"The Throne of Shadows"
(Note: this concept is based on a game I played in years ago. Hands down one of the best games I've played in.)
(Note: AI was used to expand upon the initial idea).
(Note: I present the following as "concept", if a GM is inspired by the information but has other ideas...use as much or as little of the provided material as you want, as long as the game concept remains the same)
Campaign Concept:
"The Throne of Shadows" is a Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition campaign set in a sprawling Kingdom known as Eldoria. The kingdom is in a state of unrest following the recent death of its beloved king. In this campaign, the players take on the roles of influential figures who head various organizations within the kingdom. Each character aspires to claim the vacant throne and become the next ruler of Eldoria.
Campaign Overview:
The campaign begins with a grand funeral ceremony for the late king, where the characters first cross paths - in game (though in their backstories many may have crossed paths before). They are all aware of the king's demise and the opportunity it presents. However, they start off as independent power players, with their own organizations and spheres of influence.
The kingdom of Eldoria is vast and diverse, filled with political intrigue, hidden agendas, and rival factions. As the campaign progresses, the characters navigate through a web of alliances, rivalries, and challenges, all while working towards their ultimate goal of ascending to the throne.
Character Development:
Each character represents a different facet of the kingdom's power structure, and their unique abilities and resources play a crucial role in their campaign journey. They must leverage their organization's strengths, forge alliances, and manipulate the kingdom's underbelly to gain support and influence.
Throughout the campaign, the characters will encounter various obstacles and quests that test their leadership, diplomacy, combat prowess, and strategic thinking. They may need to make difficult choices that shape their character's morality and reputation, as well as influence their relationships with other factions.
Interactions and Alliances:
As the characters vie for the throne, they will have opportunities to interact with each other. These encounters can result in temporary alliances, bitter rivalries, or even unexpected romances. The choices made during these interactions can have lasting consequences, altering the trajectory of the campaign and shaping the kingdom's future.
The Game of Thrones:
The campaign culminates in a climactic event, where the characters participate in a grand political assembly known as "The Game of Thrones." This event brings together the kingdom's influential figures, including the characters themselves, to debate, negotiate, and compete for support from various factions and power players.
The players must use their accumulated resources, alliances, and personal accomplishments to sway the assembly and secure their claim to the throne. The outcome of this assembly will determine the next ruler of Eldoria, and the campaign concludes with the coronation of the new king.
Spoiler for If you've read this far and are still interested, the following provides more details and material that may be of use.: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Resources allowed = anything found here: http://dnd5e.wikidot.com/ that has a referenced source (official or Unearthed Arcana); no homebrew. If there are official sources that aren't referenced at this site, but references can be provided and verified online, it would be at the GM's discretion to allow it or not.
Adult content = rated mature (though any sexual content is to be "fade to black")
Number of Players = whatever the GM is comfortable with. preferably in the range of from 4 - 8.
Post frequency = ideally once every day or two (with occasional 'multiple times/day posting' if/when opportunity presents)
Player experience = with a high level game such as this, preference would be for experienced players looking to collaborate on telling a story as much as they are in seeking power for their character.
Additional Material
City of Shadowgate:
Shadowgate is a bustling metropolis, the heart (and capital) of the kingdom, and the center of political power. The city is divided into districts, each representing different factions or social classes. These districts include the Noble Quarter, the Commoners' District, the Arcane Enclave, the Temple District, the Thieves' Den, and the Military Stronghold.
Faction Dynamics:
Shadowgate is a city rife with factionalism and internal power struggles. Besides the player characters' organizations, there are other influential factions within the city, such as noble houses, merchant guilds, rival religious sects, and influential families. These factions can either be allies, rivals, or neutral entities, and the players must navigate these relationships to gain support for their bid for the throne.
Quests and Challenges:
The campaign is structured around quests and challenges that the characters undertake to establish their worthiness as potential rulers. These quests can involve uncovering political secrets, solving mysteries, leading military campaigns against external threats, negotiating alliances, or even engaging in covert operations against rival factions.
City Events:
The city itself is a dynamic entity with ongoing events that shape the political climate. These events can include festivals, religious ceremonies, criminal uprisings, or diplomatic visits from neighboring kingdoms. The players must seize opportunities presented by these events to further their own goals and gain favor among the city's inhabitants.
