Slaying Nathan! (Timothy, not Nathan of the FoS!)

[Joël of the FoS]

Ladies and gent,

Those following my campaign know that my players are fiercely going head to head against Nathan Timothy. Two PCs are afflicted lycanthropes because of their encounter with Nathan (Evil Eye). So they decided to go after him, in their search for a cure against lycanthropy, and found his trail going back to Karina.

There are of course many possibilities in this encounter, considering these other possibilities in parallel:

- They know Natalia Vorishkova is a bride of Nathan. That opens many possibilities with Gennifer (afflicted by Natalia) and George WF (hunting Natalia).

- Nathan is a big guy with lots of friends – werewolves, Falkovnians from the Karina enclave, etc.

- PCs have a few powerful NPC that could help them (they are not friends but have similar goals): Midnight Slasher, Matton Blanchard

- I have this recurrent evil idea of kidnapping Gennifer WF, and a PC, and locking them in a room, while Natalia controls Gennifer to werewolf … I love moral dilemmas…

- The PCs will probably look to spy on Nathan to find his usual day/night pattern, in order to find a place/time where they could fight him alone.

So it should be a good fight indeed, but what suggestions would you add for spice: how do you picture it? What should be added for unforeseen events?

Joël

[Garudos Celestar]

- They know Natalia Vorishkova is a bride of Nathan. That opens many possibilities with Gennifer (afflicted by Natalia) and George WF (hunting Natalia).

This may be a random question... but was there some point when George was described with the last name of Weathermay-Foxgrove? He should be solely George Weathermay - it was his sister who married Daniel Foxgrove and combined the names for her family. Certainly, there's no mention on the Black Box bloodlines of Jules, George, and the rest of the Weathermay family taking on Daniel's name.

So it should be a good fight indeed, but what suggestions would you add for spice: how do you picture it? What should be added for unforeseen events?

Well, Alfred Timothy doesn't get along too well with his father, and he would also be unlikely to get on the PCs' good side (and would certainly attack Matton.) A three-way battle of doom sounds like fun if you set the final confrontation in Verbrek - with lots of fur flying! Alfred could provide the power necessary to tip the scales against Nathan... only to prove himself an even greater threat against the PCs.

[Joël of the FoS]

Ooops at George WF, it's only Weathermay of course

Indeed, adding Alfred to the mix could be fun!

Joël

[Rotipher of the FoS]

- I have this recurrent evil idea of kidnapping Gennifer WF, and a PC, and locking them in a room, while Natalia controls Gennifer to werewolf … I love moral dilemmas…

Ever since I re-read VRGtWerebeasts a few years ago, I've thought it'd be the perfect irony if Gennifer -- in the course of her own monster-hunts, and unbeknownst to Natalia -- had actually gotten herself re-infected by some other breed of lycanthrope ... preferably, one that can rip Natalia's were-form to shreds. According to Van Richten's theories, this means she'd retain her original trigger, yet express the phenotype of her second lycanthropic progenitor.

I just can't get the picture out of my head: Natalia, mocking and laughing at her hapless human foes, cruelly reveals she can smell the were-taint in Gennifer, and gives the Weathermays one minute to choose before their dear Genny transforms into a monster under Natalia's control. The PCs are caught up in the dilemma, along with the aghast NPC heroes. Just as Gennifer is about to settle the issue by forcing her family to kill her, that twisted b**ch Natalia chirps, "Time's up!", and triggers Gennifer's curse, at long last. Borne down by the agony of her transformation, Gennifer falls behind some furniture, out of view in the shadows, while Natalia laughs at what's coming...

...only to have a freakin' tiger -- several times her own weight, ticked off, and entirely exempt from her (lupine) Progeny Control's influence -- pounce on her out of the darkness.

What could offer more poetic justice than to see the werewolf who'd targeted Van Richten for his blabbing of werebeasts' secrets taken down, because she'd never actually bothered to read what his books have to say? Sure, it still leaves Gennifer in a bind ... but it wouldn't hurt to let her remind a few uppity werewolves that wolves aren't always the uncontested archpredators of their ecosystems, the Wolf God's rantings to the contrary.

