[Game Thread] Round 3 Match 2: Atua vs. Unko Talok

[Ion2Atom]

Round 3 Match 2: Atua vs. Unko Talok

Originally Posted by The Herald

The Herald opens a great iron door for Unko Talok and gestures for the contestant to follow him. “You have reached the Semi Finals, though only just barely. You will regret that by the time you are through here I am sure.” Passing through several onyx halls, the two eventually reach Atua, adding the second contestant to their convoy. As they walk, the Herald lectures the two on the history of Iron DM, “In times past, the contest was done in a mere 24 hours. Think on this when you feel like you do not have enough time. The Chairman in his infinite wisdom eventually granted dispensation for longer cooking times, but time remains an integral part of this timeless contest.”

Leading the pair up a winding staircase the three eventually come to a room filled with iron gears, metal clocks, and an omnipresent ticking that would drive anyone mad. The Herald continues, Thus why I have brought you here. Time does not function the same here as it does other places, sometimes faster, sometimes slower. Now that you have arrived in the semi finals, you shall not escape... no matter the time, or if you leave in victory or defeat. Never fear though, the unassailable judges:

• HenryLockwood
• MoonZar
• Bade
• and Possibly More!

Shall mark well your time and your progress. Your fate, as always, will hinge on your use of the following ingredients:

• A Red Nosed Hobgoblin
• A Feline General
• The Plane of Fire
• An Ancient Text
• A Toothache

The bonus ingredients for this round are:

• A Place to Play
• The Cleaver of Conjoining

Let the Dungeon Mastering....BEGIN!!

Rules You are to write an adventure using the five items / concepts above. You can also use any of the bonus ingredients you wish to. All rules found here are to be followed. The guidelines for the Judges' scoring can be found here. The entry is to be no longer than 2,500 words, which includes *everything* you put into the post. Judges are instructed to stop reading at that time, or to deduct points if you go over. The use of a spell check and word counter is highly recommended. Please make a simple post in this thread when you first read it, to let the judges know have seen it, and that you are on board. It doesn't have to be anything more than "read!", or something like that! Do not edit this post after making it; when it comes time to post your entry, do that in a second, separate post. You have 7 days from the time this post is made to complete and submit your entry (in a new post; don't edit your first post!). It is not expected that you use all this time - the extra time has been given to ensure that, no matter what your timezone, your schedule, your sleep habits, your work or student life, or emergencies that could crop up, you should have ample time to complete your entry. Posting when you are done, and not waiting until the end, is also recommended, and rewarded. You should post your entry into this thread within the generous timeframe, and ensure it is secreted (to the above judges) and spoilerbuttoned. Feel free to also PM your judges to let them know you have posted, if you wish. (DO NOT PM them your entry - just let them know your entry is submitted). If your post is not made within the 7 days, you will be automatically disqualified. If you have issues, be sure to PM or hvg3akaek at gmail dot comemail hvg3akaek *before* your round is closed. Once posted, do not edit your entry. The use of the "preview" function is thus also highly recommended.

[Unko Talok]

Unko Talok is becoming more and more lucid from his concussion as the days stretch into weeks and the contest continues. It was made abundantly clear that he had only just clawed through the last round. He almost thought the Herald was being a little mean about it. But that was probably the concussion speaking. Probably. As the Herald lead Unko and Atua to the next chamber, Unko sized up his competition. The fellow looked formidable. Whether Unko lost or won, this would be tough. "Congratulations on making it this far, friend. May fate give us each what we deserve."

The discussion of time and stress didn't do much for Unko's increasing anxiety, and the ticking of the clock was already grating on his nerves. But there was nothing he could do about it. "A shorter time almost seems more merciful," he muses. The grass is always greener when you're dealing with eternal imprisonment in the land of Iron DM.

Unko looked over the ingredients, including the bonuses, and sighed. This wouldn't be easy. But he reached for the objects and began wordlessly working at something that might please the judges. Perhaps it was time to set Zharat aside. Or perhaps not.

[Atua]

Atua stands there, beyond exhaustion, the flash of lightning and rumble of thunder an omnipresent threat to him and Auron. When the judgement was called, a visible shudder rushed through him, but then Atua noticed the swirling vortex above.

“What? No! You cannot do this. Auron tried, your saw the dish yourself. Surely that was enough for if not progress, at least some sort of reprieve.” Atua’s pleas though fall on deaf ears as the other contestant is sent to a place beyond imagining.

Well, if Auron cannot survive, I can at least take this amber pendant, and the Topaz one of the fallen before him and hold them close. I hope your death is not in vain

Atua adds the two other pendants to the two he already possesses and feels the weight of them. Though small, they weigh him down with a gravity that reflects the situation he is in.

No sooner had Atua retrieved the pendant that he looks up to see the Herald again, and beside him the look of a fresh face. After the brief silence the newcomer voices his thoughts.

“I thank you for the praise but feel it is empty, seeing the results of the others we have faced. Yourself deserves no less though, for you have faced just as many as I and have survived.”

Atua walks silently for another moment then grabs the arm of the other, “Don’t you see, there is no end to this madness, we must flee at once. We could find a way out I’m sure you and I. To remain is folly.” Then Atua brings out his brochure, the piece of parchment with wonderous locations and fine food “This is what I got, do you see. This place is nothing like what they advertise. There is a menace here, I can feel it, if not see it. The fallen seem to fuel this being, I don’t know how, but it is the only thing that makes sense. You heard the name mentioned by the Herald, ‘The Chairman’.... He is behind this for his own nefarious purposes. We must get away before we are too late.”

Just as Atua says this though, The Herald speaks and Atua finds himself within another arena, one with gears and whirring wheels, and then his head falls. I am too late it seems, once again I must duel. With a slow step, Atua walks over to the ingredients table and morosely inspects the tools of his destruction, or his salvation.

