tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038823840472916624.post2051884326742281206..comments2024-03-28T04:29:32.814-04:00Comments on The Lands of Ara: Evil Gods and SummonersCarter Soleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286436801953647693noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038823840472916624.post-14989221865687656892011-10-18T19:47:17.638-04:002011-10-18T19:47:17.638-04:00@James and Mike: Wow, that's a great idea! I ...@James and Mike: Wow, that's a great idea! I have always felt that Demon's names should be dangerous to utter, and I like the madness angle a great deal. As described, it would allow for more of a power struggle between the summoner and the summoned. <br /><br />@Simon: Good point, I should just add the spell.Carter Soleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01286436801953647693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038823840472916624.post-30625782413682934692011-10-18T16:22:56.719-04:002011-10-18T16:22:56.719-04:00This post has me thinking a lot about an idea that...This post has me thinking a lot about an idea that popped into my head reading <a href="http://carterscartopia.blogspot.com/2011/10/session-44-temple-desecrators-r-us-part_15.html" rel="nofollow">this</a> post you made Carter, especially with James referring to True Names. My idea formed when reading your editor's comment about the "..."chl" at the end of Zorchl's name...". What if a demon/devil had a letter, or even a whole True Name, that was so vile, corrupt, and hard to speak that it would slowly drive anyone who spoke it mad? Eventually, the Master would become the Servant (although mostly insane). I could easily see a being using this to their advantage to acquire powerful minions. It makes me think about how a creature granting three wishes (IE: Genie of lore) would probably be hostile and try and find ways to work your wishes into your own demise. Summoning is great for plot hooks, rewards, and even intrigue. Summoned creatures generally have their own values, needs, and secrets. The idea of summoning specific creatures repeatadly can also make them a strong part of a party. It reminds me of an article on the Wizards site referring to them summoning a player's replacement character (after his previous had perished). He was played up like any other random summon, which made it even better in my book. I also think the taboo around summoning is a nice twist, and very realistic. I think anyone would fear someone who could possibly summon up dark beings, not to mention the ability to bind sentient creatures to your will. Even if you only summon fluffy kittens and sugar sweets, it still eludes to being able to dominate things (possibly even people). That would certainly scare me.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00007210515842088547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038823840472916624.post-63190723038848290652011-10-18T16:17:43.949-04:002011-10-18T16:17:43.949-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00007210515842088547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038823840472916624.post-74208575402831125532011-10-18T09:29:00.532-04:002011-10-18T09:29:00.532-04:00I used to supply True Names of Demons, etc., but n...I used to supply True Names of Demons, etc., but never had a player use Cacodemon, Spiritwrack, etc. Always wanted one to do so! It's the classic operation of European magical lore and doesn't get enough play in D&D!Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192212467523179768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038823840472916624.post-58153777588072390282011-10-18T08:16:37.031-04:002011-10-18T08:16:37.031-04:00I say add the spell: it's nice and dangerous, ...I say add the spell: it's nice and dangerous, and I know my players have so far avoided using it due to the risks involved, despite having a wand of summoning.Simon Forsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01243845335993440168noreply@blogger.com