become her eternal tomb.

Power of Shar/Darkness of Shar = Ulathlar of Philock (Epic Assassin Weapon Master)

Epic Intelligent Items
Ego =25
Gender: Male
Alignment: Neutral Evil

A survivor of the fall of Netheril, he was one of the refugees to migrate to Philock. He later would become the right hand of one of the High Ranking High Mages of Philock, being the one to fix problems quietly and out of sight. He was later sent to an outpost west of Philock to keep an eye on one of the High Mages rivals. He did not hide his presence but watched her openly, and would even spar with her in combat training sessions. Both dual wield short swords as a tribute to their deity Shar. They would develop an intense rivalry, which would later fuel their passion, albeit a rather cruel one at times.

Each of their souls are now imbued into their respective Short Swords, and now in the hands of a pair of unfortunate greedy individuals.

Chapter 1: Voices and Reunion

Two unfortunate individuals have come upon both pairs of blades. They must now contend with the influence, unable to rid themselves of the weapons.

On a fail will save per 24 game hours (dc 25): They are haunted by foreign memories of cruelty and evil unlike that they have ever experienced. The voice of that which the memories belong to always in their thoughts, constantly belittling them, and insulting those they travel with. Nightmares of them acting out malicious acts to those they care for haunt their dreams, and they are awakened by maddening screams followed my insane laughter. The two are drawn to each other. They feel passion and loathing towards the other, love and hate being one.

The players may make a will save, dc 20, to resist actions against their alignment or things very out of character, and roll a will save, dc 15, to resist hurt those they care for deeply.

On a passed will save per 24 game hours (dc 25): The voices lower to a murmur and the two are able to think and concentrate without much influence from the blades. They still feel the emotions of the blades flowing through them, although they are in control.

At any time either player may pay the difference between their roll and the dc of the save x1000 in experience points to make the save. This is the RP out of what may be a sensitive situation.

The group they are traveling with have taken note of how strange they have been acting and are growing concerned.

Chapter 2. Tormentuous Maelstrom

When a person wields a weapon, it is usually quite clear who is controlling what. For some unfortunate few, that is not really the case, although it may appear so. Does the person wield the sword, or the sword wield the person?

Along the sword coast the shadow of ancient times is now consuming two unfortunate souls who unknowingly laid the curse upon themselves. The blades sing curses, insanity, and loathing to them; putting them at their wits end. They find resisting their influence difficult, and at times they can not tell that their actions are not their own. They are slowly losing the battle, and slowly falling down into the abyss; a black loathing rising up in their place. Even with aid of friends and allies how can they ever hope to remove the ancient curse, the shadows, they have inflicted upon themselves.

Chapter 3. Seekers of Purification and Redemption

[mar3usmc]

Heartless' Completed Story-Arcs

Completed ~2011 February 15

Aikura's Nightmare

Dream Events I am currently helping Aikura run and develop. More information is available on her biography.

[Primary Protagonist: Aikura]
[Secondary Protagonist: Shalinee]
[Other Parties/Persons Involved: Elves of Doron Amar (as NPCs), Another Unknown]

Chapter 1: The Dream (See Aikura Bio)

Chapter 2: The Dream Redux (See Aikura Bio)

Chapter 3: The Dream Tumult

A longer sequel to Aikura and Shalinee earlier dream, in which Aikura in particular is forced to confront the consequences of decisions made by her and those around her, and grapple with the future they may have set in motion.

This time Aikura had much more trouble coming out of the dream than did Shalinee, who eventually managed to calm Aikura down. No rewards given as the RP was the reward. Shalinee shifted points toward Good for remaining relatively disconnected from the dream events, Aikura received points toward Evil for being driven to seek blood for the loss she felt. Aikura is also somehow conned into writing this little event report.

Thanks again Heartless, it was an epic scene.

Chapter 4: The Nightmare

The much, much longer prequel to previous dream scenes, in which Aikura and Shalinee are forced to watch helpless while friends and allies march blindly down a path that leads to their brutal executions. Both acutely feel the memory of the dream; Aikura in particular is unable to shake the images from her head even while awake.

((No rewards were given to Aikura or Shalinee as the RP was the reward. The two players I had playing as NPCs received 1000xp or 1000gold for each hour of their time, 3 and 5 respectively.)) Both Aikura and Shalinee shifted alignment points toward Good because of regretting and loving caring and such.

The dreams have driven Aikura to avoid sleep and eat less; she has incurred -2 STR and -2 DEX permanent ability damage to represent this. Heartless is awarded a medal for DM endurance (or should be).

((It was a 7 hour event including the two hours to set it up.))

Chapter 5: The Dream Phantom

A different influence enters the dream and messes with the formula; a series of memories from an ancient Netherese sorceress. As the gruesome images play out, the sorceress eventually becomes aware of the unwanted observers and endeavours to make them pay for their trespass. While Aikura and Shalinee learn a great deal, they must suffer for it as Shalinee is forced to watch helpless while she tortures Aikura with her own hand.

