Howdy there again forumites, Nonviolence here! I have returned after thoroughly enjoying Sharn design-wise with another Adventure Pack idea, based in Khorvaire & Xen'Drik.
I was looking for some pack ideas for Levels 6, 12 and 18, which I find tedious, and Low Epics (22-24) that would add to the quests you could do as you attempt to get to Cap.
Rather than go with lowbie stuff which I moved to F2P Pack Ideas, I decided to focus on the Epic stuff, and keeping the whole quest chain at level 24. The loot level matches the quest level.
As for the plot hook it goes as follows:
You have grown bored with your questing, and overconfident in your power, yet what is there to do for those who seek the adrenaline rush of danger? The answer arrives in the form of Tiefling Rogue Castiagar ir'Huirum and his notorious Guild "The Shining Companionship" which has set foot in the Market of Stormreach seeking the Foolhardy and the Brave for their own amusement, running afoul of adventurers both seasoned and untried, brutes and warriors, vandals and noble soldiers. They put the question to them, raising mugs on high and asking aloud who would dare to complete their challenges? Only the most exceptional would try at all! Are you one of them?
The quests in order are:
QUEST 1 - Fearsome Festivities NPC - Ranvar Skullcrest (Horc Fighter / Wizard) EPIC LEVEL 24
|| Your capabilities have been called into question, the nerve! These cackling guildfolk have challenged you to steal the Blood Heart of Zar'nosk Ghoulkeeper, a beautiful scarlet gem, the catch being that you have to do it during the Warband Celebration deep in the territory of Droaam! Do you dare to brave such horrors? ||
This quest takes place in Znir, at the source of the Scar River in Droaam, and since the NPC teleports you to the location it saves on coding additional hub areas. You start on a Jungle ridge above the Valley where the events and festivities take place, and throughout the quest you'll be raiding the smaller camps that dot the hills, infiltrate the city and crash the main events, the gladiatorial arena (callback to Crucible and Thrashk Arena) and the Sacrifice, where you tangle with the bosses. The quest completes when you snag the Jewel. You exit by talking to your farshifter contact. Enemy types would be all the host creatures of Droaam, namely Orcs, Medusas, Ogres, Trolls, Gnolls, Kobolds, Undead and some circumstance mobs like Elementals, Umber Hulks and Animals (Wolves, Panthers, Bears).
Bosses - 6 Red Named Dire Panthers and 6 Orange Named Ogre Handlers (Arena), 1 Red Named Medusa and 3 Orange Named Champions 1 Troll, 1 Orc, 1 Gnoll (Ritual).
QUEST 2 - Fast Hands Loose Morals NPC - Guillaume d'Medani (Half-Elf Sorcerer / Inquisitive) EPIC LEVEL 24
|| A Thief that steals from a Commoner is cruel, and a Thief that steals from a Lord is daring... yet what of a Thief that steals from another Thief? Truly they can't have been said to have committed a crime at all. The Inquisitive companion from the Guild would have you rob a robber and return a set of Arcane scrolls taken by a Master Thief based in Regalport. Are you up for it? ||
This quest takes place in Regalport, specifically the Mansion of Uzmerl the Robber Baron in The Lhazaar Principalities. This quest is arranged like Castle Ravenloft (although a bit smaller) or like Sable Manor. You have a base outlay that is already completely visible on your map (no fog of war) and it's up to you to clear out or bypass the security forces, traps and puzzles, retrieve the scrolls and escape from the Mansion before the 'Authorities' arrive, possible putting the quest on a timer or adding a fail condition. Definitely have the place loaded out with traps, spinning, blade, spike the works. Enemy types would be lots of Half-Elf and Elf mobs, Humans and Halflings, Constructs (Shield Guardians, Defenders, Warforged Security) and circumstance mobs like Water Elementals (fountains), Guard Dogs and Scorpions.
