1000 Backer Goal Unlocked / Clash of the Factions: Round 7
about 5 years ago
– Mon, Mar 11, 2019 at 07:15:56 PM
1000 BACKERS!
Wow! You keep blowing us away with your support on this project.
We now have 1000 backers which has unlocked yet another surprise add-on!
Fungi Forest Battlemap by Gale Force Nine
Yes, Gale Force Nine, the same company that crafts all the cool accessories and supplementals for the official Dungeons & Dragons game is making this beautiful vinyl flip-map for AAW Games in a limited print-run just for Rise of the Drow: Collector's Edition!
We're getting a beautifully depicted battlemap from the Fungi Forest of the Underworld crafted by ENnie nominated cartographer Tommi Salama (Snow White, Into the Wintery Gale). Tommi is hands-down the best cartographer I've ever worked with, he creates realistic and exciting scenes, it doesn't hurt that he's also an avid tabletop gamer who runs his own weekly D&D games!
I do want you to note that the map example shown below is only a mock up we've created while Tommi begins work on his Fungi Forest battlemap. Once we get a preliminary sample of the new battlemap we'll share it, which might be after the project has concluded. You can take my word on this: If you get this map, you won't regret it. Tommi does INCREDIBLE WORK!
4. Adjust the amount of your pledge by adding the funds to cover the cost of the add-on item you want to include.
5. Click on the "Continue" button after adding funds, and then click the “Confirm” button.
That’s all you need to do! When the campaign ends we will send a survey out to all backers where you will have the option to indicate which add-on item you provided additional funds to receive.
Dominion
Word from the Outsider allies alerted the Dominion to the separation of the Rebel and Upperworlder forces. The Rebel forces rolled upon the city of Holoth but were beaten back, brutally, by the forces of the Dominion. Vidre and drow alike held their ground, decimating most of the intruders in the early attack.
The Outsider allies were a turning point, allowing the Dominion enough of an advantage to tip a weighing scale; and not only in a physical sense. At the end of it all, the Rebel forces were left with little option but to retreat and the Dominion and Outsiders retained their alliance. (Written by the Dominion)
(No change in dice!)
Outsiders
The Outsiders, having located the Upperworlder's stronghold, sent some runners back to inform the Dominion and prepared to attack the village of Rybalka under the cover of night. The kraydil took to the lake to approach the village and wait for the ambush. Using the cover of the forest, the bulk of the force surrounded the settlement while the ahooling took to the air. The ahooling struck first dealing with any guards and then the bulk of the troops moved in. At first, the attack was quite effective, with many enemies killed, buildings burned, and the church sacked. Unfortunately, the Upperworlders rallied behind a hero with a powerful magical sword who succeeded in turning the tide against the Outsiders, thereby forcing a retreat. The Outsiders returned home to plan their next step. (Written by the Outsiders)
(No change in dice!)
Rebels
Feeling the time was right, the forces of Embla decided to attack the drow in Holoth again. However, proper caution had not been taken, and the drow were alerted, firing ballistae. The attack went back and forth for quite some time, and the drow had an edge for the rest of the battle.
A force of the Upperworlders showed up to help, but it became obvious that this was a losing battle. A drow spy was discovered amongst the Rebel troops. Before the Rebels were killed, their allies, the Upperworlders, laid down covering fire so the bulk of the forces could safely retreat from the battle. They vowed that they would be back. (Written by the Rebels)
(No change in dice!)
Upperworlders
A small group was sent to investigate reports of a nearby cave. Delving into the cave, they found the Blade of Sun Lord Ka'teek. Triumphantly they returned to Rybalka.
As the Upperworlders ate and prayed, the Outsiders attacked in the night. Many Upperworlders fell in the initial onslaught. Responding to the attack, a hero drew forth the blade blinding the outsiders and started to counterattack. His heroism rallied the troops who began to cut down the Outsiders in droves. Mayor Igor Leonid joined the fray, slaying three Outsiders in one swing. The Outsiders sounded a retreat. The Upperworlders gave chase but the Outsiders adeptness in the dark made catching them impossible. (Written by the Upperworlders)
(No change in dice!)
