As a new DM...

Captain tycho · Post by **Captain tycho** » 2004-02-11 02:02am

Now all I have to do is come up with a group who would benefit greatly from aminmosity between the Thayans and the Brotherhood, and their overall plans, and I'm pretty much set for the main story arc.

Arthur_Tuxedo · Post by **Arthur_Tuxedo** » 2004-02-11 02:06am

Captain tycho wrote:*snip*

It could work, although there's just one niggly bit. Why would there be secret meetings and meddling do-gooders over what seems to be a fairly routine transfer of slaves for fairly mundane purposes (by FR standards)? If the meeting was to arrange a whole bunch of slave convoys or they were being used to cast some powerful spell, I could see it, but otherwise it seems like a plot hole to me.

Sounds like an OK setup otherwise.

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2004-02-11 02:43am

Well, the only way I ever reward evil characters is with the biggest dragon I can come up with, but that's just me.

As for the secret meetings, this is the Lords' Alliance we're talking about here. They would make attempts to stop the slave trade, thus the secrecy on the part of the Luskans and Thayans. Slavery is an accepted practice in the Underdark and Old Empires, but not in the North. All of FR is not the same. That's a big old continent.

As for a party that would benefit greatly from animosity between the Arcane Brotherhood and the Thayans (aside from the Lords' Alliance and the Silver Marches), the answer is obvious. The Zhentarim. They're looking to dominate the North through trade, and the Thayans' enclaves get in their way. Also, they look to dominate the region. Since the Arcane Brotherhood does as well, their interests conflict. Toss in the fact that the Zhentarim are manipulative, militaristic lawful evil types and you have the perfect motive.

dworkin · Post by **dworkin** » 2004-02-11 06:35am

It's a good plot. The trick to GMing is that it is not storytelling (no matter how much White Wolf says otherwise) but arranging for guided direction of the PCs. Players hate listening to a story where they only get limited freedom of action. They can do that themselves with a book or such. So always give them lots of room to manouevere.

So spend some time with the PCs to work out what they're doing. Are they nasty mercs? Or do they have 'hearts of gold'? If they're the protection for one of the groups then have them plan the defences and give them an oppotunity to plan for suprise attacks. Prehaps they catch the raiders or bushwhack the opposition. Prehaps they intend to sabotage the meeting themselves and they plan for that.

It is by allowing the players to think that they have free will and the ability to make a difference that makes for good gaming. If you're basically describing a plot where they're caught in the machinations of the powerful, why not play a CRPG?

My advice is to give them lots to do arranging, setting up or planning to sabotage the meeting that they don't notice your plot moves when they happen as arbitary, pre-planned events. If they think that what happens is in response to their actions, then you have won.

Post by **LadyTevar** » 2004-02-11 02:32pm

Rogue 9 wrote:Well, being a college student with waaaay too much time on his hands, I roll up every NPC, spend every skill point, and rough sketch a background story. With my players, you never know who they're going to suspect and do a background check on next. So I can't help you there.

Forgotten Realms, is it? *SPOILERS* (In case any of your players, or any players who's DM plans on using this, frequent the board.)

If you don't like that one, I got more. Just ask.

Wanna DM?? That sounds like FUN!!!!

Post by **LadyTevar** » 2004-02-11 02:35pm

Rogue 9 wrote:Well, the only way I ever reward evil characters is with the biggest dragon I can come up with, but that's just me.

As for the secret meetings, this is the Lords' Alliance we're talking about here. They would make attempts to stop the slave trade, thus the secrecy on the part of the Luskans and Thayans. Slavery is an accepted practice in the Underdark and Old Empires, but not in the North. All of FR is not the same. That's a big old continent.

As for a party that would benefit greatly from animosity between the Arcane Brotherhood and the Thayans (aside from the Lords' Alliance and the Silver Marches), the answer is obvious. The Zhentarim. They're looking to dominate the North through trade, and the Thayans' enclaves get in their way. Also, they look to dominate the region. Since the Arcane Brotherhood does as well, their interests conflict. Toss in the fact that the Zhentarim are manipulative, militaristic lawful evil types and you have the perfect motive.

Another two groups that would profitt from it: The Lords of the Dales, and the Harpers.

Now, before you gripe, while both sides are usually protrayed as on the side of Good and Law, take a closer look, read a few Forgotten Realms Harper Novels, and you'll see those groups tend more to be Neutral.

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2004-02-11 10:11pm

Well, I'd say the Moonstars before the Harpers.

Captain tycho · Post by **Captain tycho** » 2004-02-11 10:54pm

All very good suggestions so far. I'm leaning more towards the Harper's than the Zhentarim at the moment, mostly because one of my PC's has a bit of a grudge against them, which will work well in driving them to action against em. Also, the Harper's hate unethical uses of magic, thus giving them even more reason to attack both the Thayans and Brotherhood and causing a rift between them.

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2004-02-11 10:58pm

Oh, and I'd be glad to DM, milady. Just the little problem of whether I live anywhere near you and whether Nitram would subject me to stabbity death or not.

Solauren · Post by **Solauren** » 2004-02-12 09:49am

I'd offer LT and SN could come play in my new campaign, but with 6 solid players and 3 'probably being booted', it's pretty full as it is

That, and I have no idea where they live in relation to me

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2004-02-12 11:10am

No! She wanted my evil plot! Mine! *Handcuffs self to (hopefully more reliable than my current) players.*

Solauren · Post by **Solauren** » 2004-02-12 01:28pm

Calm down Rogue 9
Will make shooting you down when you get X-wing Alliance or XvT Working that much more enjoyable

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2004-02-12 01:51pm

Solauren wrote:Calm down Rogue 9
Will make shooting you down when you get X-wing Alliance or XvT Working that much more enjoyable

My my. Confident, aren't you? I suck at FPS, but when my friends and I LAN a flight sim I rule the roost. And they ain't no slackers, either.

Post by **LadyTevar** » 2004-02-12 02:25pm

Rogue 9 wrote:No! She wanted my evil plot! Mine! *Handcuffs self to (hopefully more reliable than my current) players.*

::looks down to Handcuff..:: Kinky.....

You know of course, this means you can't run when Nit notices and starts the stabbity-death.....

As for where we live? The only state *totally* within the Appalachian Mountain range.

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2004-02-12 02:30pm

Hmm. Point. *Loses the handcuffs.* West Virginia? Dang. Close, but not close enough.