Bosses - At the end of the escape you face the Robber Baron himself and his Chief Security Unit (Giant Cannith Defender)
QUEST 3 - Doom with a View NPC - Troughton Bramblehook (Halfling Ranger / Cleric) EPIC LEVEL 24
|| Troughton wants something. He wants a trophy. But he can't get it, because he'd rather you tried instead. Many have passed in their attempts to retrieve what he wants. What is it that he wants you ask? Why an Albino Skybeak of course! Where does it live? Atop the crags at the base of the Icehorn Mountains. Treacherous indeed. Now go get it! ||
This quest takes place in The Icehorn Mountains, specifically the Foothills by the Towering Wood in The Eldeen Reaches. I imagine this quest like the exterior parts of Tempest Spine mixed with the Storm Horns wilderness. A long winding ascent up the side of the crags punctuated by paths through cave tunnels and snowy peaks. Maybe an opt or two with skilljumps involved. You fight the Boss twice once with Giant Guards and once alone. Otherwise very straightforward. Enemy types would be Griffins, Owlbears, Wolves, Harpies, Stone Giants (underused Giant enemies), Air Elementals, Druid Mobs & Spiders.
Bosses - At the end of the ascent up the mountain, you face the Albino Skybeak (A Rare Griffin) that needs to be reduced to 10% HP twice (two encounters) to be captured.
QUEST 4 - Mucking About NPC - Celiene Clearheart (Human Paladin / Monk) EPIC LEVEL 24
|| There are few places in Khorvaire as isolated and mysterious as Q'Barra... and the locals certainly aren't welcoming to visitors. But Celiene has her mission from Dol Arrah to oppose Khyber Cults and the Lords of Dust wherever they can be found. Alone she will face the machinations of the Rakshasa! Do you dare to follow her into the thick of battle? ||
This quest takes place in The Copper Fens, specifically the Basuran Swamp in Q'Barra. This is probably the simplest quest, a hack and slash adventure with powerful foes. Enemy types will be split between Lord of Dust Cultists and the Rakshasa who lead them (maybe even some new Melee versions), and Lizardfolk who follow the Cold Sun (Lord of Dust, Dragon). Circumstance enemies would include Spiders, Scorpions, Razor Cats, Worgs, Swamp Horrors, Plant Mobs & Yuan-Ti.
Bosses - 1 Red Named Green Dragon, 1 Red Named Rakshasa Warlock.
QUEST 5 - Myth or Legend NPC - 'Mad' Maud Yskalter (Dwarf Barbarian / Bard) EPIC LEVEL 24
|| Those who know the history of Xen'Drik know the plight of the Giants and the Dragons... but there was another power long ago, helping to seal great evil and restraining Khyber... The Couatls... a name that persists in history without any proof of their existence and power, faded into the passage of time. But supposedly someone might have evidence to the contrary. Ghiraig d'Kundarak, banker extraordinaire, seems to have happened upon such an object... and he's just scheduled an expedition to acquire something of exceptional worth... wouldn't a true warrior pursue such a deadly undertaking? ||
This quest takes place on Kaepaerian Island, specifically The Giantish Ruins of Faum'Ortos off the coast of Xen'Drik. This quest has you seeking evidence of the Couatl's power and purpose, first starting in a ruined temple overrun by Drow and then through a tomb of dead Giants stuffed with puzzles and split paths, ending in a large cave where a host of Mockery cultists seek to prevent you from passing into the natural water basin below, where a small shrine stands, and upon it rests a Couatl scale. A long-form tunnel type quest (think Rainbow or Von 3). Enemy types would be Drow, Scorpions, Panthers, Elementals, Skeletons (Giant, Drow, Minotaur), Trolls, Wraiths, Shadows and Spectres.
Bosses - 1 Red Named Mockery Executioner (Monk+Shaman abilities) and a host of Orange Named Scorpions.
