In session 2, the players took the map they created the previous week and started to examine it for routes they'd not yet explored, as well as the likely locations of secret doors or other hidden features. I was very pleased about this, because it showed the utility of actual map making, which is something of a lost art in the hobby. I also liked how the presence of a map allowed the players to plan their return to the dungeon. They were more knowledgeable about the level's contents and, by looking at the map, they could make good surmises as to what they might encounter elsewhere within it and prepared themselves accordingly. Excellent.
In the absence of the thief class, Vladimir the dwarf had functioned as the party's trap finder. Since Vladimir's player was unable to attend, Brother Candor decided to take on a second hireling (in addition to Lorne the lantern-bearer, brother of the ill-fated Lars) who was similarly skilled. This resulted in the employment of Brak, a goblin, who worked quite cheaply but whose ultimate loyalty was somewhat more malleable than his dwarven counterpart. Henga the shield maiden remained in the service of Dordagdonar the elf, having proved useful as a moveable barrier around which he could shoot arrows.
Poor Lorne joined his brother in death, which required another trip back to Muntburg to bury him -- can't be too sure in a dungeon. The players worried that, after two men in their employ had died, they might start to get a reputation that'd make it hard to hire more men in the future. So they took several days to travel to the City-State of Adamas to look for alternative sources of labor. In the end, after having bought new and better gear and stocking up on supplies unavailable at Muntburg, they decided against hiring any "city folk," figuring they were more likely to betray them or at least prove unreliable. Of course, the same could be said of Brak, but no one seemed to care, probably because he quickly developed a quirky sketch of a personality that made him endearing. Should he ever die, I expect there will be much mourning.
I was very pleased with how the session unfolded. We created a new house rule regarding the use of small and improvised weapons (roll 2D6 and take the lowest for damage) and the groundwork has been laid for the further fleshing out of the world beyond the dungeon. Although the players only visited Adamas briefly, it will loom largely in the future, as will Muntburg, though I intend to keep the focus on Dwimmermount primarily for a while longer. They just discovered one likely set of stairs leading to the second level, but they're far from clearing level one, so there may be other options.
As a referee, I'm finding this a very satisfying experience. It's much more laid-back than the more "story-heavy" games I've run in the past and, despite my more on-the-fly approach to it, the whole thing hangs together nicely. Characterization is starting to emerge among both the PCs and NPCs, but it's still inchoate, much like the sense of the wider world. I also find it great to watch the recapitulation of history at my table, as the players find themselves coming to similar conclusions as early players about how best to deal with certain things in the game. I'm learning a great deal from the experience and expect to learn much more as we play more.
I'm confused ... that's not your kitchen table, and that's not your gaming table downstairs. Have you -- gasp! -- changed furniture in the four years since I was in your place?!
ReplyDeleteActually, that is the same kitchen/dining room table we've had since we move to the place, so I suspect your memory is just off. We rarely played upstairs back in those days.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like it was a fantastic game! I was thrilled when my step daughter (22) asked if she could play, in the middle of my last session of my solo game. It makes it so much fun when someone can just join and have fun that easily.
ReplyDeleteI think I like your writeups - succinct and sharing the gems of what was learned/experienced that made it memorable.
I'm really glad that you are documenting your Dwimmermount campaign. It helps to see how an old school sandbox campaign can organically develop over time.
ReplyDeleteJust de-lurking to agree whole-heartedly with M.gunnerQuist. I'm enjoying the "journal" a lot, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteGoddamn this is so old school. I mean, a dungeon you enter and exit with each session. And hirelings! I consider myself very old school, but for the most part hirelings never had much of a place in my world. Sure, I would have let players hire people if they wanted to, but for some reason they hardly ever did.
ReplyDeleteIn a true killer dungeon though, it's best to have somebody around to stick their arm in a cubby hole for you.
Speaking of which, what killed those hirelings?
James, I'm also curious about the character encampment before and after sessions. Have they set up a temporary camp on the mountain itself? If so, any wandering monsters for those moments of the game spent outside?
Congratulations on session 2. I also enjoy reading about your campaign progress. I am curious, where did the dungeon set pieces come from?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Speaking of which, what killed those hirelings?
ReplyDeleteLars, the original hireling, died from a failed save against a poison gas trap. His brother Lorne was slain by an orc.
James, I'm also curious about the character encampment before and after sessions. Have they set up a temporary camp on the mountain itself? If so, any wandering monsters for those moments of the game spent outside?
The PCs never had a camp either within or without the dungeon itself, though Brother Candor did re-consecrate a shrine to Tyche so that he could conceivably use it as such in the future. Typically, though, they'd leave the dungeon and head back to Muntburg, the nearby keep, and recuperate there for up to a week to regain their hit points and re-supply. About three weeks of campaign time has already passed this way.
I am curious, where did the dungeon set pieces come from?
ReplyDeleteThey're Hirst Arts blocks crafted by a friend of mine.
>the nearby keep, and recuperate there for up to a week to regain their hit points and re-supply. About three weeks of campaign time has already passed this way<
ReplyDeleteSounds like some hardcore Vegas gamblers I know.
Poison. There's another big reason hirelings are around in old school D&D.
I covet your cool mask.
ReplyDeleteAww! Your kids were interested? That is so adorable. I hope if I ever have kids they'll want in on the hobby.
ReplyDelete