REMEMBER! The more dice unlocked in CLASH OF THE FACTIONS mini-game, the more dice you get per $10 set purchased via the add-ons. What you see above is what you actually get in each set. There is potential to advance the game up to 10 dice per faction but you must work closely with your faction to brainstorm the best course(s) of action each round of the game.
If you'd like to join the CLASH OF THE FACTIONS but don't know how, please feel free to private message us via the Kickstarter, we'll happily set you up.
Thanks and good luck!
Jonathan G. Nelson
AAW Games
$100k Achieved! Drow Plush Doll, 2nd Ribbon Bookmark (vote!), and more art UNLOCKED!
about 5 years ago
– Sat, Mar 09, 2019 at 03:21:34 PM
We've reached $100k which means multiple unlocks and on top of that, we are less than 60 backers away from the 1000 backer goal being unlocked. This project is now propelling itself into the awesome depths of the Underworld and it's all thanks to you!
At $100k we've added this insidious drow plushy to plot and scheme the overthrow of your own house or perhaps just cuddle with your kids at bedtime. To add this cute and cuddly evildoer, simply increase your overall pledge by $20!
To include an add-on item as part of your pledge, visit the Kickstarter page then do the following steps:
1. Click on the “Manage Your Pledge” button.
2. Click the “Change Your Pledge” button.
3. Adjust the amount of your pledge by adding the funds to cover the cost of the add-on item you want to include.
4. Click on the "Continue" button after adding funds, and then click the “Confirm” button.
That’s all you need to do! When the campaign ends we will send a survey out to all backers where you will have the option to indicate which add-on item you provided additional funds to receive.
----
I cannot even begin to express how grateful we are for the continued support of this project.
Thank you, from all of us here at AAW Games!
-Jonathan G. Nelson
New Add-Ons! / Clash of the Factions: Round 6
about 5 years ago
– Thu, Mar 07, 2019 at 08:06:03 PM
To include an add-on item as part of your pledge, do the following steps:
1. Click on the “Manage Your Pledge” button.
2. Click the “Change Your Pledge” button.
3. Adjust the amount of your pledge by adding the funds to cover the cost of the add-on item you want to include.
4. Click on the "Continue" button after adding funds, and then click the “Confirm” button.
That’s all you need to do! When the campaign ends we will send a survey out to all backers where you will have the option to indicate which add-on item you provided additional funds to receive.
OUTSIDERS
With an alliance with the Dominion secured and a new enemy at their gate, Loxar, the hulking Kraidyl leader of the Outsiders, was considering his options. The Dominion had done quite a bit of damage, and repairs were needed, but the arrival of the Upperworlders meant a new foe and one that was unknown to the Outsiders. So they could either defend their settlement or try to intercept them. But to intercept, the Outsiders needed to know where they were and what route to take to stop them.
In the end, the decision was made to locate the Upperworlders above ground and share this information with the Dominion. Both factions needed this information if they wanted to be able to fight them effectively. In preparing for this long trek, Loxar left some forces behind to rebuild and defend the Outsider settlements. He then took a sizable mixed-raced force, mainly ahooling, funglet and kraidyl, and embarked on a journey to locate the home of the Upperworlders and to see if they could not cut them off from their dwarven allies.
The Expeditionary Force left the settlement and began their journey towards the Long Road. This main concourse through the Underworld was likely their best bet to make their way to the surface. While he could have gone a more direct route and cut through Holoth, he decided against the idea as he did not wishes to risk an incident that would threaten the Alliance with the Dominion. So side tunnels and back ways were used instead.
As the Outsiders approached the rebel city, the forces broke down into smaller group, each stealthily making their way across the most critical point near the city gate, doing their best to avoid detection by the Rebels. A small group of ahooling were discreetly perched above this zone, keeping an eye on the city gate and gesturing to their allies when it was safe to cross. It took some time, but eventually they all made it across. The Outsiders continued on the Long Road for many cycles, rarely meeting anyone or any opposition.
After this long march, the Outsiders arrived at an old surface-dwellers ruined keep which had an access through its cellar into the Underworld. They made their way up and out of the surface. It was their first time above ground and the openness of the place was frightening. It was too bright and the pressure was off-putting, clearly this was a strange place.