[Unko Talok]

 

The Lost Text, a DnD3.5 Adventure for 3-5 Lvl12 Characters

Background Eons ago, the Kitab al-Azif was penned by a mad assassin in the City of Brass. A terrible weapon of fire and magic, the book drew flame from the hottest parts of the Plane of Fire. Its mere existence enraged the Grand Sultan, who believed that it would weaken the plane. He ordered it destroyed, but whenever destroyed it always reappeared. Due to a fumbling by the Efreet Al-Ahmar, the Kitab al-Azif was lost somewhere in the Material Plane. Al-Ahmar was banished there until such time as the Kitab al-Azif was destroyed permanently. Al-Ahmar tried for centuries to find it, but eventually gave up, instead enjoying an alliance with a group of Hobgoblin nomads who worshiped him. The Kitab al-Azif was recently found by a merchant band and is making its way to Zharat where a group of adventurers may bring its doom.

Setting The intended start for this adventure is the village of Zharat, a trading community at the cusp of a great desert and a mountain range. However, it can easily be placed in virtually any setting.

NPCs and Stat references Name Notes Stats Sulman Merchant who came under the influence of the Kitab al-Azif and has gone mad. Found in part 1 Human Aristocrat3, HP12; AC12 Touch12 FF10; Init+2; F/R/W:+1/+3/+3; Possesses the Kitab al-Azif. Emir Leader of the Thamud Tribe. A prosthetic ruby nose adorns his face, marking him as the leader. He is a man of few words, hardened by desert winds. Found in part 2. Hobgoblin Fighter8, HP54; AC20 Touch14; FF16; F/R/W:+10/+6/+2; Attacks: +1 flaming scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+6+1d6fire; 18-20/x2) and +1 short sword +13/+8 (1d6+3, 19-20/x2); Other possessions: +2 chain shirt, Ruby Nose worth 500gp, Potion of Blur, Al-Ahmar's lamp. Soldiers of Thamud An assortment of 10 nose-less warriors. Found in part 2. Hobgoblin Fighter5; HP39; AC17 Touch13 FF14; F/R/W:+7/+3/+1; Attacks: Falchion +9 (2d4+6 18-20/x2); Other possessions: chain shirt, Potion of Cure moderate Wounds. Al-Ahmar A bitter Efreet who consoles himself in his exile by accepting the worship of the Thamud tribe. He has recently sensed the Kitab al-Azif's presence near him, and has motivated the Thamud Tribe to retrieve it for him. He knows its lore, and wants someone to take the book to the City of Brass to destroy it. Found in Part 2. Efreeti, MMpg115, Other possessions: a pearl which can open a portal to the City of Brass outside the Infinite Library once per day. Musa Al-Khwarizmi The immortal creator of the Infinite Library. He is benevolently arrogant, taking a pitying view of people who contradict him; Unable to accept he has ever made a mistake. Found in part 3. Al-Khwarizmi has no stats, as he is immortal. He can only be killed by eliminating all written word from the multiverse. He casts spells as a wizard15 with access to all spells from any WotC source. He is not immune to consequences of his actions. The DM can choose to have spells and actions affect him in any way, taking liberty to make encounters with Al-Khwarizmi enjoyable. Mau Shapeshifting proprietor of Fire in the Hole. He once served as General on the front lines of a great devil-demon war, and retired to the City of Brass. He is ruthless to those who do not pay their debts. Found in part 3. Huge Advanced Bezekira (MMp54), 11HD with changes as noted here. HP80; AC25, Touch18, FF17; F/R/W:+11/+14/+10; Attacks: +18/+13 Butcher's Blade (1d8+9, 19-20/x3), claw +15 (1d8+6), and bite +8 (2d8+3). Other Possessions: +2 Leather Armor In addition to normal Bezekira powers, Mau and his employees can cast Alter Self at will. They use this in their business dealings. While in an alternate form, Mau can use weapons in combat but loses the benefits of "Invisible in Light". Mau's Employees Mau employs several fellow shape-shifting Bezekira at Fire in the Hole. They are all former soldiers of varying genders. Three employees are on duty. Found in part 3. Bezekira (MMp54); they fight in their hellcat forms.

Part 1: Desert Madman (CR8)

As the party relaxes in Zharat between adventures, a burnt and bloody man stumbles into town. He passes out upon reaching the town's edge. Once resuscitated, he introduces himself as Aladeen. Last night, his trade caravan was attacked by a group of Hobgoblins with no noses. The caravan leader, Salmun, began casting powerful fire spells. At first, the caravan rejoiced. But cries of joy soon turned to horror when Salmun began attacking the caravan. Aladeen only barely escaped with his life, and made his way to Zharat. He can't get the image of Salmun out of his mind-- an ancient crumbling book held by a man whose eyes hungered for destruction.

The party can proceed in a number of ways.

• If the party follows Aladeen to where the caravan was attacked, a DC20 Survival check can locate Salmun wandering in the desert.
• A DC15 Knowledge(local) or Bardic Knowledge check reveals that the nose-less Hobgolins are the Thamud tribe. If a DC25 is hit, the party knows that Thamud worships an Efreet. A DC30 Survival check can locate the tribe. If so, proceed to part 2.
• A DC25 Knowledge(The Planes) check can identify the book as the Kitab al-Azif, and further checks reveal Lore (described below).
• The party can also use divination magic to find Salmun or wait until nightfall and track him by light given off by his constant casting of fire magic.

When Salmun is found, he immediately attempts to kill the party, using the Kitab al-Azif to its full effect. If the party entirely ignores Aladeen's warnings, Salmun eventually attacks Zharat.

Kitab al-Azif, Minor artifact The Kitab al-Azif is a book of ancient evil, written on the charred flesh of Efreet with ink made of ash. It is a treatise on the nature and power of flame, and gives the user terrible powers. The holder of the Kitab al-Azif can, as a standard action, cast any PHB spell of 6th level or lower with the Fire descriptor at caster level 15. Any spell cast in this manner ignores fire resistance and immunity, as it is drawn directly from the hottest regions of the Plane of Fire. Each time this is done, the user must make a DC18 will save. On a failure, the book possesses the user, causing him to go on a fiery rampage for one hour after which time another Will save can be attempted. Lore: The following can be learned about the Kitab al-Azif with Knowledge(History), (Arcana), or Bardic Knowledge. DC10: The Kitab al-Azif was written by a mad assassin who slew Pashas in the City of Brass. DC15: It found its way to the Material Plane because it was misplaced by a foolish Efreet, Al-Ahmar, who was banished from the City of Brass. DC20: It draws power from the hottest parts of the Elemental Plane of Fire. This angers the Grand Sultan, and he wishes book destroyed. DC25: It is notoriously difficult to destroy (DR20/- and HP100). If destroyed by physical means, it reappears in the possession of a random individual on the same plane in 1d4 weeks. DC30: The only known way to destroy it is by placing it in the Infinite Library in the City of Brass, where it will be lost forever.

