Antonio wrote:
> Well, this is the basic idea. A strange and evil and implausible
> hooman group of adventurers (in fact, a lunar vexilla, i'm not sure
> if they are all humans)
A couple of Lunarized uz (from one of the uz associations or vexilla) might be
"loaned" to 'em, if that provides a useful plot hook for you (or Mostali). Also
helps explain Lunar success -- frankly, unless this is a *very* powerful vexilla
or a weak clan (or the Lunars have surprise on their side), I'd think a vexilla
going into a cave system would be slaughtered. (They could, of course, be a
vexilla of tunnel fighters; need an excuse why the Loonies would have one,
though).
Feed 'em to Zugorteg, that's what I say. : )
> I've stopped here. I think the vexilla are not merely thieves, so
> they are looking for something else, or they are part in some
> conspiration. What are they looking for? Why are they attacking uz
> lands?
Some possibilities, off my head (and assuing this is set in Dagori Inkarth);
- Some Cool Old Artifact from the EWF, etc., that's useful for Lunar plans to
conquer Sartar;
- Some old Lunar artifact. Say, the Lunars lost something useful to Sartarites;
the uz later killed those Sartarite raiders. Assuming the Lunars are of the
right cultural background, the idea of *cooperating* or *negotiating* with uz
may not really exist (say, if they're Dara Happans). This gives a nice hook to
the local hooman settlement, too. ("You killed ol' Hebith Windthief? That's
impossible, he had that sacred Lunar scimitar thingy, he was unstoppable in
combat!"). The Lunars think the uz killed said Lunars, and thus aren't trying to
get it by negotiation.
- Lunars are *looking* for something else -- not an item, perhaps, but a way to
the Underworld (to rescue a hero gone wrong in a heroquest); a tunnel that leads
to a useful resource or shrine; a Krarsht infestation (perhaps the vexilla has
been suborned by Krarshites, and the uz can reveal the machinations!); precious
resources. In such a case, the uz might be more "in the way" than the main
purpose of the attack.
- A Corrupt and Vile Lunar Official decides they want some troll thing for their
collection of exotic things (won't Sor-Eel be jealous?). Suitable things: an uz
shaman's bundle; a skeleton of an uzko (or, better, an uzuz!); a troll infant
for their menagerie, etc. The vexilla in such a case might be "tormented,"
disliking their mission and employer but forced to follow orders.
- A Blue Moon / Yolp thing. Say, a trader/missionary/etc. from one of these two
Uz lands, friendly to Lunars, was here long ago. They left behind some widgit
that was incorporated into the clan's charms. The uz back home want it; they
Lunar vexilla hs been given orders to retrieve it, but isn't aware of what it's
ultiamtely for -- so they've charged in with spears blazing. The player uz could
well find the best way to appeal the problem is to deal wfith the provincial
Lunar authorities: "Oops, sorry, our bad, we'll punish that vexilla.
- A decapitation strike.
Lunar Priest: "The Hagaz Clan will birth a great uz hero that will help to
weaken the empire."
Lunar General: "Hmm. That's bad. Well, if we kill them all..."
For a self-fulfilling prophecy, said action might well inspire one of player
characters to become said heroes.
- Lunars are seeking help from a rival uz clan or tribe; stomping the player's
clan is the requested cost. Players might fight off Lunars with help from
Sartarites; they may have discovered from Sartarites that perfidity of other uz;
they might join with Sartarites to stomp other clan in revenge.
- The Lunars are chaos worshippers, like all Lunars. Who needs motives?'
Dunno, something here might spark an idea for you.
> In the hooman settlement, I think there will be complications and
> difficulties with the original plan. Any ideas?
For bonus fun, if the uz go to the hooman settlement, it's always possible that
the *Sartarites* respond not by saying, "Foul Lunars! We will help you against
them," but say, "What, cool magic artifacts?! Sweet! Quick, get out tha raidin'
gear! We're a-goin' theivin'!" Sartarites are just as bad as Lunars in any uz's
book.
You could also try to "reverse" normal characteristics -- the humans are weird
and inscrutable, and the uz have to try and figure out their weird ways. The
humans might demand the uz do some deed or test to show they're trustworthy.
Etc.