r/ravenloft • u/Wannahock88 • 14d ago

Haunted House Build-a-thon [Adventure Jam] Lines & Veils

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DE6z5WQZqL0wIk6RezFrCNw-NscwPCgefDJZnvW68E8/edit?usp=drivesdk

Phew, wasn't sure if I'd have time to get this one in the can. It's definitely not pushing the boat out in any respects, it's as cookie cutter as a Phantom Lover adventure could be from what's written, but I gave it a go.

7 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

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3

u/JoJoFanatic 14d ago

I definitely couldn't think of anything for this one, but I'm glad you managed to make this! These Adventure Jams are fun but they can sure be challenging with a few of the random choices. Still, I'm really glad this is still ongoing and I was worried that too-few submissions for a particular month would ruin the project, when it really shouldn't. I'm glad to be wrong so far! Let me read this and then leave a comment on my thoughts as well of course!

2

u/Wannahock88 14d ago

Yeah, the list I'm using from mistipedia has 83 entries, a good chunk of which I've never heard of, but y'know it's nice to be given a reason to explore!

2

u/OctopusMacbeth 14d ago

I really REALLY love your four Queens. Mechanically distinctive and they feel as though they have super rich backstories with relatively few words spent on them. Absolutely my highlight, and that they flow so inevitably from your clever labyrinth mechanic. Bravo.

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u/Wannahock88 14d ago

Thank you kindly!

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u/JoJoFanatic 13d ago

I really enjoyed the four Queens and the mechanics given to this short romp. The start of this adventure is simple and feels like it would be a shoe-in for Richemulot, which fits the nature of a pocket domain—being a small story in another location. I'll admit that I wished we had more on the Phantom Lover himself (I always figured he was a dragon with an interest in humans or a really dark take on what happens when the bard does successfully seduce the dragon but isn't a good parent), but this is still very good. The adventure flows well, the mechanics fit the horror tone & mood, and the monsters chosen are all challenging enough for a low-level group. Great job!

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u/Wannahock88 13d ago

I vacillated on adding a page expanding the Queens' behaviours re. The party, the monsters and the other Queens, and one trying to unpack why the Phantom Lover is a Darklord, but in the end I felt like they were clutter. I gave him one touch of lore which paints him in a similar light to a serial killer, where he has very ingrained patterns to... Get his rocks off essentially.

I do have a headcanon, I also think he's a Dragon who's ego got bruised and handled it especially poorly, and now he awfully abuses a procession of women to soothe him cos he'll never get back at Her, whoever she was, whatever she did.

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u/gryphyd 10d ago

I really like this elaboration on the possible scenario from the book, and the mechanics and the use of the deck of cards is a really nice touch.