Players may be able to save Salmun; if so, he has complete amnesia of the last day. If players choose to use the book, they may succumb to its effects. If someone in the party has a +17 will save modifier or higher, they can use the book without fear of insanity. However, overuse of the book will bring the ire of the Efreet lords, and the party will begin having run-ins with assassins from the City of Brass.


Part 2: To Spite Your Face (CR13)

Hints from part 1 should lead the party to seek out the Thamud Tribe. The party can learn from anyone in Zharat the general area of the desert that the tribe frequents, but a DC30 Survival check is needed to track the elusive group. If they succeed, they come upon the Tribe and have the Tribe's immediate respect for their skill. If they fail, the tribe finds the party after one day of the party's attempts to track the Thamud. Once the party acquires the Kitab al-Azif, they are confronted by the Thamud tribe within one day, whether or not the party searches for them.

The first thing the party notices is that the hobgoblins are all missing their noses. Emir, the leader with a prosthetic ruby nose, speaks for the tribe. If asked about their noses, the party must make an immediate DC15 diplomacy check or the Tribe becomes hostile and attacks along with Al-Ahmar (unless they are already impressed with the party's tracking ability). If the check is successful, the Hobgoblins explain that it is because Al-Ahmar, has been plagued with a toothache for several decades, and has dreamed that it can only be stopped by consuming a specific hobgoblin nose.

The Thamud tribe seeks the Kitab al-Azif for Al-Ahmar. They demand that the party reveals what they know. If the party approached the Thamud before dealing with Salmun, the Thamud request that the party recover the Kitab al-Azif. Once the party has the book, Al-Ahmar is soon summoned to address the party. Al-Ahmar explains his history and that of the Kitab al-Azif, including any lore the party has not uncovered. He has a special request-- that they do what he cannot by taking the book to the City of Brass and depositing it in the Infinite Library. If the party refuses, he and the Tribe attack. If they agree, Al-Ahmar presents a test to prove their worth-- for if they fail, he will be trapped in the Material Plane forever. The party must solve his toothache. There are three ways the party can do this:

• With a DC20 Knowledge(religion) check, one recognizes the ancient symbolism of Al-Ahmar's predicament. The toothache symbolizes worthless deeds. Al-Ahmar gave up on his quest to find the Kitab al-Azif until recently. The eating of a hobgoblin's nose is a euphemism that means one must take a leap of faith. If Al-Ahmar transports the party to the City of Brass, his toothache will end. If the party explains this and makes a DC25 diplomacy check, Al-Ahmar will use his bead to transport them.
• If Al-Ahmar eats Emir's ruby prosthetic, the toothache immediately ends.
• The party can track down literally any hobgoblin with a nose, slice it off, and feed it to Al-Ahmar.

If the party fails (DM discretion), Al-Ahmar and the Thamud attack them to recover the Kitab al-Azif. The party can use Al-Ahmar's bead if the Efreet is slain. The party can travel to the Plane of Fire by other means, but is unlikely to wind up in the City of Brass and will likely soon perish.


Part 3: A Dicey Proposition (CR13)

Note: If desired, Fire in the Hole can instead be an acting company which performs war dramas, and Al-Khwarizmi is being punished for criticizing their performance.

Al-Ahmar's pearl transports the party to the City of Brass, just outside the Infinite Library (labelled as such in large, golden Ignan with other languages in smaller, black lettering beneath). The City of Brass is a giant floating metropolis on the Plane of Fire whose temperatures are reduced to allow for interplanar travel and trade. (For more information, see the Planar Handbook, page 138.)

The Infinite Library appears rather deserted. On entering, the party soon finds out why. The front room appears to be an enormous library, with a giant golden door at the far end. This is merely the storefront holding the library's most popular rentals. The true Infinite Library is through the golden door, which only Al-Khwarismi's hand can open. Al-Khwarismi himself is scattered all about the room, having recently been dismembered into 1,001 pieces by the Bezekira Shapeshifter Mau for refusing to pay his bill at a nearby brothel, Fire in the Hole. Because he is immortal he is still alive and in acute pain, his various body fragments lay about the room (a major inconvenience for him). His eyes and mouth happen to be near the entrance. He speaks, informing the party that the Infinite Library is closed for business, unless they're willing to help him. Otherwise, they should leave and lock the door on their way out. Al-Khwarizmi doesn't much care about the destruction of the Kitab al-Azif, but he will help the party if they can piece him back together. In order to do this, the party needs Mau's Butcher's Blade. Al-Khwarizmi can give the party directions to Fire in the Hole, and offers the party use of any book in the storefront in preparation (+4 on knowledge checks for 1 hour of study).

The party must head to Fire in the Hole. There they can easily find Mau and explain the situation. The party can get the Butcher's Blade from Mau by:

• Stealing it (Pickpocket Versus +18 Spot check).
• Giving him something truly precious. Options include the Kitab al-Azif itself (counterproductive); a small body part, such as a finger or an eyeball which Mau removes using the Butcher's Blade, from a player with 18+ charisma (permanently reducing charisma by 1); something else of great personal or monetary value to a player (DM ruling).
• Beating Mau in a game of Sultan's Chess (opposed Int checks; Mau has a +4 bonus).
• Killing Mau (note that all three of his Bezekira employees also attack, and this may later cause guards of the City of Brass to hunt the players).

Butcher's Blade Created as a tool for royal butchers in the City of Brass to get perfect meat cuts, this +3 Keen Battleaxe was also used as a torture implement by the Bezekira General Mau to constantly dismember and re-member his captives. It can be used to mend fresh wounds. This takes two forms: It can cast Cure Moderate Wounds (CL5) any number of times (but only once per target). It can be used to reattach two previously-conjoined body parts.

