"A word from the wise, mostly-human: being a Lord may seem less demanding than working for one, but being a good Lord is far harder than being a good henchman. Some of these Lords will get you killed, some are a sure way to get rich and powerful. You only need to find the right ones."
With these words, Eric grabbed a heap of scrolls from the bag and started sorting them out.
Search for a Dungeon Lord similar to the warlock Kelhor as he was in his early days: ambitious and willing to expand, living near a major trade route that we'll be able to raid, with a few villages nearby to provide troops for our army.
UPD: Also see if the job descriptions mention how well any particular dungeon is prepared for a siege.
[4][2][6] You paw around in the bag, glancing at scrolls until you find one that catches your eye. It appears to be a letter, though it doesn't explicitly mention how well-prepared he would be for a siege.
Fallas you filthy whore, you think this will stop me? I already
control Galren and Soroth, Methrel lies in ashes and Siprel is pleading for
mercy as we speak. A few butchered goblins will not save you, your
people, or your soul. Ready yourself, for my hordes are still limitless
and your kingdom is still mine.
-Sarvak, Lord of Destruction
discuss possible starting locations for dungeons/keeps and do a quick scan of the scrolls to see if there is a dungeon lord
with an interest in "enhancing" existing creatures or is at least unopposed to the creation of genetic abominations.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
if i may have a moment of your time sir orc, you may also wish to check whether any of the dungeons have nearby wildlife
or water sources so that they might become self sufficient... an existing escape route wouldn't hurt either
((By the way, you can use the [ h r ] tag to create a line, rather than doing it manually. It's a bit lighter and thinner, but it is easier.))
[1] A scroll catches your eye, mentioning something about horrible abominations. As you start reading it, it becomes clear that this is not what you were after at all.
I wish to devote this particular manuscript to the study of Lord Helsess, a truly resplendent Dungeon Lord as far as these things go. Unlike most of his vile, simpering kin, Lord Helsess maintains the strictest codes of honor and decency. I managed to catch up with him just as he was finished defiling a maiden during one of his conquests.
"I understand it, Lord Helsess" I spoke to the noble Lord, "That you completely eschew all things foul and nefarious in your schemings."
"Indeed!" he replied, magnificent in his gleaming armor, "For no undead nor other magical abominations dare grace my army's banners. When the captives have been properly flayed, they are artfully impaled on spikes as warning and decoration, not transformed into shambling crimes against all decency."
"How wonderful!" I exclaimed, noting the pride with which he spoke. "Can you say why more Dungeon Lords, indeed why more lords in general, do not follow your shining example?"
"Nay," he cried, with the practiced sorrow of one all too familiar with a reasonless evil. "'Tis simply that such creatures are useful, to cowards and knaves, beggars and thieves, weaklings and savages. Why they do not cast off the chains of their decay and embrace righteousness, I sadly do not know."
His eyes at this point took on the most heroic of sadnesses, and I could not help but feel moved by his valor and virtue. Truly, here was a Lord worthy of the title!
In the next installment of Hieramus Harackus' breathtaking interviews, he examines the peculiar culinary habits of the Queen of Spikes."Being my own master could be fun, and I don't mind the work. Maybe a site with lots of gems or ore."
Look for a semi-isolated mountain site where I could mine valuable minerals/gems for export.
[3][4] You manage to retrieve what looks like a geological survey.
21st Granite- Arrived at site. Scattered villages all around, rumors of Goldenboats being around here somewhere. No sign of them yet though. Mostly goatmen, some others.
Surveys look good- heavily jungled stone juts, sufficient mineral wealth within them. Natives might be a problem, mainly as thieves. Premium on gemstones, might make good trading partners if they had anything in return. Some exotic meats.
Threats of wildlife, local rumors of worse things. Requires further investigation to confirm, but not to settle.Rhedarios runs his eyes across the scrolls. His opportunity of freedom could be anywhere.
"I shall bow down to no one after having to escape death by the hands of those who I respected and swore fealty to. I shall control my destiny from now on."
He starts to nibble on one of his own long white-furred ears while checking the scrolls for data. Being resolute was not among the list of things he was used to do, but he supposed he would have to change a great deal now that he was an escaped criminal.
Rhedarios checks for a place with food, water (rivers or lakes) and mineral wealth where he could start his own hole. He also checks for aggressive creatures.
((I assumed you meant you wanted aggressive creatures? If you didn't, erm, oops.))
[2][2][4][5] Something catches your eye, but it's not exactly what you were looking for.
Report on the Barren Fields, by Apprentice Mythrar
The Barren Fields are a somewhat rocky wasteland of no apparent value, but hold many secrets.
The Barren Fields contain dried riverbeds. This means there used to be rivers here, but now there aren't.
