We are reaching the second season conclusion of our D&D 4th Edition campaign, and it will be a tumultuous finale! The allies and foes that have been encountered over two real-time years of roleplay are now marshelling onto the battlefield for a climactic battle that will seal the fate of Nentir Vale, with repercussions across all of the old lands of the lost Empire of Nareth.
One of ‘Sturm und Drang’, our adventuring company, has been revealed as of the line of the old emperors, thought lost in the wars that dismantled Nerath in blood and fire. The line, it seems is unbroken, the Sword Of Nerath has returned. Allies, bound by pacts and covenants of old, are assembling to the old banner.
- Emperor Aldoran (d -183)
- Uhon Nerika last of the Ghost Blades took the emperors daughter far from the conflict – Adala daughter to the last emperor (d -123)
- Seela daughter (b -153 d -90)
- Dalorad (b -123 d -73)
- Edrun (b -100 d -50)
- Ygrath (b -70 d -20)
- Haldin (b -45 d -0)
- Marc – of the line of Nerath
Nothing is as straightforward as that may seem. Old allies have their own agendas, and an alliance is brokered as much on what is at risk and at stake, as to promises of old. The fireside tales of the old Nerath are mixed, with a rose tinged look back to a time of plenty and relative safety, but also to the sacrifices and tyrannies that ensued. This has been heightened by the return of the first emperor of Nerath, the lich, Magroth the Mad. As a representation of all that is bad about the old times, it has cast the news of a return of the true line in a more favourable light. If the battle is won, there will be a peace to keep.
On a more personal note, this will resolve or unravel a series of personal stories. Some more surprises are yet to come. Sturm und Drang may well continue, but unlikely the same.
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| The forces in play |
I have been delighted to run ‘The Control of Nentir Vale’ as a complex Skill Challenge. Free flowing roleplay, as Sturm und Drang recruit allies (or not), and prepare for an impending battle. Arcane forces are also at play, with linked portals between sites and a growing school of magic that echoes the great places of learning of the past. Interspersed with key scenes have been skill rolls to determine progress with varying Difficulty Classes, influenced by the relationships forged in the game, and the nature and desires of the faction in question.
Over two sessions we have been able to compress a huge amount of action, and reached a satisfying setup through a blend of planning, in character roleplaying, and some engaging out of character chat. The Skill Challenge has simply provided a structure to track progress, sitting close to the surface of play, without intruding too much. The outcome achieved feels properly earned.
I have switched to a milestone award for these sessions, with Sturm und Drang ascending to 9th level. Next time there will be a battle that will decide not only their fate, but also that of the Vale and the lands of old Nerath. I can’t wait to find out what happens!