The Outsiders hid amongst the underbrush and crept forward, trying to listen and determine which new and unknown sounds were critically important to detect and what was just pointless background noise. As they traveled farther from the ruined keep, they started to hear noises that were familiar: the droning of voices, the clanging of a smith’s hammer. The Outsiders spread out and stealthily crept forward until they made it to the edge of the foliage.
Beyond them a settlement adjacent to a massive lake. There were creatures roughly the size of elves but with a much broader built. This was likely their objective: The Upperworlder settlement and their new enemy. (WRITTEN BY THE OUTSIDERS)
(NO CHANGES)
DOMINION
Our city.
No, no, that’s not how to begin. Lord Vayne has taken our council and sent our newfound allies to scout the surface. It was most inopportune in ways none of us had truly foreseen.
A raid was carried out by our forces upon a dwarven caravan, it went as well as we could have hoped. Many were crushed under our heels like the centipedes they were. They, of course, attempted to put up a fight; but ultimately fell. Our spoils were many, slaves and cargo to bring back to our beloved city.
Only, our city was under siege while we were away. Guards fought tirelessly against the scourge of dwarves, and a report of strange pink skins, fighting beside them. Lights blazed all about them, and the enemy forces managed to topple our great city’s defenses. I am told a vidre or two stepped in to turn the tides, but judging by the drow left to lick their wounds; it did them little good.
Now we rest, we rebuild. Lord Vayne has set up a perimeter. we build our webs, over and over. And wait for word from our new allies. Some good news is long overdue. (WRITTEN BY THE DOMINION)
(DOMINION +1 DIE / -1 DIE = NO CHANGES)
REBELS
After returning from their successful foray to the surface, the dwarven and svirfneblin rebels quickly devised a plan with their new allies. Suffering from sun blindness, the commander stepped down, giving the top spot to his 2nd. The dwarves were worried that one of their caravans was missing, but pressed forward with their plans.
Meeting up with their new allies, they quickly made their way to Holoth, prepared to storm the city. They found the city fairly undefended and started their attack. At first, it was give and take on both sides, but then the Upperworlders were able to force their way over the walls. Another of the vidre was taken down.
Soon, the attack moved into the city proper. The drow, obviously upset there were dwarves in their city, focused all their attacks on the dwarven forces, ignoring the Upperworlders, to their detriment. The dwarves, like the stone they were created from, held firm, inflicting heavy losses on the drow. The Upperworlders used this time to their advantage and pressed forward towards the spider temple.
As the attackers reached the temple, both spiders and priestesses streamed out to attack. They surprised the Upperworlders and seemed poised to stop the attack. The drow barely managed to slay some of the dwarves, but the Upperworlders inflicted heavy losses on the drow. The Upperworlders summoned the god of light and scattered the drow forces.
The dwarves, backed up by the Upperworlders, began to slay the drow by the hundreds. After some minor resistance, the Rebels and Upperworlders finished off the drow. They began the process of demolishing the city starting with the temple. Bordrotir claimed another flagon, having gifted his first to the Upperworlders. (WRITTEN BY THE REBELS)
(REBELS +1 DIE)
UPPERWORLDERS
The leaders of The Bulwark met and discussed strategy. They decided that a joint attack against the Dominion city of Holoth seemed like the best course of action. Rallying their troops about them, they marched to war.
As they approached the city, the rebel forces shielded their Upperworlder allies from the drow counterattack as they adjusted to the underworld environment. After finding some bearing in their new surroundings, the Upperworlders began to use devices provided to them by the svirfneblin to scale the walls of Holoth. Drawing longswords and longbows, they began to fire and slash their way into the drow forces.
Sahmine Darkblade shouted “Sound the horns of war for tonight we feast on the bones of the damned! Ours will be the victory for we are the righteous! We stand for what is good! We stand for what is right! We stand for what is just and noble! We stand for our brethren both here now and fallen in battles past! But most of all we stand for VICTORY!” His battle cry rallied the troops reinforcing their resolve in this strange world.
