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Post by joemcp on Mar 23, 2018 16:36:42 GMT -9
Going to use this thread to add all the photos from my Rise of Tiamat campaign. Just started last week so the pictures will be added over the next few months. (We play every other week). Pictures from the first half of the campaign can be seen in my previous thread. ***SPOILERS *** This thread is based on a published D&D Adventure, Tyranny of Dragons: The Rise of Tiamat. If you plan on playing this module I would recommend not reading the text. ***SPOILERS ***Blagothkus'Children Rescue MissionIn order to gain Blagothkus' trust and cooperation, the party swore an oath to locate and save his children once Cult of the Dragon onboard Skyreach Castle was dealt with. The following pics are from multiple encounters spanning two play sessions. Cultist camp outside of the cavern. DSC02337_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02339_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02342_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02344_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02336_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr
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Post by joemcp on Mar 23, 2018 16:42:29 GMT -9
Episode 1: Council of Waterdeep / Episode 5: The Cult Strikes BackAfter two hours of discussions with the Council of Waterdeep, the party requested a brief break to discuss their options. Lord Neverember had the Captain Guard escort them to a private chamber within the Palace. While determining their next course of action, a group of servants entered the room with refreshments and a light lunch. The servants were actually cultists assassins in disguise, who had infiltrated the palace with the hopes of killing the party. The servants attempted to feed the party poisoned food but the party cleric, always on her guard, cast detect poison and disease on the food. With their cover blown the assassin jumped into action. This combat was tricky as the party had their weapons taken away when entering the Palace. DSC02401_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02402_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02404_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02405_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02406_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr
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Post by joemcp on Mar 23, 2018 16:44:49 GMT -9
Episodes 3: Varram The WhiteSerpent Hills Random Encounter: while tracking Varram into the Serpent Hills the party came across two Thri-Keen hunting a giant scorpion. Unfortunately for the Thri-keens, they tracked the scorpion back to its lair, an old guard post long forgotten. Out of the liar emerged, a number of scorpions and the hunters were quickly overwhelmed. The party jumped into action slaying the giant scorpions. Once the scorpions were dealt with and the fallen thri-keen healed by the cleric, they communicated with the Thri-keen telepathically. To thank them for there help the Thri-keen offered to guide the party the rest of the way through the Serpent Hills and share their food and drink. DSC02466_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02467_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02469_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02471_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr
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Post by joemcp on Apr 29, 2018 16:57:00 GMT -9
Episodes 3: Varram The White
Outside the Tomb of Diderius: As the party approached the Tomb of Diderius they spotted what appeared to be a small camp in the plaza. They quietly made their way through the ruins to investigate. DSC02472_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02475_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Out of nowhere, the ground beneath two members of the party exploded as two Bullets ambushed the party. When the dust settled the bullets where slain but two members suffer serious injuries which required healing. DSC02478_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02479_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr The entrance to the Tomb was flanked by two massive magical statues which briefly conversed with the party before admitting them. DSC02480_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr
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Post by joemcp on May 14, 2018 6:04:28 GMT -9
Episodes 3: Varram The White - Inside the Tomb of Diderius Part 1:
Watchful Statues:Upon entering the Tomb, the characters walk down a short corridor lined with four cowled statues of wizards, their faces obscured by deep hoods. With the sound of grinding stone, the statues all turned to the party and presented them with a warning in the form of a riddle. “Some secrets are not meant for mortal minds to know. Look away from the darkness in which such knowledge hides.” The ranger couldn’t help himself and peaked into the shadow of the hoods. In the darkness of the hood he met the gaze of the statue's eyes, they held him in place telepathically imparting impossible secrets his mortal mind was unprepared to comprehend. This drove the ranger temporarily insane causing him to recklessly push is way past the party into the next chamber. With their heads down the rest of the party gave chase. DSC02407_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Mosaic Chamber:In the next chamber was a beautiful tile mosaic showing a knight in plate armor wielding a glowing sword against a chimera. As the ranger charged into the room and collapsed in a fit of madness, the chimera from the tile mosaic magically animated into a 2D pixelated chimera. (There was a short argument if it was 8-bit or 16-bit.) As the party battled the pixelated monster and chipped away the tiles that formed its body, they noticed the tiles were quickly rebuilding the mosaic floor. In a moment of clarity, the party’s paladin imbued his warhammer with divine energy and slammed it into the mosaic floor. The mosaic shattered dispelling the magic holding the chimera together and it fell to pieces to the floor. The party then took a moment to heal and the cleric settled the ranger’s mind bringing him back to reality. DSC02413_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Throne Room Antechamber:The next room was lined with sarcophagi (which is always a red herring in D&D), as they crossed the center part of the