The Barren Fields contain very fertile soil beneath the surface. According to my research, this means they used to have a lot of plant life in them, but now they don't.
The Barren Fields contain lots of minerals. This means they would make a good place for a mine.
The Barren Fields contain disturbing animals that are very dangerous and strange. They are not like animals here. No one knows where they come from.
In conclusion, The Barren Fields are a dangerous but interesting place."Hmmph," Clarence coughed dustily. "All this talk death and fealty, dreadfully dry. Has anyone ordered drinks?" Everyone seemed busy with more important things, so Illi shrugged and turned his attention to the Pirates bag. "I've owned a shop for... well I've forgotten how long I owned it, but I'm sure it was awhile. The point being that I feel perfectly qualified to run a dungeon, though I am already in my pajamas..."
Look for a dungeon location that will provide a variety of alchemical ingredients from flora and fauna, running water and plenty of sunlight are a must.
[4][1][4][1] You find an interesting-looking scroll. It's not quite what you had in mind, though.
Dark Lord Sytheriss,
I have completed my survey of the Horn of the Atradox, as per your orders. It appears in most ways to be similar to the rest of the Rift, in that it is bright yet there is void all about, plants of truly fascinating properties abound, as do animals that feed primarily by destroying these properties, and water courses out of nowhere before flowing back into the void. I have been unable to determine any particular properties regarding the Horn, beyond being made of stone as was assumed.
-Sril
Dungeon LordsFallas you filthy whore, you think this will stop me? I already
control Galren and Soroth, Methrel lies in ashes and Siprel is pleading for
mercy as we speak. A few butchered goblins will not save you, your
people, or your soul. Ready yourself, for my hordes are still limitless
and your kingdom is still mine.
-Sarvak, Lord of Destruction
I wish to devote this particular manuscript to the study of Lord Helsess, a truly resplendent Dungeon Lord as far as these things go. Unlike most of his vile, simpering kin, Lord Helsess maintains the strictest codes of honor and decency. I managed to catch up with him just as he was finished defiling a maiden during one of his conquests.
"I understand it, Lord Helsess" I spoke to the noble Lord, "That you completely eschew all things foul and nefarious in your schemings."
"Indeed!" he replied, magnificent in his gleaming armor, "For no undead nor other magical abominations dare grace my army's banners. When the captives have been properly flayed, they are artfully impaled on spikes as warning and decoration, not transformed into shambling crimes against all decency."
"How wonderful!" I exclaimed, noting the pride with which he spoke. "Can you say why more Dungeon Lords, indeed why more lords in general, do not follow your shining example?"
"Nay," he cried, with the practiced sorrow of one all too familiar with a reasonless evil. "'Tis simply that such creatures are useful, to cowards and knaves, beggars and thieves, weaklings and savages. Why they do not cast off the chains of their decay and embrace righteousness, I sadly do not know."
His eyes at this point took on the most heroic of sadnesses, and I could not help but feel moved by his valor and virtue. Truly, here was a Lord worthy of the title!
In the next installment of Hieramus Harackus' breathtaking interviews, he examines the peculiar culinary habits of the Queen of Spikes.
-?
-?
-?
-?
Dungeon Locations21st Granite- Arrived at site. Scattered villages all around, rumors of Goldenboats being around here somewhere. No sign of them yet though. Mostly goatmen, some others.
Surveys look good- several heavily jungled mountains, sufficient mineral wealth within them. Natives might be a problem, mainly as thieves. Premium on gemstones, might make good trading partners if they had anything in return. Some exotic meats.
Threats of wildlife, local rumors of worse things. Requires further investigation to confirm, but not to settle.
Report on the Barren Fields, by Apprentice Mythrar
The Barren Fields are a somewhat rocky wasteland of no apparent value, but hold many secrets.
The Barren Fields contain dried riverbeds. This means there used to be rivers here, but now there aren't.
The Barren Fields contain very fertile soil beneath the surface. According to my research, this means they used to have a lot of plant life in them, but now they don't.
The Barren Fields contain lots of minerals. This means they would make a good place for a mine.
The Barren Fields contain disturbing animals that are very dangerous and strange. They are not like animals here.
In conclusion, The Barren Fields are a dangerous but interesting place.
Dark Lord Sytheriss,
I have completed my survey of the Horn of the Atradox, as per your orders. It appears in most ways to be similar to the rest of the Rift, in that it is bright yet there is void all about, plants of truly fascinating properties abound, as do animals that feed primarily by destroying these properties, and water courses out of nowhere before flowing back into the void. I have been unable to determine any particular properties regarding the Horn, beyond being made of stone as was assumed.
-Sril
-?
-?
-?
Will continue addressing issues later.