So, for my D&D game, I ran into writers block, and I had to make a session, but couldn't come up with any story justification. So I developed what I call a 'Zelda Style Dungeon', which is basically a place that exists for no other reasonable purpose but to have adventurers explore it and defeat the monsters and traps.
I don't generally like these, because they really have absolutely no justification for their existence. There is no reason for anyone to build a fortress like this. At all.
But then I realized something. There is a reason. A very specific reason, but a reason none the less...
These dungeons were built by the Cult of Armok, a small but infamous group of Dwarves known for building absolutely insanely dangerous architecture for no practical purpose whatsoever, almost as though it were their version of art. They are no longer extant, and the only clue to their disappearance is a three foot high layer of volcanic rock at their most recent locations. The ruins are still numerous and extant however, as they are extraordinarily dangerous, and rarely contain any treasures worth the incredible risk, and thus are rarely explored.
For those of you who haven't caught on yet... In ALL of my D&D settings, the Dwarves from Dwarf Fortress exist, solely to justify dungeons that have no discernible purpose. The best part is... would anyone disagree with me that Dwarf Fortress Dwarves were actually behind the construction of every single temple / fortress / dungeon / etc... ever made in any game that has no reason to exist other than as a place to adventure? I didn't think so.
So, I got to thinking, and I realized, there was more I could do with this. And here's where I ask for the communities help. In the Tome of Magic, a class called the Binder is introduced. Binders call upon Vestiges, spirits who when they died, didn't exactly die like everyone else. Mortals on the brink of deification, or perhaps those who so angered the gods they were removed from existence altogether. The reasons are many and mysterious, varying for each Vestige. I thought this would be a good way to introduce a famous character from Dwarf Fortress fan lore. But who?
And then it hit me. It made perfect sense, and it involved my personal favorite 'dwarf' too. So, here's the entry based on what I have so far...
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Cacame Awemedinide, The Immortal Onslaught
Legend: (For the story of his life, go check out the wiki if you don't know it, what follows is the end of the entry) When Cacames long reign was over, his hatred for elvenkind burned just as bright as it ever did. When he died, his hatred was too great to be contained, for elves still walked the world. He would not rest until he had ended every single elf that had ever lived. His hatred, combined with his status as a living legend, gave him just enough power to escape the afterlife, and so he became a Vestige, granting power to those who would continue his war on the elves.
Binding DC: 25
Special Requirement: May not be summoned in the presence of any elf that is not under the power of the Binder. If the Binder had previously summoned Cacame, and made no attempt to kill any elves during the last summoning, the Binder will automatically fail his Binding check, so that Cacame can better exert his will on the Binder this time around.
Manifestation: Cacame appears as though he had always been there, the summoner cannot recall his appearance, even if he was looking at the seal at the time of the summoning. Cacame looks as he did in life, with a bored expression on his face. He speaks simply and to the point, and does not bother with any kind of pleasantries or small talk. Bindings with Cacame are thus usually very short.
Sign: The Binders eyes glow, as though pools of magma were contained behind his irises.
Influence: Cacame continues to exist for one reason. The destruction of all elf-kind. While under Cacames influence, the Binder must treat any and all elves he encounters as mortal enemies. The Binder need not rush any elves he encounters, but if given a reasonable opportunity to slay the elf, the Binder must take it.
Granted Abilities: Cacame was said to be able to slay a dragon with a mere two hammer blows, but his real strength lay in the destruction of the elves he so hated.
Warhammer Mastery: The Binder gains proficiency with the Warhammer. If the Binder already had this proficiency, he gains Weapon Focus for the Warhammer instead. If he had Weapon Focus, he gains Weapon Specialization.
Elf Hatred: The Binder gains Favored Enemy: Elves as the Ranger class feature. This bonus starts at +2 at effective Binder Level 1 and increases by +2 on every fourth effective Binder level (+4 at level 4, +6 at level 8, etc...)
Smite of Cacame: Once every five rounds, the Binder may strike a vicious blow. This functions as a normal melee attack, however the Binder adds his Charisma to the attack roll, and deals bonus damge equal to the Binders effective Binder level. If the target is an elf, the bonus damage from Elf Hatred is doubled for the attack.
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So, there we are. DF Dwarves designed to fit into otherwise serious D&D settings, and a Vestige version of Cacame Awemadinide. Any further advice on adjusting this would be appreciated...
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Topic: Dwaves in Dungeons and Dragons... (Read 1047 times)