With the Butcher's Blade in hand, the party can spend the next 10 days reassembling Al-Khwarizmi's body (this can be reduced to a single day if a one-time DC25 Heal check is made). Alternatively, players can reassemble Al-Khwarizmi's hand only and open the door to the Infinite Library themselves, leaving the rest of the proprietor in hundreds of pieces (gaining Al-Khwarizmi's ire). If reassembled, Al-Khwarizmi is happy to dispose of the Kitab al-Azif and return the party to Zharat at their leisure.

Ingredients
A red-nosed hobgoblin	Emir, Leader of the Thamud tribe
A feline general	Mau, Brothel Proprietor and Retired General
The Plane of Fire	City of Brass
An Ancient Text	The Kitab al-Azif
A Toothache	Al-Ahmar's Curse
BONUS:A place to play	Fire in the Hole (brothel or playhouse)
BONUS:Cleaver of Conjoining	Butcher's Blade

[Atua]

 

Lord of the Cats
A 5ed One Shot for Four 3rd Level Characters

Additional Information This homage to Tolkien is used to introduce kids who have enjoyed Tolkien’s stories to the joys of D&D. A one shot for kids aged around 9-12. The party are a group of cats; use different types of cats to represent different races (e.g. mexican hairless = Tiefling, Siamese = Half-Elf, etc). Pre-generated characters are recommended to be supplied and should be kept relatively simple (e.g. Champion Fighter, Thief Rogue, Life Cleric and Hunter Ranger). Don’t change the mechanics, just reflavour equipment and abilities to suit if required (e.g. a dwarven Cornish Rex cat is especially sturdy). If you are playing this with quite young kids, you can modify the combats such that when an enemy drops to zero hit points, instead of dying they run away, and if a PC dies they instead fall unconscious and rouse after the combat is over with 1 hit point.

Scenario The idyllic town of Moggieville has sat beside the meandering Paw River for a long time. No one knows the exact year when the first cats settled here, but it was soon after the end of the God Calamity. The only remnant of that terrible time is the ever burning tree, the Arbordoom. Some say that Arbordoom was the site of where the Sun Goddess Bast fell during the calamity, others argue that chaotic magics wielded by powerful mages backfired and caused a rift to another realm. Whatever the reason, no cat ventures near there for the very land nearby is dead due to the intense heat of Arbordoom. In recent months, the town of Moggieville has been turned upside down. A vicious looking Hobgoblin by the name of Smalk (Hobgoblin Warlord, page 187 in MM) and his pack of wolves have taken over residence in the town. Smalk has set up in the village green due to the easy access to food (the crops that the cats grew as well as the fish in Paw River). The Village Green used to be a place to frolic, play and have fun, but now it has been desecrated by Smalk and the wolves. Smalk is allergic to cats, breaking out in red rashes, particularly on the nose and because of this Smalk does not tolerate any of them. He has chased all of the residents of Moggieville out and now the cats are living a life of poverty within the Tortoiseshell Woods nearby. Smalk is impervious to diplomacy due to his allergy and Smalk’s thick hide is immune to cat weapons. One of the village elders, an old Feline General by the name of Pat who fought in the great Wolf Wars almost a generation ago, is tired of living this way and proposes a method of defeating Smalk, returning Moggieville to the rightful owners. He knows that Smalk cannot be defeated conventionally, Smalk’s exterior is too tough for the cat’s weapons to penetrate. Pat has faced him only one time before, during the Wolf Wars and most of his troop were defeated. One thing Pat knows though is that Smalk has a weakness. During that engagement in the Wolf Wars, Pat managed to strike a somewhat effective blow to Smalk’s lower left canine tooth using his Arrows of Hobgoblin Slaying, allowing him to escape. Pat returned to the battleground a few days later to retrieve his arrows, but what he found instead was the shattered remains of this wondrous ammunition. To this day, Smalk suffers a toothache as this blow never truly healed and Pat holds onto the sundered remains of the Arrows of Hobgobling Slaying. Pat thinks that all is lost until an old feline mystic tells him of a prophecy that could bring about victory over Smalk. The mystic holds with her an ancient book, a symbol of her order. Within this book is text telling of a great evil that will threaten the very existence of catkind. The cats will know its true form by the telltale red nose. The text says that he can only be defeated by the arrows of slaying forged in the fires of Arbordoom. The trek will be dangerous, only the bravest of the brave can make it, are there any here who are willing to take on this journey and save Moggieville?