room, five mummies emerged from the sarcophagi stopping just short of the party. Out of nowhere, an unfamiliar voice was heard whispering, “humility proffered in the manner of Mystril shelters those opening the way to seeking knowledge.” With a successful Religion check, the cleric recalled the holy gesture among adherents of the fallen goddess Mystril. Upon performing the gesture, the mummies slowly returned to their sarcophagi. Combat was successfully avoided. DSC02419_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02417_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Study & Library: The next room was Diderius’s study and library, now watched over by a neutral good ghost named Ilda. The magical influence of the tomb kept the library under a permanent illusion spell making it visible in all it’s previous glory. However, once the illusion was identified for what it was, you could see the library as it stood in the present day – dusty, decaying, and looted. The encounter with Ilda was meant to be tense yet informative. I played Ilda as a spirit on the verge of a mental breakdown. She was forthcoming with answers but many where difficult to follow rambles with half-truths and misdirection. Regardless, the party did well to ask the right question and made a few cool rolls. The rogue was even clever enough to learn that locating a missing book was the secret to releasing her sojourn. DSC02423_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02422_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr
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Post by joemcp on May 14, 2018 6:11:01 GMT -9
Episodes 3: Varram The White - Inside the Tomb of Diderius Part 2:
Throne room:In the Throne, the party encountered a twelve-foot-tall, regal and well-muscled humanoid male with a flowing white beard and purple toga—in reality, a clay golem that Diderius used to receive favored guests in this area. With some healthy diplomacy rolls and suitable offerings, which included 1000gp, a common magic item, and 2 potions of healing, the imposing figure nodded his approval opening the way to the next room. DSC02424_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02425_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Dining Hall:The party was surprised to encounter a group of breaded devils casually sitting in a dining hall in the adjacent room. The devils weren’t hostile towards the party and willing to converse, even offering them a share of their wine. The conversation was guarded but pleasant until the party started pushing for too much personal information, eventually asking about their business in the tomb. The devils made it clear this topic was not open for discussion. When someone asked about Varram, the atmosphere in the room changed in an instant. Everyone tensed up, hands on their weapons. A few moments of awkward silence followed before the devils leaped into action. Before any serious damage was done, the paladin presented her holy symbol flooding the room with light, the holy nature of the spell resulted in many of the devils fleeing into the Throne room. Upon entering the Throne room, the door slammed shut and the party heard the shouts of battle as the clay golem dealt with the unwelcomed intruders. Looking for a defensible position, the remaining devil triggered the door to a secret treasure vault off the dining hall. In its haste to fall back into the vault, the devil distributed the treasure within, inviting the wrath of vaults undead protectors: two spectors and two wraiths. Seeing the horrible end to the devil, the party decided not to tangle with the undead, instead, they quickly sealed the secret chamber forging the hidden wealth within. DSC02427_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02428_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Divination Pool:The next room held the magical divination pool - the source of Diderius’s power. Things did not go well for the party in this room. Two of them attempted to use the pool without knowing the personal sacrifice required. They both failed their saving throws against the magical influence emanating from the pool, causing them to draw their own blood. Both took 55 points of damage which was enough to knock the rogue unconscious and bring the range to 1 HP. Eventually, the party's warlock/bard was able to successfully manipulate the pool and searched for knowledge of the mysterious Draakhorn. DSC02431_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Crypt of Diderius:As the party entered the next room, they instinctively knew it to be the resting place of Diderius. With heads bowed down in respect, they approach the sarcophagi and deep, clear voice issues from the coffin. After a short discussion with Diderius, a chime sounded and a secret tunnel leading out of the Crypt was open. DSC02434_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02432_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr
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Post by joemcp on May 14, 2018 6:16:31 GMT -9
Episodes 3: Varram The White - Inside the Tomb of Diderius Part 3:
Entryway:On the other side of the secret entrance where five lizardfolk caught completely off guard. A moment past were both parties look at each other in surprise before the lizardfolk grabbed for their weapons and run at the party. The party made quick work of the lizardfolk, but not before one was able to flee down the hall shouting for backup. DSC02436_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02435_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Bridge:DSC02439_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02440_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Meditation Chamber: DSC02442_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02443_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Yuan-ti Quarters:DSC02445_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02450_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Hatchery:DSC02447_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Prison:DSC02452_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02453_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02454_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr
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Post by joemcp on May 14, 2018 6:19:16 GMT -9
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Post by Punkrabbitt on May 14, 2018 7:41:21 GMT -9
That is a VERY impressive layout!