Character Progression:
As the campaign progresses, the characters evolve and grow in power and influence. They might gain new abilities, unlock unique resources, or develop new political connections. The choices they make, both individually and collectively, will impact their character's growth and ultimately decide their fate in the race for the throne.
Intrigue and Betrayal:
Political campaigns are not without intrigue and betrayal. The players should be prepared for potential betrayals from their allies or even within their own organizations. NPCs might offer tempting deals or reveal hidden agendas, forcing the characters to make difficult choices that can have far-reaching consequences.
Endgame:
The grand finale of the campaign takes place at "The Game of Thrones," a high-stakes event where the players must present their case to the assembly of influential figures. This event could involve debates, contests, negotiations, and even physical challenges. The players' accumulated achievements, alliances, and the support they have garnered throughout the campaign will heavily influence the outcome of this event.
Remember, the beauty of a campaign like "The Throne of Shadows" lies in its possibilities for political intrigue, character development, and unpredictable alliances. The players' choices and actions will shape the narrative, leading to a unique and engaging campaign experience.
Note:
It's important to discuss this campaign concept with your players before starting the campaign. Ensure that everyone is interested in exploring the intricacies of political maneuvering, alliances, and rivalries while keeping in mind the potential for player-versus-player conflicts. Collaboratively establish boundaries and expectations to create a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all players involved.
examples of character concepts:
Here are a 13 example character concepts for "The Throne of Shadows" campaign:
1. **Raven Nightshade**: A skilled assassin and spymaster, Raven operates in the shadows, gathering information and eliminating threats to secure her claim to the throne.
2. **Darius Ironheart**: A stoic and disciplined knight who leads a loyal contingent of elite soldiers. Darius seeks to restore order and stability to the kingdom as the rightful ruler.
3. **Isabella Shadowroot**: A cunning and enigmatic fey sorceress, Isabella commands a powerful coven of witches. She seeks to bring mystical influence to the throne and protect the city from supernatural threats.
4. **Cassandra Moonwhisper**: A wise and respected elven diplomat, Cassandra serves as an ambassador to foreign lands. She aims to unite the city through diplomacy and forge alliances to secure her claim.
5. **Gareth Stormrider**: A charismatic and strategic naval commander, Gareth controls a formidable fleet. He aspires to use his naval prowess to safeguard the city's trade routes and expand its influence.
6. **Lyra Flameheart**: A passionate and charismatic bard, Lyra leads a popular rebellion against the ruling elite. She seeks to champion the rights of the common folk and bring about a more egalitarian rule.
7. **Malcolm Shadowbane**: A brooding and mysterious warlock, Malcolm possesses forbidden knowledge and dark secrets. He manipulates the city's underworld to gain leverage and influence over his rivals.
8. **Luna Silverwing**: A skilled ranger and protector of the wilderness, Luna represents the druidic circles within the city. She strives to maintain the balance between civilization and nature while pursuing her claim to the throne.
9. **Valerius Dawnbringer**: A devout paladin and champion of justice, Valerius leads a religious order dedicated to upholding the city's moral integrity. He seeks to cleanse the corruption within the ruling class and restore faith in the monarchy.
10. **Evelyn Stoneheart**: A shrewd and wealthy merchant, Evelyn controls a vast trading network. She aims to use her economic influence to secure political power and ensure prosperity for the city.
11. **Xander Shadowclaw**: A reclusive and mysterious necromancer, Xander is the head of a secretive cult. He seeks to harness dark powers to ascend to the throne and reshape the kingdom according to his vision.
12. **Helena Frostweaver**: A wise and ancient archmage, Helena leads the renowned Mage's Guild. She aims to use her magical prowess and knowledge to guide the city towards enlightenment and progress.
13. **Brother Benedictus Lightbringer**: A devoted and righteous cleric of the Light, Brother Benedictus is a beacon of hope and guidance in the city. He is a spiritual leader and healer who seeks to restore faith and moral integrity to the kingdom.
Feel free to customize these character concepts or use them as inspiration for your players' characters in "The Throne of Shadows" campaign! These character concepts provide a range of diverse options for players to explore different backgrounds, motivations, and play styles in "The Throne of Shadows" campaign.
This message was last updated by the user at 14:02, Sat 11 Nov 2023.