Introduction Begin the adventure around an evening campfire within a clearing of the Tortoiseshell Woods. Describe the makeshift nature of the campsite. The cats have been nomads for the past few months, escaping Moggieville with only the clothes on their backs and whatever they could carry with them at the time. They have been scraping by forging for food as well as hunting, but now that autumn is here in full force, life is getting worrisome. The collection of cats won’t have enough food for everyone to survive the winter and there have been murmurings of drastic action. Pat, an old cat by anyone’s standards stands and starts to speak: Read “As you finish your evening meals, Pat a gnarled old male who has seen his fair share of warfare and desperation, rises and gets the attention of the gathered folk. ‘As some of you may know, winter is approaching and food is starting to become scarce. If we continue as we are, we won’t see another summer. Something must be done!’ There are some whispered discussions among the cats before Pat continues, ‘You know as well as I that the Moggieville storehouses hold all the food we need to see through the winter.’ At that, the gathered voices become louder, someone shouts out ‘But what about Smalk!’. Pat seeing that he may be losing them continues, ‘Yes I know we cannot defeat Smalk, but if we can manage some sort of distraction, I may be able to get some of us folk to the storehouse and secure the food we need.’ Once again, the the gathered felines respond vocally, some in support, but most in anger that something like this can be suggested. Just as Pat sees his hopes being dashed, an old Black Siamese Cat hobbles to the fire to stand next to Pat. This Siamese is even older than Pat and uses a walking stick to get around. Her name is Salema and she is the Soothsayer of the group. She tries to speak, but by now the conversation has gotten out of hand among the gathering. ‘QUIET!’ roars Pat and the din drops dramatically. Salema once again tries to speak in a croaky voice, ‘As I was saying, I believe there is a way to reclaim our town and get rid of Smalk for good.’ As she says this, she starts to pull out an ancient book, opening it just as the voices of dissent rise in volume. You hear things such as ‘Not the prophecy again!’ and ‘Your ancient text is nothing but fairy tales Salema!’, but these quickly quiet down when Pat glares at the outspoken audience members. Salema starts to read from the book, ‘A group of brave and knowledgeable adventurers will take the arrows of slaying to be reforged in the Fires of Arbordoom. Only here can they be made strong enough to fell the Red Nosed one and bring lasting peace to the land.’ Salema then closes the book and looks satisfied while all around her arguments start to flare up about the truth of her words. As this is going on, you notice Pat begin to dig around in his backpack, before pulling out something that is hard to see from where you are. He waits a little while, then bellows loudly to get the attention of the gathered once more. ‘I believe Salema is speaking the truth, and here is the proof. These are all that remain of my Arrows of Hobgoblin Slaying when I fought the great Smalk the first time. As we all know, Smalk is impervious to all our weapons, but what you don’t know is that I came across Smalk during the terrible Wolf Wars, and these arrows allowed me to escape with my life. While they did not slay him, I managed to strike a cruel blow to Smalk’s lower left canine tooth with this ammunition, a wound Smalk carries with himself still.’ ‘If someone was brave enough to get these arrows reforged we could target his toothy weakness and win the day yet. What say everyone?’” At this juncture, the campsite will be full of chatter and it would be a good time for the PC’s to engage with Pat and/or Salema about the quest at hand. Use this time for the PC’s to introduce themselves if they do not already know each other as well as discuss things with both Salema and Pat. NPCs NPC Goals Pat Secure aid to reforge the arrows. Once he has this, Pat will indicate that he will command a small group of fighters to assault Moggieville as a distraction to draw away the wolves so that the party can take down Smalk using the arrows. Salema Inform the party of the dangers ahead. Provide the party with a spell (in scroll form), sourced from the Ancient text that will allow access through Arbordoom unharmed into the realm beyond and also allow the use of the God Forge tools when found. The spell lasts for 2 hours so the party should use it just before they enter the tree. Tell the party that they must find and use the God Forge there to recreate the arrows to be stronger and bring them back to the village green. The ancient text tells of two items that are needed to recreate the arrows, the Cleaver of Rejoining followed by the Plane of Fire.

To Arbordoom The journey to Arbordoom (taking 2 days of travel) will be uneventful but arduous, and when they reach the plains of desolation that surround Arbordoom, read the following: Read “The forest you have been travelling through suddenly stops and before you lies the plains of Arbordoom. The roaring fire of the burning tree can be seen in the distance no more than five miles out. The grounds of the plains of desolation are dry and blackened, and the heat here is like that of a midsummers day.” The final few miles will be like travelling through a desert. Describe the feeling of heat and dryness in those terms to add some interesting atmosphere. When the party is almost upon Arbordoom, four small fire humanoids (Magmin, page 329 in SRD-5.1) will appear to block the party’s path. These elementals won’t speak so cannot be negotiated with, instead they will attack straight away. Once the party has vanquished the Magmin, they have to find their way into Arbordoom, if they get too close to the burning tree (closer than 30 feet), they will take 1d6 fire damage. Make sure to remind them to use the scroll provided by Salema if the party has forgotten. Arbordoom acts as a gateway into the Plane of Fire, and to get to that plane where the God Forge is, the party needs to travel into the base of the tree. Describe the realm beyond like a furnace, rivers of liquid magma and firestorms can be seen in the distance. Dusty, dry red rock is the major feature outside of the fire and magma. To find the God Forge the party needs to make 3 successful Survival checks (DC 11) to find their way there. Every time the check fails, describe the party losing their way somewhat and running into more aggressive Magmin (1d4+1 Magmin each time). Read “After a treacherous trek through the Plane of Fire you have reached what you believe to be the God Forge. Before you are benches and walls made of solid stone. Sitting on some benches, and hung up on some walls are blacksmith implements, but where normally these would be made of metal, the tools here are made with fire.” The party is to reforge the arrows using the Cleaver of Conjoining and the Plane of Fire. The party will need to make a Dexterity Check and Strength Check to forge each arrow (DC 10 for both). If they succeed in both of those checks, they forge a well-built arrow, if they fail one, they forge a fragile arrow, if they fail both, they do not forge an arrow and lose those components. The party has enough components for seven arrows. Once this is done, the party must return to Pat to organise the next step, taking on Smalk. The return path is easier to make as they already know the path (Survival DC 7). Every failure here will involve another encounter with 1d4+1 Magmin.

Return To Moggieville The return to the Tortoiseshell Woods will be met with cheers from the cats and Pat will describe his plan in detail. Pat will lead a small army towards the village green as a distraction to draw most of the wolves away, when this happens the party is to strike against Smalk himself and target the arrows towards his sore tooth. Run this battle in a way that Smalk is immune to damage. When the party approaches Smalk, there will be two wolves (Dire Wolf, page 371 in SRD-5.1) there as well as Smalk. One of the party members will target Smalk with the arrows while the others will keep the wolves at bay. Three hits with the arrows are needed to take down Smalk with well-built arrows attacking with advantage and fragile arrows just a straight roll. Smalk will only make one Javelin attack per round and use his leadership ability on the wolves. Each time Smalk is hit with an arrow of Hobgoblin Slaying add a new wolf (Wolf, page 393 in SRD-5.1) to the battle as Smalk roars in pain, one of his wolves responds to his call.

Aftermath This is intended for a one shot, but you can use this as a basis to start a campaign in this world. Things like the God Calamity and the true significance of Arbordoom can be explored further in the campaign setting.

Ingredients Ingredient Usage Red Nosed Hobgoblin Smalk, the main antagonist. He is allergic to cats, hence the red nose Feline General Pat Plane of Fire Arbordoom links to the plane of fire, and a fiery plane is used to craft the arrows Ancient Text The prophecy provided by Salema Toothache Smalk’s Weakness Place to Play The village green Cleaver of Conjoining The other tool used to craft the arrows

[MoonZar]

MoonZar Judging
Round 3; Match 2: Atua vs. Unko Talok

Good job both of you, it was exciting to read! Good luck, my vote is in.

 

The Lost Text
DM Perspective / The Technical (15/15)
How easy would it be to run this scenario?
How well is the scenario/adventure presented?
How well is the scenario/adventure written?

