Plot
Here is an overview of the overarching tensions and the inciting incident of this adventure path.
Main Story
Since the beginning of history, humanity has measured time in Ages. Ages of Glory, of Dreams, and even of Great Sorrows mark the human tally of years, giving a sense of order to the events of past centuries. But one age has yet to occur - an age of darkness, of decay, and of writhing doom.
Witty bards and wrathful preachers know it as the Age of Worms, weaving it into the peripheries of their passion plays as a mythic era of destruction that could begin at any time. Astrologers, diviners, and the servants of Fate know more. The canniest among them fear that the Age of Worms has already begun.
Starting Hook
Our story begins in Diamond Lake, a miserable mining town where corrupt mine managers wield their beleagured workers like bludgeons against one another, and where ancient tombs, long-since plundered of their riches, spot the dry hills.
It is here that your intrepid company of friends prepare to investigate an incredible find: an unexplored tomb that could hold enough riches to buy your way out of Diamond Lake.
Campaign Style
Here is an overview of the styles, themes, and difficulty of this campaign.
Genre:
This game is a Heroic Fantasy campaign. It is about saving the world against all odds, because it's the right thing to do. Evil characters and those with selfish motivations will struggle, while more archetypical hero-types will fit in easier.
Combat
Level: Medium-high
This campaign is heavy on combat encounters, many of which are likely to result in character deaths if the party does not cooperate and strategize.
This game will reward combat-relevant abilities, well-chosen equipment, and tactical thinking.
Exploration
Level: High
This campaign has an extreme emphasis on exploring, featuring lots of dungeon crawls and a good amount of time in wilderness areas, most notably mountains and forests. Most of all, in-world knowledge is an extremely valuable asset.
The game encourages you to take notes (record proper nouns), use your in-character world knowledge, and pay attention to details.
Social
Level: Medium-Low
Compared to many 5e games, this campaign is light on social encounters and problems that can't be solved with a sword. Face characters who cannot also hold their own in combat will likely experience frustration.
Nevertheless, you will benefit from a character who is well-grounded in the world with knowledge, contacts, and interests.
Lethality
Level: Medium-High
Characters who behave recklessly, fail to plan or strategize or over-spend their resources are likely to face lethal consequences. Keeping a backup character in mind is recommended.
Themes
This is a save-the-world campaign with themes of apocalyptic turmoil and entropy. It contains elements of body horror. It is not a grimdark campaign, but it is definitely not a funhouse. Actions have lasting consequences, and the world is a dangerous place.
Quick Profile
In a hurry? Here's an overview:
The Plot in a Nutshell
A group of adventurers from a shitty mining town stumble into a series of events that threaten to plunge all of Greyhawk into an age of chaos and destruction. Along the way, you'll get to engage in good-old-fashioned dungeon crawling, and play with famous d&d content like the City of Greyhawk, the Circle of Eight, and even legendary magic items!
How Long will this take?
This is a level 1-20 campaign that, if we play every week, will take around 2-3 years to complete.
Characters
Start at level 1. Your Race Options and Class Options are detailed within this website. Use the Standard Array for stats. No UA, no homebrew.
The campaign setting is Greyhawk (use the Greyhawk Pantheon), and the starting location is
Diamond Lake, east of the Free City of Greyhawk in the Cairn Hills. Your character must be 1) living in Diamond Lake and 2) unable to easily leave due to financial need or other obligations.
Build Strategy
This game spends a lot of time in dungeons, mountains, and wilderness. Dependence on flight or mounts will often be frustrated by these close quarters. Classes that focus entirely on social abilities will have space to shine, but most of the game happens in dungeons, so make sure you have other competencies.
For monsters, Undead feature often, with a smattering of Monstrosities and Abberations. Celestials, Elementals, Beasts, and Fey are nearly nonexistent.