As they pushed forward, a vidre appeared on the battlefield. The vidre reaped through a small group of Upperworlders before they managed to destroy the monstrosity. Charging forward they began to cut through the drow forces. “There will be stories told for centuries of this day!” Sahmine said with a grin. “Yes, there will be! Bards! Make sure you’re making notes!” Talak replied. Quieter, leaning in towards Sahmine, “We did bring the bards, right?” “I sent word back to send more bards” Sahmine replied.
Talak slipped in a puddle of blood. As he lost his footing, a drow sword aimed straight for his throat. Before the sword could even scratch his throat, Sahmine slashed across severing the outstretched arm. “No one dares lay a hand on you my general. Not while there is breath in my lungs and blood in my veins.” Talak claped Sahmine on the shoulder. “Thank you my friend. I owe you my life.”
Pushing further into the city, cutting a swathe through the drow forces, they approached the Spider Temple. A foul stench emanated from it as spiders and priestess of Naraneus poured from the temple. “What… what are they, sir?” one of his men asked his voice filled with fear. “Unholy abominations of foul origin. Stand ready men!” Talak responded by trying to rally his men. In truth, the power of the priestesses terrified him as much as it did his men.
Talak shook off his fear and began to march forward. “On me!” he called, raising his sword high. “You heard the orders! We will not let them take this day!” Sahmine cried out, marching next to Talak. The troops were brought out of their fear and stupor once again by their courageous leaders and prepared for the fight of their lives.
Fighting with iron resolve, they pushed further towards the temple. Sahmine spotting the head priestess looked her square in the eyes. With a grin, he hurled his sword in a seemingly impossible shot. Unable to dodge in time, the sword lodged itself in her skull, crumpling her to the ground. In a last ditch effort, the priestesses summoned another vidre forward. It began to charge towards the Upperworlders. Tripping upon the temple, it tumbled, crashing down into the few remaining drow forces and killing many. Those drow not killed, used the chaos to flee.
A victory cry arose from the Upperworlders. Sahmine finding a vantage point to be seen by as many Upperworlders as possible called out. “MEN! The gods are with us! And you have proven yourselves to them this day! Drink it in for you will be remembered from this day forth! But raise your heads to the skies for those brethren fallen this day! For they will be remembered most of all!” (WRITTEN BY THE UPPERWORLDERS)
(UPPERWORLDERS +1 DIE/-1 DIE = NO CHANGES)
Underworld Encounter Deck: Over 120 Encounters!
about 5 years ago
– Thu, Mar 07, 2019 at 02:34:32 PM
There's no stopping you backers, is there? ;) At $90k you've unlocked the latest add-on:
Underworld Encounters Deck
Over 120 unique encounters to pepper your campaign with some serious Underworld flavor! Cards detail encounters around Embla, Holoth, the Fungi Forest, and other unique and exciting locations of the Underworld.
Fantasy Grounds & Virtual Tabletop Add-ons Unlocked / Clash of the Factions: Round 5
about 5 years ago
– Wed, Mar 06, 2019 at 09:01:19 AM
Fantasy Grounds & Virtual Tabletop Add-Ons Unlocked!
Thanks to our loyal fans in the Underworld, the Fantasy Grounds and virtual tabletop resources have been unlocked! Head over to the Kickstarter and increase your pledge to add whatever add-ons you'd like.
If you're using Fantasy Grounds you only need the $39 add on, not the others.
If you're running Roll20 or another VTT you only need the maps and tokens for $29.
Upperworlders Faction & Dice Set Revealed!
As you'll read in the Rebel's report in the Clash of the Factions, the Upperworlders have been discovered and their dice set has been unlocked! If you'd like to join the Upperworlders, simply change your profile pic on Kickstarter to this image ("save as" to download)then comment on the main comments pageso we can invite you to the Clash of the Factions and the great Underworld War!
To include an add-on item as part of your pledge, do the following steps:
1. Click on the “Manage Your Pledge” button.
2. Click the “Change Your Pledge” button.
3. Adjust the amount of your pledge by adding the funds to cover the cost of the add-on item you want to include.
4. Click on the "Continue" button after adding funds, and then click the “Confirm” button.
That’s all you need to do! When the campaign ends we will send a survey out to all backers where you will have the option to indicate which add-on item you provided additional funds to receive.