[shadehawk]

How about this for a change to the Natasha kidnapping everyone.
When the characters arrive in Karina they run afoul of Nathan’s allies, the Falknovians. A couple of the PCs along with Gennifer get captured. They do not turn the captives over to the city militia. The Falkovnians have a private dungeon under their colony and lock the group up there.
While they are stewing in their cell and the other PCs are trying to rescue them, surprisingly Natasha shows up at the cell door. From there she taunts the captive players and Gennifer with the knowledge of Gennifer’s infection and says that she will trigger Gennifer's transformation that night. It works better if one of the captive PCs can communicate this to the others, through magic or a familiar. That way you put pressure on the others as well, to attempt a rescue. In any case, Natasha can if needed, show up just before the rescue is made if the PCs are about to be rescued, and trigger Gennifer’s transformation.


Later the PCs can track Nathan to where you want the battle to take place.
Since Nathan cannot wander too far from the river have the battle in a warehouse on the docks. Lots of stacked boxes, large shelves to climb on during the fight. There could be a fire or the floor has rotten timbers that break and send those stepping on them into the river. That is what happens to Nathan and he falls into the river just as he is about to be defeated.
He makes it to his boat and sails away down river. The party chases after him on another boat and eventually catches up to him. A battle ensues as the boat sails out of control down the river. Allowing you to have it hit a sandbar and jar everyone off their feet at a dramatic moment in the battle.
I would leave it there and have that be the final battle with Nathan, but you could go on using some of the suggestions from others above. Nathan uses the distraction of the sandbar to flee the ship. But they are now in Verbrek and Nathan and the PCs run into Alfred and another band of werewolves for a three-way battle.

[Nathan of the FoS]

And then, suddenly, Nathan of the Fraternity shows up, with his hordes of headless cockroach minions!!!

Er...well, maybe not.

[Drinnik Shoehorn]

- They know Natalia Vorishkova is a bride of Nathan. That opens many possibilities with Gennifer (afflicted by Natalia) and George WF (hunting Natalia).

This may be a random question... but was there some point when George was described with the last name of Weathermay-Foxgrove? He should be solely George Weathermay - it was his sister who married Daniel Foxgrove and combined the names for her family. Certainly, there's no mention on the Black Box bloodlines of Jules, George, and the rest of the Weathermay family taking on Daniel's name.

So it should be a good fight indeed, but what suggestions would you add for spice: how do you picture it? What should be added for unforeseen events?

Well, Alfred Timothy doesn't get along too well with his father, and would also be unlikely to get on the PCs' good side (and would certainly attack Matton.) A three-way battle of doom sounds like fun if you set the final confrontation in Verbrek - with lots of fur flying! Alfred could provide the power necessary to tip the scales against Nathan... only to prove himself an even greater threat against the PCs.

Absoloutly nothing to do with the post at all, but...

Welcome back, Garados, and your sig brought a chuckle to my lips.

[Undead Cabbage]

I know this sounds a little random, as well as locationally impossible,

But frankly, it would be hillarious if you somehow added Harkon into this. Come on, imagine this whole giant massacre with countless Werewolves bashing about, and you just see the bard sitting up on a high rock clapping his hands at the show.

I don't know how much involvement Harkon has had in your campaign Joel, but I just think that would be funny.

[Joël of the FoS]

Hey, fascinating ideas everyone

So Nathan with his headless critters would attack the PCs while Natalia triggers Gennifer the were-cockroach...

Ever since I re-read VRGtWerebeasts a few years ago, I've thought it'd be the perfect irony if Gennifer -- in the course of her own monster-hunts, and unbeknownst to Natalia -- had actually gotten herself re-infected by some other breed of lycanthrope ... preferably, one that can rip Natalia's were-form to shreds. According to Van Richten's theories, this means she'd retain her original trigger, yet express the phenotype of her second lycanthropic progenitor.