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Post by okumarts on May 14, 2018 8:28:09 GMT -9
WOW! That looks so fun!
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Post by emergencyoverride on May 14, 2018 10:02:43 GMT -9
That was so COOOOOOOL!!!!!!
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Post by Vermin King on May 14, 2018 11:36:06 GMT -9
Very nicely done
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Post by joemcp on Jun 1, 2018 15:36:14 GMT -9
To destabilize the neighboring villages and keep local militia busy, the cult was working with devils (Abishais) to corrupt the local wildlife. So far, the agents of Tiamat had been successful turning the animals and plants against those who protected them. While investigating a lead, the party encounter a gnome druid who convinced them to search a bear’s den. Inside the den, the party come upon a group of devils in the process of converting bears into dire bears. The devils would use their dark magic to convert them, starve them, antagonize, and then set them loose on the local population. The party defeated the devils and kept one alive for interrogation. However, questioning a devil is always a tricky process as they only seem to provide half-truths or cryptic replies. The joy of deceit. Side note: Abishais is a new type of devils found in MORDENKAINEN'S TOME OF FOES. Pretty fun introducing my party to a new monster. These guys are no joke. I roleplayed them as cultists that had won Tiamat’s favor. As a reward for their loyalty, she transformed them into her hideous devils with a soul desire to serve at her pleasure. They gladly gave up their souls to her not knowing the true price. DSC02484_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02487_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02488_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02482_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr
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Post by cowboyleland on Jun 1, 2018 17:41:46 GMT -9
Hello. Just a heads up on a typo: I think the devils would "starve" the dire bears, in case anyone else was confused.
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Post by H_E_H on Jun 1, 2018 18:25:05 GMT -9
joemcp, those are amazing works of gaming art. Wow! Beautiful stuff!
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Post by joemcp on Jun 1, 2018 19:02:45 GMT -9
Thanks for the heads up.
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Post by joemcp on Nov 12, 2018 7:28:59 GMT -9
Episodes 4: Death to the Wyrmspeakers - Neronvain’s Stronghold Party locates the entrance to Neronvain’s stronghold. A cave in the side of the cliff with a rushing waterfall. There is an encounter with a number of creatures the cult has magically bound to the pool: three water weirds and a few Chuuls. (Didn't have the proper minis ready so I made do with randoms). DSC02497_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02494_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr
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Post by joemcp on Nov 12, 2018 7:31:29 GMT -9
Episodes 4: Death to the Wyrmspeakers - Neronvain’s Stronghold The party makes their way through the stronghold in search of Nerovain. Room 2: Large Chamber - various slaves are at work under watch by a cult mage and a group of White Abishai when the party storms the room. DSC02505_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02506_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr DSC02510_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Room 4: Slaves quarters - crude living quarters for the slaves. The room also contains a forgotten shrine which holds a delightful boon when activated. DSC02514_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Room 5: Cultist Common Room - seven cultists are at leisure, enjoying their dinner. When the warlock slams only the door and flings a fireball into the room. Pre-fireball. DSC02516_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Post fireball. All dead expected for the black abishai that cast darkness and runs for the nearest exit as the room burns around him. DSC02520_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr Room 8: Nerovain's chamber - Neronvain has created a lush living space in this rough-walled cavern, decorating it with select art and craftworks from his raids. DSC02522_20 by Joe McPherson, on Flickr
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