An Introductory Adventure

[Aeglosdir]

You did not comment above, but I don't see why my question would be an illegitimate one so I'll just repeat myself.

"Over the years, this tradition has turned into a harvest festival" -- note though that in 2946 the 'tradition' has not been going for very long, since Beorn broke his isolation ('interrupted his secluded life', LB 113) and established his rule as a chief in 2944-2945 according to the TOR timeline (LB 94). My suggestion is that over the years, it will be slowly evolving into a traditional harvest festival (and the PCs may witness this happening) -- so, the affair might be smaller and less defined at first. It is mostly a matter of tone and background but don't you think that your text should be adjusted to allow for the text in the Loremaster's Book?

[zedturtle]

You did not comment above, but I don't see why my question would be an illegitimate one so I'll just repeat myself.

"Over the years, this tradition has turned into a harvest festival" -- note though that in 2946 the 'tradition' has not been going for very long, since Beorn broke his isolation ('interrupted his secluded life', LB 113) and established his rule as a chief in 2944-2945 according to the TOR timeline (LB 94). My suggestion is that over the years, it will be slowly evolving into a traditional harvest festival (and the PCs may witness this happening) -- so, the affair might be smaller and less defined at first. It is mostly a matter of tone and background but don't you think that your text should be adjusted to allow for the text in the Loremaster's Book?

I will have to rewrite that... I think that it will be better if the Sickle has been added to an existing festival.


Oh, sorry for the lack of response. I totally agree with you in principal; there's some text on the first page giving some hints as to how the festival will change over the years. I don't have the old books handy; I was just going off the general memory that Beorn came back from the Battle of Five Armies with new purpose. If the Sickle has been added to a traditional end of harvest festival, and the contests co-opted into selecting the finalists for the Sickle, I think the festival looking like it does by 2946ish is not beyond belief.

In my own personal head canon, Gandalf's comments to the dwarves about Beorn being a loner were based on old information (just like his plan for the forest road). So Beorn has been a bit more active in local affairs than Gandalf or Bilbo realized. But you're right, I need to accommodate the official timeline.

[zedturtle]

A new version of the first page, accommodating the official timeline a little better.

[zedturtle]

The third page, pretty much just a big blob of text. But I thought it was important to have ready answers for new Loremasters if someone wanting to use a particular skill.

[Falenthal]

Great work and wonderful ideas. Your effort to make it a good first adventure not only for players but for LMs alike is praiseworthy.

As a side note, I like the effect of gaining Standing during the festival or even trading-goods treasure points. But as a side effect, we have to remember that this is a "tutorial" adventure and those effects are not in the game rules. In other words, you are teaching the players a mechanic that doesn't exist in the game.
The LM must be sure to explain that this mechanic only affects this adventure, or house-rule so that it's employable during his whole campaign (and be prepared for "We have to talk to Bard. Let me Impress some kids to gain 1 Standing in Dale and push up our Tolerance").

Or just leave the mechanic effect (gaining 1 Standing or Treasure) out of the adventure and just role-play it. In fact, in TOR that's just another of those things players and LMs alike need to learn: there are consequences to your acts, good and bad, but they're not always numerically represented. Maybe a player won't get 1 temporary standing, but if he impressed some kids with a tale, later some parents might offer him food for the travel when they need it.

If this adventure is to be a tutorial to the game basics and mechanics, my opinion is that you should stick to the "normal" rules and avoid variations thereof.

[zedturtle]

Great work and wonderful ideas. Your effort to make it a good first adventure not only for players but for LMs alike is praiseworthy.

As a side note, I like the effect of gaining Standing during the festival or even trading-goods treasure points. But as a side effect, we have to remember that this is a "tutorial" adventure and those effects are not in the game rules. In other words, you are teaching the players a mechanic that doesn't exist in the game.
The LM must be sure to explain that this mechanic only affects this adventure, or house-rule so that it's employable during his whole campaign (and be prepared for "We have to talk to Bard. Let me Impress some kids to gain 1 Standing in Dale and push up our Tolerance").

Or just leave the mechanic effect (gaining 1 Standing or Treasure) out of the adventure and just role-play it. In fact, in TOR that's just another of those things players and LMs alike need to learn: there are consequences to your acts, good and bad, but they're not always numerically represented. Maybe a player won't get 1 temporary standing, but if he impressed some kids with a tale, later some parents might offer him food for the travel when they need it.

If this adventure is to be a tutorial to the game basics and mechanics, my opinion is that you should stick to the "normal" rules and avoid variations thereof.

You are right of course. I will rewrite those sections to make it clear that they're optional rules, or I will just take them out entirely.

[zedturtle]

Here's an a version of page 3 with the optional rules for Treasure and Standing spelled out as such:


Do people think that's ok or should I nix the idea entirely?

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Also, I'm trying to write up clever clues / a clever plan for how the Sickle was stolen. Any ideas from anyone would be highly appreciated.

[Falenthal]

Regarding the Standing/Treasure bonuses, I think that's entirely ok. It adds some flavour (I already told you I like the idea) and shows you how TOR allows for variations to the rules in special moments.

Stormcrow already showed us in another thread about Encounters how the same mechanic can be adapted to different situations, by taking examples from official adventures. The same can be done here.

About the theft, I'll think about it...

[Glorelendil]

One epiphany I had while working on my underground exploration rules (currently renamed to "Delving") is that rules and stat blocks and adventure steps are great, but what brings it to life is writing. What I love about your version of "Awe the Bull" is that you gave the bull an evocative name and some color. That really brings it to life.

So, yeah...more of that. I'm trying to do the same.

[zedturtle]

That reminds me, I've got some reading and writing to do, myself.

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For the theft, I'm thinking a goblin should be involved. Either via dead body; or, more interestingly, as a live scapegoat. I'm thinking the thieves would release him into the festival right after taking the Sickle. Capturing him alive would be ideal, but not likely. Then witnesses could report (with suitable successes) that the goblin appeared to come out of nowhere and other people (Men) were seen lurking around the Marshall's tent.

Thoughts? Complications? Suggestions?