My Castle Greyhawk PCs are overdue, in one or two cases, to hit level four, so it's now or never, and I seeded the entry into Zjelwyin Fall in last night's session. I have to figure out exactly how my background changes require me to rework the module (if at all), since the PCs will be acting as agents of the local clergy of Celestian and not looting the tomb, but instead retrieving an item stored there previously by mutual arrangement.
I haven't decided if they'll be charged to either
snag the item (a scroll or book of prophecy or something related) directly, or
wake the lich to donate two objects to him in order to remove their desired object, or
both (with #1 being the plan, and #2 the backup in case they awaken him or he is already awake)
They may also be protecting a pair of nubile twin acolytes (modelled off of the classic Virgin Records logos at https://rarerecordcollector.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/v-2012-kevin-coyne.png), but I haven't decided if keeping them alive may be too challenging or not....
I think that Shodreth Drhachod (I added the "r" to the surname) has this working relationship with Celestian and his clergy, where Celestian helped to fashion and sustain Zjelwyin Fall and in return the lich helps to guard and secure items that he and his clergy wish to remain highly-secure.
Still noodling, but excited to be bringing this adventure to the table if the PCs take the hook (which I think they'll be inclined to do, since it involves the priesthood paying for their current and next-level training costs, or something equivalent)! =)
Allan.
The PCs heard the prophecy tonight for the first time, in flashback while their lives flashed before their eyes, while looting a temple of Nerull in Castle Greyhawk…
…because he noticed them.
Allan.
The Prophecy of the Six and the Twelve is now loosed into the world: https://grodog.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-prophecy-of-the-six-and-the-twelve.html
Allan.
Another quick check-in on your intentions with ZF, Anthony: I'm working through XP awards for the PCs who exited ZF, and have some multi-class PCs in the party. Had you given any thought to how you would fairly award XP for single vs. multi-class PCs upon exit?
I've got a few ideas in mind, but thought it would be useful to consider your input, as usual :D
Allan.
The PCs completed their quest last night and have returned to the Flanaess!
Blog summary of my Astral modifications at https://grodog.blogspot.com/2022/09/astral-adventures-in-greyhawk.html
Allan.
The PCs stand before the throne, abased and in supplication, proffering the scroll of passage from Celestian, as Shodreth Drachod awakes, his crystal column melting and running off the sword platform as riveulets of liquid diamond and topaz....
That was our cliffhanger at the end of the session tonight! :D
Allan.
Drachod's poem at the pull-ring, recast:
==
No mercy exists
before me
Open this door
to vanish forever
from Shodreth Drachod: Gringling
King
am I
==
Allan.
Anthony---
What is the relationship between Shodreth Drachod and the other gringlings of the City of Brass? He's not listed among the notable NPCs, but that list seems tied to the current/last regime, rather than spanning Who's Who across the aeons.
Also: do you consider him the most-powerful still-extant gringling?
Allan.