That is very twisted, and full of possibilities for the long term. I love this excellent scenario with Natalia being surprised by the twist.

But I’d probably manage to have Natalia able to flee (in game reason: may be Nathan gets in the middle at this moment to protect Natalia?; DM reason: I’d like to make her a recurrent villain).

But that would probably mean an exile for Gennifer? Or she would join uncle George in Natalia’s hunt?

it would be hillarious if you somehow added Harkon into this. Come on, imagine this whole giant massacre with countless Werewolves bashing about, and you just see the bard sitting up on a high rock clapping his hands at the show.

Well there is Matton in the area, who could be able to lead the wolfwere? Interesting idea, I didn’t think of a Kartakass lead, but it could be interesting for the future.

How about this for a change to the Natasha kidnapping everyone.
When the characters arrive in Karina they run afoul of Nathan’s allies, the Falknovians. A couple of the PCs along with Gennifer get captured. They do not turn the captives over to the city militia. The Falkovnians have a private dungeon under their colony and lock the group up there.
While they are stewing in their cell and the other PCs are trying to rescue them, surprisingly Natasha shows up at the cell door. From there she taunts the captive players and Gennifer with the knowledge of Gennifer’s infection and says that she will trigger Gennifer's transformation that night. It works better if one of the captive PCs can communicate this to the others, through magic or a familiar. That way you put pressure on the others as well, to attempt a rescue. In any case, Natasha can if needed, show up just before the rescue is made if the PCs are about to be rescued, and trigger Gennifer’s transformation.

This part of the scenario could be mixed with Rotifer’s idea. I’d like to see the players at first overwhelmed by the number of enemies, to find out later there is still a little chance. It has to be heroic

Later the PCs can track Nathan to where you want the battle to take place.
Since Nathan cannot wander too far from the river have the battle in a warehouse on the docks. Lots of stacked boxes, large shelves to climb on during the fight. There could be a fire or the floor has rotten timbers that break and send those stepping on them into the river. That is what happens to Nathan and he falls into the river just as he is about to be defeated.
He makes it to his boat and sails away down river. The party chases after him on another boat and eventually catches up to him. A battle ensues as the boat sails out of control down the river. Allowing you to have it hit a sandbar and jar everyone off their feet at a dramatic moment in the battle.
I would leave it there and have that be the final battle with Nathan, but you could go on using some of the suggestions from others above. Nathan uses the distraction of the sandbar to flee the ship. But they are now in Verbrek and Nathan and the PCs run into Alfred and another band of werewolves for a three-way battle.

A boat pursuit would be interesting indeed (*has James Bond flashes*) !

Good job everybody !

Joël

[Joël of the FoS]

Well, Alfred Timothy doesn't get along too well with his father, and he would also be unlikely to get on the PCs' good side (and would certainly attack Matton.) A three-way battle of doom sounds like fun if you set the final confrontation in Verbrek - with lots of fur flying! Alfred could provide the power necessary to tip the scales against Nathan... only to prove himself an even greater threat against the PCs.

Interesting idea too, like the one with Kartakass. It opens possibilities for afterward in the campaign ...

Joël

[DeepShadow of FoS]

What could offer more poetic justice than to see the werewolf who'd targeted Van Richten for his blabbing of werebeasts' secrets taken down, because she'd never actually bothered to read what his books have to say?

Hate to nitpick, but Natalia's vendetta was much more personal. Says in her original writeup that she was brazen and reckless until he nearly killed her.

Still, I love the idea. I did something similar IMC when Natalia lured George into a trap and then sicced Ginny on her. She was stunned speechless when "Ginny" paused mid-transformation, pulled a revolver out w/ silver bullets, and emptied the gun into her. The last thing she heard was Laurie laughing at her--"My sister couldn't make it, but she sends her regards!". Sure, I know it's the oldest trick in the book, but you gotta admit, it still works!