REBELS
After rebuilding Embla, the Rebels traveled to the surface to see what they might discover in the way of resources. After some time traversing the tunnels of the Underdark, the expedition party encountered some drow within an abandoned keep and quickly overpowered them. Exiting the keep led them to the surface where they were blinded by the sun. After taking some time to readjust, the party encountered a group of humans who invited the Rebel leaders to a hunt and meal around the fire.
The humans discussed ideas regarding trading or somehow working together for a mutual benefit, they suggested setting up a meeting between the Rebel leader the Upperworld leader, Mayor Igor Leonid of Rybalka. The Rebels agreed to meet the mayor, who in exchange for assistance in the Underworld conflict demanded some amount of dwarves stay behind to help out in the Rybalkan Iron Mine. After some discussion the Rebels agreed and a few volunteers from their party stayed behind while the rest of the group left on the long journey back to the Underworld. The Rebels were a few men short but believed what they had done was for a good cause and would finally bring balance to the Underworld. (Written by the Rebels)
(Rebels -1 Die)
UPPERWORLDERS
Commander Talak was looking over the maps of the Rybalkan Iron Mine when a scout ran into the room. “Sir! We have an approaching group. They appear to be dwarves. From all reports, they seem to have just appeared from the ground.” “Interesting. Do they appear hostile?” “No sir”, the scout reported. “Alright. Ready a group to meet them. We shall find out what they seek. Maybe we can arrange some sort of trade,” Talak replied looking back at the maps and reports.
A short while later, Commander Talak and a small group of soldiers rode out to meet the approaching dwarves along with Mayor Igor Leonid of Rybalka. Meeting with the dwarves, he learned they were involved in a war in the Underworld involving the Dominion: a wicked elven race known as the drow and a crystalline race called the vidre, also involved was a group of strange and twisted beasts, abominations, and monstrosities, known as the Outsiders. Talak stared, wide-eyed at the descriptions of the strange denizens which dwelled beneath the surface.
The Rebels had come seeking something to aid their side in the Underworld War. Mayor Igor Leonid and Talak proposed a trade, the Rybalkan Iron mines needed skilled laborers like the dwarves and in exchange for their help in the mines, Commander Talak and some of his Upperworlder troops would venture into the Underworld and aid the dwarves in the conflict.
Hours passed as the dwarves discussed the potential deal. It would cost them some dwarven troops, but granted them an ally unknown to the other two factions; at last the dwarves agreed to the trade. Finally, a deal was struck between the Rebels and the Upperworlders. Several of the dwarves said farewell to their comrades who would stay on the surface and aid with the mine. Talak rallied his soldiers to join him in the journey to the Underworld, taking only the most brave and adventurous souls.
The Upperworlds felt a nervous anticipation as they marched with the dwarves to this new and unknown world of horrors and wonders, hidden beneath the earth. Commander Talak took one last look at the clear sky and a beautiful sunset, not knowing if or when he would see such a gorgeous sight again, finally descending down into the dark depths of the Underworld. (Written by the Upperworlders, editing by JGN)
(Upperworlders start with 3 dice)
OUTSIDERS
After some exploration, the Outsiders, expecting an attack, elected to prepare a defense of their settlement. They considered their options and expected the Rebels to come at them, but a small contingent of troops were set to keep an eye out for the Dominion, just in case.
Defense was a wise strategy, the Dominion attacked in full force, striking first at the ahooling roosting upon the ceiling of the great settlement cavern. The ahooling were mobilized from the initial route and struck at the dreaded Dominion. But no advantage was gained as both forces were evenly matched. The funglet forces were brought in to bomb the drow with mushroom caps but the Dominion counter attack devastated the Fungi Jungle, demoralizing the funglets while the ahooling tried to provide cover.