12/15 - There's a significant amount of information and stats to run this, which is good. The intro is a bit short, I would have like to know more how the Kitab al-Azif was lost by those powerful people. It's well written. Well done!

Player Perspective / The Story (15/15)
What would this scenario/adventure be like to play?
Is the story interesting to read?
How creative is the scenario/adventure?

12/15 - This is fun, I think arabian nights style adventure are not used enough, it's different than the traditional western medieval fantasy stories. In term of creativity, well, something was lost and need to be destroyed, it's a bit typical, but the execution is original.

Audience Perspective / The Ingredients (20/20)
How well was the ingredient used?
Does the bonus ingredient usage work?

25/25 - I'm impressed that all ingredient were used very well at the center of the story. Considering the bonus ingredient I'm giving for the first time a perfect score (25) in this category for the first time!

Total: 49/55

 

Lord of the Cats
DM Perspective / The Technical (15/15)
How easy would it be to run this scenario?
How well is the scenario/adventure presented?
How well is the scenario/adventure written?

10/15 - Very good intro to the scenario. It should be easy enough to run the scenario. I was let down a bit by the little amount of stats and information for the DM to run the scenario, unfortunately.

Player Perspective / The Story (15/15)
What would this scenario/adventure be like to play?
Is the story interesting to read?
How creative is the scenario/adventure?

14/15 - Playing a group of cats is original and as the target age group clearly mentioned, I'm sure they will enjoy it. I give a lot of bonus point for building something for children, this is bold and unexpected. It's pretty cool actually as a thought.

Audience Perspective / The Ingredients (25/25)
How well was the ingredient used?
Does the bonus ingredient usage work?

20/25 - Well, I can't say all ingredients are at the center of the story, the toothache is barely mentioned once. All the ingredient are at least mentioned once like the red nose. The feline general is more prominent in the story, which is good. The Plane of Fire is also clearly at the center of the story. The bonus ingredients are mentioned, nice effort.

Total: 44/55

[Bade]

 

DM Perspective / The Technical (14.5/15 points)

1. How easy would it be to run this scenario/adventure? (4.5/5 points)
   
   Very easy from a mechanical stand-point, extremely good job considering various options, lots of DCs, mechanics clearly labelled and referenced where appropriate, I have all the information I need. Though I would point out that there's a pretty good chance the PCs just skip the Efreet and hobgoblins altogether. Clerics can plane shift as a 5th level spell, so a level 12 one could cast it skipping the need for his pearl, and the City of Brass is one of the ONLY notable things ON the plane of fire (other than just... more fire), so almost any sort of knowledge (planes) roll would bring it up. Of course, they only know to go there to destroy the book if they meet the efreet or get the DC 30 History/Arcana/Bardic Lore roll (Which, if they've been investing, they likely have at least a +15 in, so moderately decent chance) and choose to do so for their own reasons, so that might be ok.
   
   I'm very glad you have stats and mechanics for if the PCs try and USE the book, because they absolutely will. They can't help themselves. To quote Terry Pratchett “Some [PCs] would do anything to see if it was possible to do it. If you put a large switch in some cave somewhere, with a sign on it saying 'End-of-the-World Switch. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH', the paint wouldn't even have time to dry.”"
   
   
2. How well is the scenario/adventure presented? (5/5 points)
   
   Superb organization, great use of bolding, fieldsets, tables. Flawless.
   
   
3. How well is the scenario/adventure written? (5/5 points)
   Once again, flawless, no issues with spelling, grammar, comprehension.
   

Player Perspective / The Story (13.5/15 points)

1. What would this scenario/adventure be like to play? (5/5 points)
   
   I think it would be a blast, I love planeshopping and you've done a fantastic job bringing in lore from various species. This feels like a great adventure for the level, when they're high-mid-level, and starting to move past the concerns of the material plane and ready to get into the high-level, multi-verse spanning adventures.
   
   
2. Is the story interesting to read? (3.5/5 points)
   
   Very interesting, BUT, there's some very odd logical leaps that had me saying "...huh?"
   
   For instance: the only thing that can destroy the book is the Infinite Library, but that's in the City of Brass, which the Efreet is banished from until the book is destroyed. So his quest is impossible, basically? Even for Efreet that seems a bit of a needless jerk move, considering they WANT the book destroyed.
   
   Also, is putting it in the infinite library actually "destroying" it? I suppose putting a book amongst literally infinite books virtually guarantees it won't be used again, kind of a Raiders of the Lost Ark style solution (now I'm just picturing Musa Al-Khwarizmi wheeling the book down an aisle as the camera zooms out and shows infinite aisles), but it seems to fall a bit short. Especially considering how literal Efreet are (being jackass genies).
   
   Lastly, the whole... toothache/nose thing. That was just super weird. Like... ok so it's symbolic, in a really weird way (the symbolism of eating a hobgoblin nose is taking a leap of faith?). But then it gets fixed if you give him a hobgoblin nose? Doesn't that undercut the symbolism? Why didn't that fix it the OTHER times he ate a hobgoblin nose? Why does a ruby nose fix it? Do efreet eat rubies (I thought it was earth elementals that ate gemstones)?
   
   When I read an adventure, I don't read the ingredients first, because I want to see how well they're worked in. If I don't realize it's an ingredient, that usually means it's well integrated (unless I don't notice it because it's barely present, that's a different issue), but when I see something and go "that is ABSOLUTELY an ingredient, there is no other reason for it to be there" it's not great on integration.
   
   
3. How creative is the scenario/adventure? (5/5 points)
   
   Very creative, I loved it start to finish. At it's core I suppose it's largely a "bring the ring to Mount Doom" style quest, but plenty of interesting characters, lore, and twists to keep it fresh.
   