[LouisVendredi]

I did something similar IMC when Natalia lured George into a trap and then sicced Ginny on her. She was stunned speechless when "Ginny" paused mid-transformation, pulled a revolver out w/ silver bullets, and emptied the gun into her. The last thing she heard was Laurie laughing at her--"My sister couldn't make it, but she sends her regards!". Sure, I know it's the oldest trick in the book, but you gotta admit, it still works!

Just love it!! Kudos!

[Darkknight]

You hvae a perfect opportunity to bring in the twins. If you do not wish to bring in the romance aspect as some individuals do not care for it, Natalia may have been forced to trigger a change in all her children...

How I did this is have the pcs in confrontation with her, she was in severe danger and as a last resort forced the transformation in all her kin, one which happened to be the lycan hunter in the party, it also awoke Gen. Thus the pcs could meet the twins in a continued hunt for Natalia.

[Joël of the FoS]

After a lot of time to think (we do not play in summer), here’s my plan so far, talking many of you guys (Rotifer, shadehawk, Deepshadow, Garudos mainly, and the others) ideas and adding of course my twists.

Recap of the campaign so far:

December 5th, 747 The heroes decide to destroy Nathan because he infected two PCs. VR sends a message to George Weathermay in Nova Vaasa:

Dear George,
We plan to go after N’s groom soon. We’ll be with some adventurers who have good reasons to get him out of the way - the moon. They think they saw N too. Meet us at the Golden Field Inn in Karina around December 22nd, or send us a message if you can’t be there.
Regards,
RVR

The next ten days are spent quietly learning spells.

December 18th, 747 - The heroes leave Mordentshire, and arrive in Karina December 23rd.

What are my plans: (a summary only of this killer scenario (IMHO), got other details to thrown in it)

Day of their arrival in Karina: mandatory Maloccio and Invidia update post Evil Eye

2 days after their arrival : They get a message from GWF in Mordent

Dear Friends,

L has vanished! I think she was kidnapped in the garden behind our house, the morning after the day your departure. I will continue my inquiry here and wait for eventual instructions. I am very worrying.

GWF

DM info : werewolves (or their agents) intercepted and devoured the messenger sent for George W.
First, It means George won’t be there to help.
Second, Natalia had plenty of time to send four werewolves to kidnap GWF. But they kidnapped Laurie instead! The werewolves brought her to Karina as a bargain chip against VR and the heroes.

3 days after their arrival in Karina. They get another message, this time unsigned (it’s from Natalia). There is a finger joined to it (it’s from a cadaver, not LWF).

Quit this city or you will never see your sweet and tender Gennifer again.

VR and/or the PCs will then surely note the confusion between Laurie and Gennifer, and then choose to find Laurie and rescue her. “we can’t trust this message and they will kill her after we leave Karina. who did it?”

Gather info to find Laurie – open possibilities: Scar Tabor, Keith Delalune, or Matton (but Matton isn’t there, Evil Eye just finished a few weeks ago and his is still nurturing Gabrielle).

This night, when a PC is alone (if not, then it’s VR who will get kidnapped)!

Gather info again. Their sources (whoever) will tell them “important prisoners are held by Falkovnians in Karina. But they are not held in the Falkovnian prison, but in a butcherhouse near the Falkovnian enclave. They are not official prisoners. It seems like the Falkovnians are helping some of their underground friends.” Players will guess it’s probably them.

The butcherhouse has only one access, in a shadowy back alley. There is light inside, with people moving. And one guard at the door outside.

The trouble is to get to the guard and silence him before he alarms the others inside.

Then they might get surprising help. The Midnight Slasher (that the heroes met recently in Evil Eye), will silently take care of that guard, from the roof! (a garot or whatever)

She will wave at the players to approach the butcherhouse. “The girl was moved from here an hour ago, but your friend is still held captive here. She was put on the Virago, and the boat left for the western direction an hour ago.” Then the MS leave the place.

The heroes attack the butcher house, to find 4 guards inside, one of them being a werewolf. Their friend is kept in one of the coldroom.

