To give some background, the module is being run in Greyhawk using 3.5 rules. Characters were created using 32 point buy. So far I've allowed the Complete Divine and Player's Handbook II splatbooks. I'm using the Spell Points and Craft Points variants from Unearthed Arcana. I also have a variant rule where the PCs can rest for an hour and regain some of their spell points and class abilities. I'm doing this because the Vancian system is too slow for my taste and I know the group would enjoy the game less if they have to rest for the full 8 hours to regain their abilities. I know that I can read through the 8 hours of rest in literally a minute, but too much can change in the world in eight hours. My group is also used to video games where abilities recooperate in five minutes, tops, so I think this will suit their playstyle more. I have another variant rule where death effects drop a character to -8HP immediately if they fail a saving throw against it. I, personally, do not like instant-kill effects and I know my players will not enjoy rerolling characters that they spent five hours making because they blew one save.
For my own players: Please do not read this. I know that you're more than resourceful enough to find this log, but if you read any further than this point, you will ruin this campaign for yourself.
There are 5 PCs, all starting at level 4:
Ravandyr: Grey Elf Wizard (non-specialized), originally from Celene but left during the aftermath of the Hateful Wars when Queen Yolande refused to send aid to any of its allies. He has been a wanderer for many years. He went to Hommlet to assist Spugnoir with the creation of a magical item.
Anselm: Half-elf Duskblade. His background is slightly less developed as he was a late addition to the campaign. He was traveling with Ravandyr to Hommlet. The two have known each other for several years.
Sparhawk: Human Paladin of Heironeous, native of Furyondy. He was sent to Hommlet to search for Prince Thrommel. His knightly order knows the chances of finding him are slim to none, but through an obligation to Jolene of Veluna, they continue to send a small number of paladins to investigate the lost prince's whereabouts.
Gardner: Human Druid. Hailing from the Duchy of Ulek, his village was destroyed by orcs of the Pomarj during the Greyhawk Wars. He escaped its destruction and was taken in by a group of Druids who trained him in their ways. Eventually, he set off on his own. Yundi sent him a message via Animal Messenger (I guess he burned a scroll to do it), to inform him that something was wrong with Jaroo, and asked him to come to Hommlet to investigate.
Druc: Half-Orc Ranger (Archery), originally from one of the occupied territories of the Pomarj Empire. He had passed through Hommlet several times before and had befriended Elmo. Elmo was growing concerned about the large number of new people passing through Hommlet (the cultists) and "Jaroo" and told him that Yundi was acting strangely. Seeking the aid of an outsider, he sent word to Gruc to journey to Hommlet and investigate the surrounding areas for clues regarding the new arrivals in the village.