Meanwhile the dødelig forces came from behind, attempting to sneak up and attack the Dominion. The effect was not as spectacular as expected, but the balance of force was kept. The dødelig kept firing and attacking with their muskets whilst performing their strange and entrancing music. The dødelig succeeded for a fraction of a moment in stopping the Dominion dead in their tracks, unfortunately, the Dominion leader was powerful and shook off the effect, rousing his troop into a powerful strike against the Outsiders.
The Outsiders' Mushroom Golem was mobilized and at the same time, the Dominion brought in one of their crystalline allies, the vidre. It became a battle of the juggernauts where two powerful beings traded blows, knocking each other to the ground, only to come back up to strike harder Ultimately the golem obtained the upper hand, but the fight was almost too close to call.
Just as the vestraadi were about to be summoned, the Dominion drow leader sprouted extra arms and attacked the dødelig. The ahooling were immediately dispatched to provide aerial support while the Outsider leader worked at bringing in the enraged funglets and their fungal hulk, getting them to stand up and strike with righteous rage at the Dominion for their desecration of the Fungi Jungle, whilst providing additional support to the ahooling and dødelig who were barely keeping their ground.
With the loss of the vidre to the golem and the resolve of the Outsiders to not give up, the Dominion turned to flee and were chased down by the Outsiders. Before they could be massacred to the last, the two leaders stood face to face in the middle of the battlefield and ceased combat to exchange words. A loose alliance, more of a Non-Aggression Pact was agreed upon. The spies of both the Outsiders and the Dominion would later report that a similar alliance between the Rebels and a strange faction in the land above had been struck. Who knew what the future held in the Clash of the Factions and the Underworld War as nothing would ever be the same. (Written by the Outsiders, editing by JGN)
(No changes to Outsiders)
DOMINION
The Dominion Council of War gathered their respective forces for the assault, mages preparing appropriate spells, rogues and rangers gathering traps, arrows, and poisons, while the Lord Commander watched, still and silent.
As the collected habitats of the varied Outsider peoples crested the horizon, following the wise advice of the Council of War, the drow unleashed their might of arrow and fire upon the stone ceiling dwellings of the bat like ahooling. One after another, the structures plummeted to the cavern floor, rending fungi forest homes to pieces. As the Outsider forces took stock of their losses, the drow turned their ranged assault to the fungal forest itself, where the well aimed flame of the council mages set the center of the Fungi Jungle critically ablaze.
Unbeknownst to the drow, the Outsiders had unleashed a guerrilla force of their own. While ahooling assaulted from the air, the skeletal dodelig attempted to charm the drow into submission, and very nearly succeeded. The quick thinking of a rogue council member saved the drow that moment. A deftly tossed mystical serum recovered from denizens of the Lower Depths granted the Lord Commander's voice an unnatural bass rumble, shaking the drow out of their charm...and eventually turning the tide of battle.
After the drow recovered from dodelig bardic attacks, their Lord Commander slumped, listless, as his forces followed his weakly uttered orders to support their Vidre ally against the mounting range of foes, ahooling, dodelig, Fungal troops and a giant Fungal brute. Turn by turn, the drow blood stained the stones as the commander grew weaker still, and the individual members of the council each led their units with grace and tactical genius as they rallied, awaiting the Lord Commander's next order.
At that point, Naraneus the Spider Goddess smiled upon the drow, and reminded her foes that the Dominion shall never fail, that Holoth shall never fall. The drow council, as one, started in unease as their commander's body shook, and ripped apart. From his formerly elven features the cruel red eight eyes of a spider emerged, from his monk's arms, six more grew for a total of EIGHT limbs! Transformed, the drow leader renewed their assault with wild bloodthirst, pushing the Outsiders back to the edge of the great lake in the center of their domain. Despite their newfound, awesome power, the drow council slowed their assault as mages and rangers spotted the aquatic vestraadi rising from the frigid depths. As the forces drew up, eyeing one another, a silence descended upon the Outsider cavern home. The hissing of a newly arachnid mandible shook the darkness in laughter. (Written by the Dominion, editing by JGN)
(No changes to Dominion)
I hope everyone is having an incredible week. We can't wait to share all the amazing secrets of this campaign with you. At the rate you're unlocking things, it won't be long before you reveal it all!