Battle – (one werewolf, One F officer, two soldier)/ possible alarm / rescue…

Their friend (be it a hero or VR) can say the following:

- Laurie seemed fine, and was here until an hour ago when she was taken away by three guards.
- Her jailors think she is Gennifer! She never said otherwise.
- What is worse is that a few hours ago, Natalia Vorishkova came to the butcherhouse and teased “Gennifer”. While they were in their cell, Natalia taunts the captive players and “Gennifer” with the knowledge of Gennifer’s infection and says that she will trigger Gennifer's transformation that night!

At this point, they run into the real Gennifer in Karina. She is armed and angry and prepared to save her sister.

They take a boat and follow it west. After half a day, they see the Virago on the shore, empty. They are now in Verbrek. They follow traces to a ruined monastery located near the half of a 200’ steep mountain side.

Only three buildings are standing. None of them have doors, and they are near crumbling.

Observing the area, they will see a large number of werewolves (two werewolves per hero). After half a day, all the werewolves except 3 leave for the woods (possibly to hunt or whatever) – it’s now or never to attack!

Laurie is kept chained inside an abandoned house.

Battle / Rescue attempt.

Then after a few round of battle, Natalia appear with “Gennifer”. She let her go and “Gennifer” runs toward the heroes. Natalia then threatens the heroes: “And I make your sweet Gennifer turn to a werewolf under my control, what will you do?”

Rotipher’ idea, but with Deepshadow's identity twist:

Ever since I re-read VRGtWerebeasts a few years ago, I've thought it'd be the perfect irony if Gennifer -- in the course of her own monster-hunts, and unbeknownst to Natalia -- had actually gotten herself re-infected by some other breed of lycanthrope ... preferably, one that can rip Natalia's were-form to shreds. According to Van Richten's theories, this means she'd retain her original trigger, yet express the phenotype of her second lycanthropic progenitor.

I just can't get the picture out of my head: Natalia, mocking and laughing at her hapless human foes, cruelly reveals she can smell the were-taint in Gennifer, and gives the Weathermays one minute to choose before their dear Genny transforms into a monster under Natalia's control. The PCs are caught up in the dilemma, along with the aghast NPC heroes. Just as Gennifer is about to settle the issue by forcing her family to kill her, that twisted b**ch Natalia chirps, "Time's up!", and triggers Gennifer's curse, at long last. Borne down by the agony of her transformation, Gennifer falls behind some furniture, out of view in the shadows, while Natalia laughs at what's coming...

...only to have a freakin' tiger -- several times her own weight, ticked off, and entirely exempt from her (lupine) Progeny Control's influence -- pounce on her out of the darkness.

What could offer more poetic justice than to see the werewolf who'd targeted Van Richten for his blabbing of werebeasts' secrets taken down, because she'd never actually bothered to read what his books have to say? Sure, it still leaves Gennifer in a bind ... but it wouldn't hurt to let her remind a few uppity werewolves that wolves aren't always the uncontested archpredators of their ecosystems, the Wolf God's rantings to the contrary.

So Natalia makes her control progeny ability in action, but it’s not “Gennifer” who changes, it’s the real Gennifer! And she changes to a weretiger, as per Rotifer’s genius idea, running after Natalia in the woods!

But before they leaves, here’s Nathan back and angry! Now’s the heroes chance to get his fur on a pike.

And then, since they are in Verbrek, they could be hunted by Alfred’s guys until they are safe in the boat?

Aftermath: I’d probably manage to have Natalia able to flee (in game reason: may be Nathan gets in the middle at this moment to protect Natalia?; DM reason: I’d like to make her a recurrent villain).
But that would probably mean an exile for Gennifer? Or she would join uncle George in Natalia’s hunt?

---

Still time to comment / suggest / criticize!

Joël

[shadehawk]

Hey Joel it looks good.

But why would Nathan stop the Virago in Verbrek? Why were he and Natasha going to the werewolf village there?
Are these more of Nathan's progeny that live in Verbrek?

And definitely let Natasha escape. You cannot kill of 2 major villians in the same combat.