Audience Perspective / The Ingredients (21.5/25 points)

1. How well was the ingredient used? (5 points each)
   
   A Red-Nosed Hobgoblin: As above, it was definitely a bit shoehorned in, but I did find it gave the tribe character. I might have liked better if they all had prosthetic noses, and just the leader had a ruby one, since I'm not sure why the rest didn't get like... a wooden one or something. 3.5/5
   A Feline General: On the one hand, I liked the use of a rarely seen creature, versus just using a catfolk or something, on the other, his generalship was irrelevant (hell, I don't think you included a way for the PCs to even find that out about him). I liked the idea of him as a cat wielding a battleaxe, presumably in his mouth a la that wolf boss in Dark Souls. 3.5/5
   The Plane of Fire: Central location, used evocatively, drawing on the lore of the plane. Good use. 5/5
   Ancient Text: the central maguffin, statted out, mechanics, tied to the lore, loved it. 5/5
   Toothache: I don't mind the use as a side effect of him giving up on his quest, but I found the "treatment" very weird and really drew attention to it as an ingredient, which hurt its integration. 3/5
   
   
2. Does the bonus ingredient usage work? (1 point each)
   
   A Place to Play: Had to read your summary to even get this. As a brothel, ew. I actually almost want to give you a full point for the alternate idea as a playhouse, and a place to play made me laugh at the pun. Alright, you'll get 0.5/1
   The Cleaver of Conjoining: Good use, clever magical artifact, use as a central problem-solving item, and could be a lot of fun for PCs afterward. 1/1

All totalled, fantastic adventure, with only a couple sloppy ingredients, but very impressive nonetheless. A strong showing from this contender!

 

So the Hobbit had a baby with the Battle of the Shire, and it was acted out by the cast of Cats. Alright I'm down, let's do this.

DM Perspective / The Technical (13/15 points)

1. How easy would it be to run this scenario/adventure? (4/5 points)
   
   Relatively easy, checks are marked, information is available, fights are described with appropriate references. One question though: they have enough material for 7 arrows. They need to land 3 hits on the boss. What if they fail to forge at least 3 arrows? What if they forge 4, but miss two attacks in the last fight? The boss is immune to damage, so that seems a bit of a downer ending. They go on this quest, but screw up and just have to run away, leaving their village to the hobgoblin? I won't ding you too hard, since even with a +0 modifier they'd still average something like 5 arrows (some fragile), but it's worth considering.
   
   
2. How well is the scenario/adventure presented? (4/5 points)
   Not bad, but not amazing either. The information isn't DISorganized, but it's not superbly organized either. The last battle in particular I'd like some bolding or fieldsets to draw out the mechanical information.
   
   
3. How well is the scenario/adventure written? (5/5 points)
   
   No significant issues.
   

Player Perspective / The Story (13.5/15 points)

1. What would this scenario/adventure be like to play? (4.5/5 points)
   
   I could definitely see kids having a blast with it, as long as the "unwinnable fight" I discussed above doesn't come to pass. It's a fun mash-up of Tolkien pieces with kitties, and who doesn't like kitties?
   
   
2. Is the story interesting to read? (4/5 points)
   
   A very interesting read, but I found the mood and tone... inconsistent I think. It's light and fluffy to start, enemies run away, everyone are cats, they live in Moggieville... but then we're getting into the God Calamity and chaos mages and... I don't know, I felt the backstory clashed with the setting a fair bit (though I love the choice of Bast as the goddess of the world of cats).
   
   
3. How creative is the scenario/adventure? (5/5 points)
   
   Well... on the one hand, definitely lifted plots wholesale from the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, but on the other hand, that's clearly acknowledged and intentional, and you twist and blend them together, while making them kid-oriented and based around cats. But I just have to give you full points for taking this approach, I've legitimately never seen anyone try and make a kid-centric game in Iron DM, and I was pleasantly surprised, and you clearly put a lot of thought into it.
   

Audience Perspective / The Ingredients (16/25 points)

1. How well was the ingredient used? (5 points each)
   
   A Red-Nosed Hobgoblin: Great use, plot-centric, vivid reasoning for the red nose. 5/5
   A Feline General: This one was a bit less great. Pat comes across more as an old warrior than as a general. I think I would have liked it more if during the final fight, Pat led the other cats in a big battle that takes place around the party as they fight Smalk. 3/5
   The Plane of Fire: Barely used or acknowledged. Arbordoom was the clear focal point and "oh it's a portal to the plane of fire" seems very token. 2/5
   Ancient Text: Complete token use. The ancient prophecy is barely even relevant, and it's mostly spoken to them, the fact it's also written down is irrelevant. 1/5
   Toothache: Loved the use and the adaptation of Smaug's scale. Not sure why shooting him in the tooth works, but as a kid's adventure I thought it was just fine. 5/5
   
   
2. Does the bonus ingredient usage work? (1 point each)
   
   A Place to Play: Didn't even notice this reading through. Not sufficient for bonus points. 0/1
   The Cleaver of Conjoining: Nope, barely mentioned, you don't even say how they get it, only that they need to. Then they're at the forge and using it. Was it also at the forge? This literally could have been a hammer or any tool. No bonus points. 0/1

Overall a great and fun adventure with a unique goal of bringing D&D and Tolkien to kids, which I think it does great on, but as an Iron DM entry, it falls behind due to lackluster ingredient use (with a couple exceptions). Nevertheless, great entry!

[Squeak]

 

j. How easy would it be to run this scenario/adventure? (5 points) Most of the information was there, but it would involve some DM creativity to get the players from point to point. One example of this was the way in which they solved the toothache - the details were given on how to solve it, but the DM would need to figure out the details.
SCORE: 3
k. How well is the scenario/adventure presented? (5 points) The format was a little confusing with charts and connections to different parts. All of the relevant info was there, but it would take a bit of looking to find.
SCORE: 3.5
l. How well is the scenario/adventure written? (5 points) It felt a little 'jerky' at points, not flowing as cleanly as I would have liked.
SCORE: 3
What would this scenario/adventure be like to play? (5 points) It actually sounds like a blast. Artifacts, City of Brass? Count me in.
SCORE: 4.5
g. Is the story interesting to read? (5 points) The confusion of charts threw me for a bit and the verbiage was a bit clunky, but the content was great.
SCORE: 3
How creative is the scenario/adventure? (5 points) A bit more creative than average.
SCORE: 4
How well was the ingredient used? (5 points each)
• A Red Nosed Hobgoblin Yep, it was there and prominent, but felt forced. I mean, why a ruby? Why did it cure the toothache? How was the group supposed to figure out that it needed to be eaten? SCORE:2
• A Feline General Makes sense that a general in the City of Brass was a shapeshifter, but I wanted him more prominent. SCORE: 3.5
• The Plane of Firel– The city of brass was integral and pretty seamless. SCORE 5
• An Ancient Text Intregral to the story and cool to boot. But it left a few questions -- how did an assassin create a magic using artifact? I wanted a bit more of background here, so a small ding. SCORE: 4.5
* A Toothache It was there, but compared to the artifact and being on the city of brass it seemed extremely insignificant and forced. SCORE: 2.5