No rewards given, Shalinee loses massive amounts of xp for attempting to resist the will of the sorceress.

Final Chapter: The Dream Rebirth

Aikura is murdered in the Underdark, and remains in a deep coma even after being raised. While her company endeavours to hide and protect her from the city that hunts them, she seems to only sink further. It is apparent that the nightmares have taken everything from her, will-to-live included. While in the coma, she has a final dream in which she must face up to those she loves most as they expose her fears, doubts, guilt and regret. She gradually walks the path to death, being variously persuaded to hold on or let go, the outcome to determine whether she awakens from the coma or dies in the Underdark. Before the end, she is forced to confront her childhood, her past and herself. At the last moment, the stars align and she casts aside her guilt, self-loathing and fatalism, to be reborn. She awakens from the coma and her nightmares are gone forever.

Aikura shifts a few alignment points toward good, receives a small amount of xp and a new lease on life.

((Heartless receives a Best Event Ever Award and also Aikura’s infinite appreciation.))

[mar3usmc]

Heartless' Mini-events

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20110114

Jero and Meric (the) Marshellow journey to the Underdark

Watched their descent, they RPed the whole way instead of making a mad dash. Awarded apx 2000xp total (a bit here and there) to both of them for the 4 hour ordeal. They died at the end, but Canza found them, resurected them, and toyed with them for a bit before letting them go after taking some of their gold.

They continue into the depths of the UD.

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20110115

Hungry Displacers

Mini-event where a caravan was attacked and most of those in the Caravan were dragged off with their valuables and eaten. Rumors spread about the caravan after the lone survivor reached Glaura's Wings. The displacers were now attacking those passing near their den.

Eventually a group of adventurers were able to vanquish the beasts, and recover some valuable gear, but only after many deaths.

Awards:

100-300 xp given depending on involvement and how smart they were in their tactics.

Items found were a variety of +1 and +2 gear.

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20110115

Goblin Demon Pact

The Goblins, dwindling in number due to repeated assaults, made a pact with the demons for future sacrifices. The demons filled the tunnels of the abandoned mine near Beregost, and an adventuring party noticed something amiss and investigated.

There they would wield steal and magic against hordes of goblins and demons, eventually felling many Succubae, a Hezrau, and even a Balor (20). In the room where the demons were summoned they found many fire opals and rubies where the Balor was slain.

Item awards: Fire Opals and a few Rubies

Xp award: 25xp/level to appx 8 PCs

[mar3usmc]

Need to type up what occurred between Terra and the individuals she, under influence, murdered today.

Beowoef: Died, was raised, severely weakened. Does not recall what happened. Those who were present during his raising were Jonas, Tomar, Authur (gave up 3000 gold to purchase diamond for raise), and a couple others. They were thinking of investigating the incident but the trail is rather cold. All they can discern is that he was murdered by someone shorter than he and short sword(s) were used.

Delphinn Veil: Died, face cut off, was raised after much RP and self sacrifice by others which include Mia, Lucavern, Jyscal (random bystander), Charraj, Klarissia, and Elisuna (came into event sorta at end. Helped Luca walk.) Luca was present during murder, but couldn't stop Terra. Terra regained herself long enough to resist killing Luca (roll a 27). Luca grabs Del and heads towards FAI, meets Charaj and a random other, Jyscal, there when they are attacked by shadow creatures at night, drawn to the body of Del (slowly converting into an undead shadow creature himself). Luca and Jyscal sustain mortal wounds, and barely cling to life. Charraj destroys the final shadow.

Now with Luca and Jyscal out for the count Charraj changes into an iron golem, and with Mia and Klarissia in tow, grabs the 2 incapacitated men and the dead Del and go to candlekeep where they had to RP heavily the healing and raising of the 3 individuals including giving up a diamond and seeking out more holy water to remove the shadow infecting and growing in the wounds. Afterwards Del was raised, not resurrected.

There will be some big IC consequences due to the latter event. Luca has much explaining to do to the Candlekeep authorities about what has occurred. The possessed murderer may become a wanted individual, in order to quarantine them. Also, rumors have spread around Candlekeep about shadow creatures, and Netherese Relics. These rumors will eventually move up and down the swordcoast.

Note to self: Player who gave up diamond need an alignment shift.

[mar3usmc]

Hello Everyone,

This is just a shout out to everyone that I will be becoming very active again on the server in game as DM and on the development team. I have just graduated today with tier II Honors (highest honors, yes I am bragging) and now have a B.S. in Physics w/ minor in Mathematics. It was a really rough last couple months.

Also, much like how I haven't checked my physical mail box until a few days ago, I have MANY unread messages in my inbox here on the forums. If you have sent me anything important in the last month or so you will have to send it again as I am going to do a mass deletion now, keeping a few select things I have recently read.

So again, if you have sent me anything important in the last month or two, send it again.

Thanks, and looking forward to ...