And now for the good stuff, the item drops! I intended for this stuff to be transitional equipment as you level up:
Quest 1
Orcish Totem Branch Qstaff 2.50[1d10]+8 Crit 19-20/x3 Bludgeon, Magic, Aligned
Melee Alacrity 15%
Doublestrike 15%
Deadly +10
Aligned
Red Augment Slot
Purple Augment Slot
Beast Skin Waistcord Belt
Constitution +12
False Life +40
Parrying +5
Natural Armor +12
Green Augment Slot
Jarring Warmask Helmet
Strength +12
Incite +40
Greater Relentless Fury (7% instead of 5%)
Dodge 15%
Green Augment Slot
Topaz Studded Maul Maul 2.50[2d8]+10 Crit 19-20/x3 Bludgeon, Crystal, Magic
Greater Sunburst
Quelling Strikes
On-Crit DC 50 Trip
Red Augment Slot
Purple Augment Slot
Quest 2
Incredibly Shiny Medallion Necklace
Charisma +12
Insight Charisma +5
Enchant Focus +5
Insight Enchant Focus +3
Green Augment Slot
Byeshk Alloyed Slicer Falchion 2.50[2d6]+8 Crit 17-20/x3 Slash, Magic, Byeshk
Unnatural Bane 6d6 (Aberrations, Undead, Demons)
Tendon Slice 15%
Howling (8-48 Sonic Damage)
Fort Bypass 15%
Purple Augment Slot
Cannith Novion Light Crossbow 3[1d8]+10 Crit 18-20/x2 Pierce, Magic, Metalline
Force Damage 6d6
Fire Damage 6d6
Electric Damage 6d6
Metalline
Purple Augment Slot
Briar Gloves Gloves
Wisdom +12
Heal +25
Devotion +130
Insight Devotion +65
Green Augment Slot
Quest 3
Blizzard Battleaxe 2.50[1d10]+10 Crit 18-20/x4 Slash, Magic
Vorpal Freeze DC 50
Slashing Damage 6d6
Ice Damage 6d6
Insight Stunning +6
Purple Augment Slot
Stone Giant Splinter Heavy Mace 3[1d8]+8 Crit 18-20/x2 Bludgeon, Magic, Adamantine
Vorpal Stone Prison DC 50
Bludgeon Damage 6d6
Maladroit (-1 to 4 DEX per hit)
Red Augment Slot
Purple Augment Slot
Feather Lined Wristlets Bracer
+1 [W] Unarmed/Handwraps
Whirlwind Guard (10% Knockdown chance on being Hit)
Featherfalling
Dodge 12%
Green Augment Slot
Ranger's Best Friend Trinket
Distant Diversion 20%
Ranged Power +5
Insight Dodge 5%
Vitality +45
Green Augment Slot
Quest 4
Log Hewn Blade Longsword 2.50[1d10]+8 Crit 17-20/x2 Slash, Magic, Darkwood
Splinters (On Vorpal, 12d6 Pierce Damage)
Slash Damage 6d6
Wounding (-1 to 4 CON per hit)
Melee Alacrity 15%
Purple Augment Slot
Dust-Bound Sceptre Club
Evocation +5
Insight Evocation +3
Quality Evocation +1
Wizardry +250
Purple Augment Slot
Blackscale Dagger Dagger 3[2d4]+8 Crit 17-20/x2 Pierce, Magic, Slash
Pierce Damage 6d6
Swamp Rot Disease (DC 50, slows movement 50% and reduces PRR)
Slash as second damage type
Phlebotomizing (8-48 Bleed Damage)
Purple Augment Slot
Swamp Gas Goggles Goggles
Manslayer
Sneak Attack +6
Seeker +12
Greater Deception
Purple Augment Slot
Quest 5
Couatl Scale Fragment Trinket
Potency +85
Insight Potency +35
Quality Potency +15
Profane Potency +5
Green Augment Slot
Pilfered Crown Helm
Gleaming Guard (Enemies that strike you have a chance to be blinded, no save)
Concentration +20
Fortification 130%
Blue Augment Slot
Green Augment Slot
The Mockery's Own Shortsword 3[1d8]+10 Crit 17-20/x2
Greater Bleed
Melee Alacrity 15%
Fortification Bypass 15%
Greater Cursebane (Stacking 6d6 Bane Damage, 5 Stacks Max)
Purple Augment Slot
The Fury's Own Heavy Pick 3[2d8]+5 Crit 18-20/x4
Vorpal Stun (Helpless) DC 50
Brutalize (Stacking 6d6 Evil Damage, 5 Stacks Max)
Fortification Bypass 15%
Melee Alacrity 15%
Purple Augment Slot
AND THAT'S ALL. AS USUAL PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YE THINK. Take care!