Bonus Ingredients:
• A Place to Play Brothel .vs Playing seems a stretch. But a partial bonus for an awesome name for a brothel on the plane of fire. +0.5
* The Cleaver of Conjoining It was a bit forced, but I'll give it to you. +1

TOTAL SCORE - 40 points

 

j. How easy would it be to run this scenario/adventure? (5 points)The information was there, but it would take a bit of work.
SCORE: 3
k. How well is the scenario/adventure presented? (5 points) Parts of it were a story rather than an adventure.
SCORE: 3
l. How well is the scenario/adventure written? (5 points) It was average, but I do expect more from an Iron DM.
SCORE: 3
What would this scenario/adventure be like to play? (5 points) Honestly, the idea of playing something with Cat's doesn't appeal to me. But it was pointed out it was made for kids, so a bump there.
SCORE: 3
g. Is the story interesting to read? (5 points) I wasn't riveted -- and at this point in the competition, I expect to be riveted.
SCORE: 2.5
How creative is the scenario/adventure? (5 points) It felt forced throughout, but it was undoubtedly unique.
SCORE: 3.5
How well was the ingredient used? (5 points each)
• A Red Nosed Hobgoblin I liked the idea of allergies making his nose red. But why was a hobgoblin invincible, even to the point where an arrow of hobgoblin slaying has no effect? SCORE:3
• A Feline General I felt that this is the reason you made everyone cats. It could have worked just as easily if everyone was human or any other race. SCORE: 3
• The Plane of Firel I like the Plane of Fire being required to reforge things. But reforging arrows seems a stretch. SCORE: 3.5
• An Ancient Text Forced, used simply to tell the PCs what to do. SCORE: 2.5
* A Toothache Shot in the tooth with an arrow to kill him and it ends up in a toothache? Why wouldn't more of those arrows give him other pains -- since the one that got him in the face wasn't enough? SCORE: 2.5

Bonus Ingredients:
• A Place to Play Honestly missed it first time. Unimportant +0.5 points
* The Cleaver of Conjoining It would have made more sense to use glue of conjoining or an amulet of conjoining. The hard part here was the cleaver. +0.5 points

TOTAL SCORE - 33.5points

And my vote goes to

 

Unko Talok!!!

[Bhelogan]

 

Scores

Category	Unko Talok	Atua
DM Perspective / The Technical*(15 points)	15	11
a. How easy would it be to run this scenario/adventure?*(5 points)	5	3
b. How well is the scenario/adventure presented?*(5 points)	5	4
c. How well is the scenario/adventure written?*(5 points)	5	4
Player Perspective / The Story*(15 points)	14	13
a. What would this scenario/adventure be like to play?*(5 points)	4	4
b. Is the story interesting to read?*(5 points)	5	4
c. How creative is the scenario/adventure?*(5 points)	5	5
Audience Perspective / The Ingredients*(15+ points)	24	21
a. How well was the ingredient used?*(5 points each)	22	20
Bonus Ingredent?	2	1
Total Points	53	45

Feedback

Unko Talok

At this point in the competition, we expect competitors to know how to format their adventure, and organize things well. In this regard, this was a very good entry that was well organized and easy to follow. I really liked the use of most of the ingredients here. The only one that stood out as forced, and not really needed was the feline general. Sure, Mau was slotted to fill this ingredient, but as a shapeshifter, he could literally be anything. Nothing specific about that makes him a cat, and it isn’t’ really an integral part of the story. There you go, my biggest complaint. So, overall, very nice and solid entry!

Atua

I like the nod to Tolkein here, and the gear to make this an adventure for kids. I think the way the word count is distributed though, leaves too much in the set-up and explanation, and not enough in the actual adventure. We kind of double up on the information given, in the DM scenario, and then in the long cut-scene introduction. Then, the rest is kind of thrown out there with a bare minimum of just listed tasks and how it might play out. This led to some of the ingredients (like the plane of fire, and not really tying in the ‘place to play’) not getting to play as big a role as they should, and leaving the adventure filling lack luster. Appreciate the creativity though.

[Ion2Atom]

The omnipresent ticking ceases as the Herald throws open an iron door to re-enter the room. "Auron tried you say? There is no try in Iron DM. Only do or not do. This what we demand from all contestants." Under its black and tattered hood the Herald snorts and scoffs, "You say it is folly to remain, but I say it was folly to enter in the first place. Now you are here it is not so easy to escape, and madness may very well be a the reprieve you hope for."

"Thus I am here to deliver judgements. Unko Talok. Atua. You have both fought bravely, but the panel has ruled that Unko Talok shall be the one sentenced to the final round of Iron DM. Never fear though, the Chairman is largely benevolent provided the crowd is entertained to his satisfaction. This is why, Atua, you will be given two favors on this day of defeat. First, you shall be allowed to A Match for 3rd placebleed for the crowd once more. Please the crowd, and you shall please the Chairman. Secondly, in recognition of your accomplishments thus far, you may Do this in OOC, or we can make the selection on your behalf.Select the stone you cede to your opponent. Be it a bane, or a boon, is for you to decide."

"Unko Talok, I shall leave you to the depths of silence for a time. Call it an opportunity to marshal your thoughts. You received the single highest score in the Semi-Finals, but the last challenge shall stretch you to the limits."

Gesturing towards the door, the Herald indicates that Auta should precede him down the passage. "The Crowd awaits!"

Originally Posted by The Record

With a display of pure literary power, Unko Talok wins the second match of the Semi-Finals to advanced to the final round of Iron DM!

 

Judge	Unko Talok	Atua
Bhelogan	53	45
Squeak	40	33.5
MoonZar	49	44
Bade	49.5	42.5
Early Submission	2	0
TOTAL	49.9	41.3